|
SC Johnson Paris to Brantford Trail
The SC Johnson Trail runs 14 kilometres (9 miles) between Paris and Brantford.
It follows the abandoned Lake Erie and Northern Railway bed and was completed in
|
Constructing the SC Johnson Trial, near 57 km and the Paris/Grand River scenic overlook.
|
1998 through a generous donation by SC Johnson and Son Limited in Brantford to
the Grand River Conservation Foundation. A portion of the trail was taken off
Hardy Road and now follows a scenic, hilly, Blue Circle route by the Grand
River. Respective parts of the trail are owned by the City of Brantford, the
Grand River Conservation Authority, and the County of Brant.
The SC Johnson Trail connects to the
Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway system in Brantford,
which provides a link to the GRCA's Hamilton to Brantford Rail-Trail. The result in one continuous trail
from Cambridge to Hamilton.
General Trail Description
The SC Johnson Trail is finished with stone dust, and provides an easy path for cyclists and hikers.
Kilometre markers along the route continue from the Gordon Glaves Pathway. From the end of the Cambridge to
Paris Rail-Trail at the 59 km marker in Paris, the SC Johnson Trail continues south under the CN railway underpass
and crosses Highway 2 at Curtis Avenue. Some short sections of the trail may temporarily follow municipal roadways
and trail users are advised to watch for traffic.
The SC Johnson Parking Area is located at Powerline Road, Brantford at the 54 km marker.
Close to the end of the trail (44 km), a scenic vista overlooks a large oxbow on the Grand River.
The trail passes through a rare Prairie Grass habitat and also provides a view of the Brant Conservation
Area across the river. Glenhyrst Art Gallery is close to the trail.
|
When officially opened in October 1998, the SC Johnson Trail completed the 77 km link from Cambridge
through Paris and Brantford to Hamilton. SC Johnson and Son Ltd. President Darwin Lewis (centre),
accepts a commemorative "last spike" from Marilyn Murray, President of the Grand River Conservation Foundation.
|
Camping is available at the Brant Conservation Area on the west side of Brantford on Jennings Road,
Brantford. It is accessible from the scenic pedestrian bridge across the river and mid-way above the Blue Circle Loop.
Trail Access
The Jean Rich Foundation Trailhead and Parking Area for the Cambridge to Paris Rail-Trail is located at
the northeast end of Paris on East River Road. Lodgings, restaurants and supplies can be obtained in nearby Paris.
Public washrooms are available at the nearby Paris Arena.
The SC Johnson Parking Area is located on Powerline Road on the north side of Brantford with ample parking
and an information kiosk featuring trail maps and history. From Highway 403 exit at Oak Park Road north in Brantford.
Follow Oak Park Road to Powerline Road and turn west. Follow Powerline Road to the end. There is limited parking at
Wilkes Dam on the west side of Brantford, at the intersection of Parkside Drive and Lafayette.
The SC Johnson Trail can also be accessed from Brantford's Waterworks Park parking area for the Gordon Glaves
Memorial Pathway. A 1.5 km (1 mile) walk north along the Pathway will bring users to the Wilkes Dam area of the SC Johnson Trail.
Waterworks Park can be reached from Grand River Avenue, on the east side of the Grand River, off Highway 53 (Colborne Street West).
|
In Brantford, the SC Johnson Trail runs beside the Grand River, through rare Prairie Grass habitat (near 45 km).
|
Linkages with Other Trails
The Brantford end of the trail connects with Brantford's Gordon Glaves
Memorial Pathway through the city,
and eventually with the Hamilton to Brantford Rail-Trail. In Paris, the SC Johnson trail links with the Cambridge
to Paris Rail-Trail. These trails have been formally incorporated into the Trans Canada Trail system.
Location Map
Click on map to print.
|