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Hikes and other outdoor activities listed below represent some of the activities published in our newsletter, Trail Markings. If you are interested in hiking, and/or other volunteer opportunities, you are encouraged to join GVTA. If you join, you receive the complete listing of hikes and other outdoor activities and more. A membership application form is available for download via the Membership web page. We welcome new members so please join us and help to maintain the Grand Valley Trail, a community resource. NOTE: 
This maple leaf symbol beside a person's name denotes a certified hike leader - see "Working Toward Hike Leader Certification".
Levels 1 to 3 and Speed (e.g. moderate) - explanation
Saturday, October 1, 2011. Celebrate Hike Ontario Week. Annual Hike & Potluck Picnic. Level 1: Moderate
Hike Leader: Pauline & Pot Luck Coordinator: Geri ♦.
Parking for the hike will be near the picnic shelter in Riverside Park. The entrance to Riverside Park is at 49 King Street West, Cambridge (south of Shantz Hill and before you cross the Speed River). To find the parking area for the picnic area and shelter, continue to the left before entering the main gates and keep staying left until you cross a creek. Soon you will see the picnic shelter and parking area on your left. Hike: will begin at 10:30 a.m. rain or shine. The terrain is mostly flat. Potluck: Will be at approximately 1:00 p.m. Bring the following: potluck dish, lawn chair, dishes, tablecloth, utensils, cooler, drinks, old photographs to show the group etc. Time to socialize, visit with old hiking friends or make new ones. Please bring a friend who is either a member or non-member.
Sunday, October 02, 2011 – Bruce Trail, Iroquoia. Level 2/3: Moderate 15.8 km
Leaders: Greg , Jeanette , & Jamie . BT Maps 8/9, ed. 26. Depart 9:00 a.m. at km 51.6 [approx. lat/long = 43.254772,-79.997638]. The walk today takes us through Clappison Woods, Royal Botanical Gardens, Borer's Falls, through Dundas to Governor's Rd. Hiking boots are a must and trekking poles are recommended. No dogs and no dropouts. Directions: From Copetown (intersection of Governor's Rd & Reg. Rd 52) follow Governor's Rd east for about 5 km to km 51.6 on Governor's Rd at Cramer Rd 300 m west of main entrance to Dundas Valley Conservation Area and about 700 m east of Sulphur Springs Rd. Google Maps. 
How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011. Woolwich Reservoir: "Hounds goin' Hiking" Part 1. Level 1: Leisurely ~ 7.2 km
Leader: Robert . Depart 10.00 a.m. at McDonalds' Restaurant parking lot, 45 Industrial Drive, Elmira. Enter from Arthur Street South, Elmira. Celebrate St. Francis of Assisi Day, (patron saint of animals), by bringing along your beloved dog who is well behaved and content to be on a leash constantly throughout the hike. Grassy paths, towering conifers and aquatic wildlife await you both. Pack a lunch, water and some dog food if accompanied by your best 'friend'. Boots preferable. No dog? Then just enjoy the hike and the companionship. No car shuffle necessary. All in all, a gentle and interesting outing to mark a great saint's day!
Saturday, October 8, 2011. Crawford Lake to Rattlesnake Park. Level 2: Moderate ~ 10 km
Leaders: Susan . Depart 10:00 a.m from the Guelph Covered Bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street for carpooling to the hikes’ start. We will do a loop hike along the Nassagaweya Canyon with exceptional views and characteristic escarpment countryside dressed in fall colours. Bring water, snacks, lunch and sunscreen. A park entry fee may apply.
Saturday, October 8, 2011 – Peninsula Section Hike 10 of 12.
Level 2/3: Moderate ~ 15.1 km
Leader Cathy johnstone_cathy@hotmail.com.
Departing at 9:00 a.m. Halfway Dump Road, km 143.2 map 41 (Parking Fee). Approximate lat/long GPS coordinates = 45.227331,-81.480487, Google Maps. How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.
Sunday, October 9, 2011 – Peninsula Section Hike 11 of 12.
Level 2/3: Moderate ~ 15.9 km
Leader: Cathy johnstone_cathy@hotmail.com.
Departing at 9:00 a.m. from Little Cove Road off road parking area, km 160.0 map 42. Approximate lat/long GPS coordinates = 45.246383,-81.615957, Google Maps. How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.
Monday, October 10, 2011 – Peninsula Section Hike 12 of 12.
Level 2/3: Moderate ~ 11 km
Leader: Cathy johnstone_cathy@hotmail.com.
Departing at 9:00 a.m. from Tobermory cairn, km 167.4 map 42.
We will also hike the Burnt Point Side Trail during the hike. Approximate lat/long GPS coordinates = 45.255174,-81.662866, Google Maps. How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.
Thursday, October 13, 2011. Guelph Lake. Level 2: Moderate ~ 2 hr
Leaders: Mary . Depart 7:15 p.m. from the trailhead southeast of Speed River Bridge on Victoria Road, south of Conservation Road and north of Woodlawn. Bring bug repellent, snack and water. No dogs’ please.
Thursday, October 13, 2011. Thursdays on the Bruce. Hike 3 of 6. Level 2: Moderate ~ 15.9 km
Leader: Georgia . Depart 10:00 a.m. Louth Conservation Area near Staff Ave (km 50.5, map 4, ed 26). Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water (2 litres recommended). No smoking, cell phones off and no dogs please.
Friday to Sunday, October 14 to 16, 2011. Autumn Walking at the "Tip o' the Bruce", Tobermory.
Level 1: Slow
Leaders: Greg & Jeanette . Enjoy the beauty of the top of the Bruce Peninsula in autumn. The last of the fall colours will add to our experience and pictures! We stay and have our meals at a hotel in Tobermory overlooking Little Tub Harbour. Our hikes Saturday, and Sunday, will focus on the Bruce Trail and its side trails in the Tobermory and Cyprus Lake area, approx. 10 km each day. For more information please visit Greg's website or call Greg.
Saturday, October 15, 2011. Hilton Falls Loop Hike. Level 2: Moderate ~ 16 km
Leaders: Alicja . Depart 10:00 a.m. Pear Tree Parking lot, km 11.2 B.T Map 12 ed. 26. From Highway 401 exit at Milton and take Highway 25 to 15th Side Road. Southwest or left on 15th Side Road for 250 metres to Pear Tree parking lot. This is a loop hike taking us on various side trails through scenic Hilton Falls. This loop hike allows us to explore various side trails through scenic Hilton Falls. Fall colours should be at their peak. Bring your cameras. We will stop for coffee and refreshments after the hike.
Sunday, October 16, 2011. Rockwood Conservation Area. Level 2: Leisurely ~ 6 km
Leader: Janice . Depart 1:15 p.m. from Frederick & Edna St. Mall in Kitchener (by Steve's TV). This is one of the two gems of SW Ontario; geological potholes from the Ice Age, caves, forested loop trail, mill ruins, beach and a lake that canoeists can't resist. Bring your camera for sure to keep those memories alive. You won't want to miss this magical autumn hike located just east of Guelph.
Thursday, October 20, 2011. Bruce Trail – Scotsdale Farm Loop Hike. Level 2: Moderate ~ 14 km
Leader: Pauline . Depart 9:15 a.m. Tim Horton's in the Deer Ridge Business Centre (4285 King St E, Kitchener) to carpool to Scotsdale Farm. OR - call leader if you wish to meet at Scotsdale Farm. The Scotsdale Farm driveway is located on the east side of Trafalgar Rd. approx. 2 km north of the curve on Hwy 7 (Suny's Gas Bar). Look for the Scotsdale Farm sign on the right. Come enjoy the fall colours on this loop hike that follows the Bruce Trail and Bennett Heritage side trail. There is a little of everything: woodland, farm land and outcroppings of the Niagara escarpment. Bring water, lunch and snacks.
Saturday, October 22, 2011 – Bruce Trail, Iroquoia. Level 2/3: Moderate 14.7 km
Leaders: Greg , Jeanette , & Jamie . BT Maps 9/10, ed. 26. Depart 9:00 a.m. at km 67.4 [approx. lat/long = 43.31724,-79.892321]. We walk southward through Waterdown Woods, a lookout at Great Falls, Smokey Hollow and Grindstone Creek. Hiking boots are a must and trekking poles are recommended. No dogs and no dropouts. Directions: From Clappison's Corners follow Hwy 6 South, take York Rd exit, left on York Rd (Reg. Rd. 344) that becomes Old York Rd, after about 1.8 km on Old York Road sharp left on Snake Rd for about 900 m. Google Maps. How to enter the latitude/longitude (coordinates) in a Garmin Nüvi.
Saturday, October 22, 2011. Forks of the Credit. Level 2: Moderate ~ 5 hours
Leaders: Mary . Depart 9:00 a.m. Guelph’s covered bridge parking lot east of Gordon Street or contact leader for alternate directions. This is a chance to hike in this beautiful Bruce Trail area. Bring a lunch, snack, water and wear hiking boots. No dogs, please.
Sunday, October 23, 2011. Health Valley/Mill Race Trail. Level 1: Moderate ~ 11 km
Leader: Jane . Depart 10:00 a.m. in St. Jacobs at the far end of the Municipal Parking lot behind the Riverworks mall, close to the trail. We will hike the Health Valley Trail out and back (8 km) and after for those who wish we will hike the Mill Race Trail out and back (3 km). No carpool. Bring snacks and water.
Thursday, October 27, 2011. Thursdays on the Bruce. Hike 4 of 6. Level 2: Moderate ~ 17.6 km
Leader: Georgia . Depart 10:00 a.m. Kinsmen Community Park near Frost Road and Kinsmen Road (km 68.1, map 5, ed 26). Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water (2 litres recommended). No smoking, cell phones off and no dogs please.
Sunday, October 30, 2011. Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail. Level 1: Slow ~ 9 km
Pre-registration necessary. Leaders: Allan B. asb1959*AT*hotmail.com & Janice B. Depart 1:00 p.m. parking lot beside the Petro Canada Gas station at 200 Water St. South, Cambridge [Google Maps; approximate lat./long. = 43.34534,-80.314997]. This is the end point for the Hamilton to Brantford to Cambridge Rail Trail. This is approximately a 3 hour hike at a pace of 3 km/h. This is flat terrain and very easy to walk. We will hike along the rail trail which follows the Grand River. There is numerous plants and wildlife to see as we walk towards Glen Morris. After 3km there will be a good view of the Grand River. At about 4.5 km there is a nice spot where there is a clear view of the river. As we proceed there is a farm where livestock can sometimes be seen and more forest emerges. At 7 km, there is a historic site, which are the remains of an old mill. We will stop there and view it. The last 2 km are through a forested area and then we will be in Glen Morris. The Glen Morris parking lot is the end point for this hike. For those who are interested we can go back to the Tim Horton's, 301 Water Street South near Myers Road (a little south of the start point) for a refreshment (Google Maps; approximate lat./long. = .43.339145,-80.312378)
Go to November Hikes
Updated 2011 SEPTEMBER 13 TUESDAY
