WOOLWICH CONESTOGO ELORA FERGUS AREA

Grand Valley Trail and Kissing Bridge

6.6 km out and back, 1.5-2 h. Level 1, no major difficulties.

Most of this route follows a walking route along the perimeter of farmer fields and then there is a good section along the river, through forest, and by roads. Some of this route follows the Kissing Bridge Trailway, and you can see some remnants of old bridges in the river. There are very short sections in a cedar forest and you do get some views of the grand River, and if you would like to make this a loop, folks recommend hiking along the Middlebrook Road back to the trailhead.

Grand Valley Trail Winterbourne Section

1.8 km point-to-point, 0.5-1 h. Level 2, moderately difficult.

Forested trail starting just north of Winterbourne at Cox Creek, some road walking at the north end to get to the trailhead of next section. Here there is a side trail to the West Montrose covered bridge, the last intact and drive-able covered bridge in Ontario. This is a nice little meander along the creek and out towards the river with various changes in scenery along the way.

Grand Valley Trail Middlebrook Rd

6.8 km out and back, 2 to 2.5 h. Moderate.

From the trailhead, you have the option to follow the roadway or to head off the road and down to the river. The whole section of trail is now down by the river, and has been recently updated to follow the blue trail that takes you to join the white trail which has come up from Line 86. Keep in mind there is no parking at the start point of this trail. You need to park at the rail-trail parking just off Line 86 and Middlebrook Road.

Grand Valley Trail West Montrose to Middlebrook Rd

4.7 km point to point, 1-1.5 h. Moderate

Portion of the Grand Valley Trail - Black Walnut section, running from the parking lot at the West Montrose covered bridge and terminating at Middlebrook Road. The trail has a couple of steep slopes and rocky terrain in places, and the trail runs along a valley slope for a few hundred meters so poles are helpful.

WATERLOO-KITCHENER-CAMBRIDGE AREA

Grand Valley Trail and Sudden Tract

7.1 km out and back, 2-2.5 h. Level 2, trail is narrow in places and has substantial elevation change.

This is a great trail that is not too far from large urban areas, so on weekends and later in the day during summer it can get quite busy with families. Some of the trail is quite narrow and there are a couple of substantial elevation changes, so this is also a great area for those looking for a little challenge for a shorter hike. At the south-end trailhead, users should go slightly east to west river road and the Grand Valley Trail continues south.

Grand Valley Trail Breslau

8.2 km out and back, 2.5-3 h. Level 2, moderately difficult.

This is a really nice section of the trail right by Breslau. There are lots of ups and downs to make it interesting. You will follow along the river for a bit then through a beautiful forested section north of Bridge Street. Hikers recommend starting at the trailhead from Bridge Street North, and to hike down and back to where Victoria crosses the Grand (Hwy 7).

Grand Valley Trail Bloomingdale

1.8 km out and back, 0.5-1 h. Easy.

Section of Grand Valley Trail that passes near Bloomingdale as the trail heads south from Conestogo towards Kitchener. Can be worked in with GRCA trails at Snyder's Flats or turned into a loop walk using Sawmill Road. Overall, this is a beautiful trail that is mostly in the forest and is also often along streams and the Grand River. The trail is well trafficked with generally friendly people, but at night it is not safe since it is a popular night mountain-biking route.

BRANTFORD AREA

Grand Valley Trail Blue Heron Trail

3.5 km out and back, about 1 h. Level 1, mostly level single track packed dirt.

This 3.5-km return trail starts at the end of Kramers Way which is a dead-end road that begins at Oak Park Road, south of Highway 403. It is generally considered a moderately challenging route due to a few hills along the way. It takes an average of one hour to complete.

Grand Valley Trail Round Farm Route

6.1 km loop, 1.5 to 2 h. Level 1: Mostly level with a couple of slight hills, dirt single lane trail, with a compact granular return on S. C. Johnson trail.

This is an interesting trail starting at the Powerline Rd. parking lot, that is mostly forested with views along the Grand River. You will adventure through bush and grass meadows, so long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended. The trail has a couple of spots that would be slippery after a rain. There’s a wooden stile to get over a fence, as well. Dogs must be on a leash due to owners ducks and geese. Overall, the route follows an easy trailway, and is ideal on a lovely sunny day with dry conditions. As you pass farmland, you will also be able to spot all of the animals.

Grand Valley Trail Highway 403 Loop

3.1 km loop, about 1 h. Level 1: Mostly flat, single lane, compact dirt trail, well blazed.

Head out on this 3.1-km loop trail near Brantford, Ontario. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Grand Valley Trail Waterworks Park

7.1 km out and back, 1.5 to 2 h. Level 1: Mostly single track packed dirt trail.

The Grand Valley Trail Association Waterworks Park route starts at the parking lot behind 312 Grand River Ave and follows pretty close to the Grand River. The trail is well groomed, well blazed mostly single lane dirt trail with a great variety of plants with good views of the river for fishing, bird watching, can be busy on weekends.

Grand Valley Trail Westcast Loop

6.1 km loop, 1.5 to 2 h. Level 1: Mostly undulating with some small hills, single lane compact dirt trail, well blazed.

This trail starts at the Powerline parking lot that is west of Oak Park Road north of Highway 403. The 5-km trail is a single lane well-groomed trail that is undulating and curvy with no big hills. There are pine woods, cedar woods, hardwoods, and great views of the Grand River. A great trail for sunny days as it is mostly tree covered and cool.

Grand Valley Trail Hardy Road Trail

8.5 km out and back, 2-2.5 h. Moderate.

Park on the road at 1 Stauffer Road where this is lots of room. and enter the paved walk into the park by the settling pond, turn right on the first path and you will come to the bridge which is the middle of the trail; Hardy Road Trail goes the left and right. To the left you will follow along the river and pass under the pedestrian bridge and connect with the paved S C Johnson trail. To the right you will follow the river up to the industrial area behind Kraemer’s Way.

Grand Valley Trail Grand River Tour

29.8 km out and back, 7-8 h. Level 3, mostly level single track packed dirt but be aware of the length of the hike.

The trail starts at the Powerline parking lot, which is west of Oak Park Road north of Highway 403. The trail starts at the south end of the parking lot. It follows the blue blazes to the lower trail and meets up with the main trail just south of Highway 403. There are also white blazes that lead to crossing Highway 403, immediately turning right and down to the river. From here, it the trail follows the Grand River until it reaches the pedestrian crossing and then follows the S. C. Johnson Trail to the right. It continues to follow the Grand River from there. This trail would be good for a two car set up, with parking at Wilkes Dam, behind 312 Grand River Road, at the foot of Scarfe Avenue, and at Lions Park on Gilkison Street.

ONONDAGA CALEDONIA AREA

Grand Valley Trail Big Creek Run

6.4 km out and back, 1.5 to 2 h. Level 1: Mostly level single track packed dirt.

This 6.6 km round trip trail begins at either 197 Middleport Road or just north of Big Creek on Big Creek Road. Parking is available on the side of the road at each location and look for the GVTA signs and white blazes. There are no highways or major roads nearby so this trail is perfect for a peaceful escape. You will not encounter many hikers but will share the trail with beavers, muskrats, deer, turkeys and foxes that frequent the area.

You can also start in the middle of the trail at the southern dead end of Mulligan Road off Highway 54. When starting here, walk west 1.4 km to Middleport Road, or walk east for 1.9 km to Big Creek Road.

Grand Valley Trail Pauline Johnson to Painters Road

5.5 km out and back, 1-1.5 h. Easy.

Discover this 5.5-km out-and-back trail near Caledonia, Ontario. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 11 min to complete. This trail is great for birding and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Grand Valley Trail Onondaga to Mines

6.1 km out and back, 1-1.5 h. Easy.

Try this 6.1-km out-and-back trail near Caledonia, Ontario. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.