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Hamilton to Brantford RailTrail
The Hamilton to Brantford Rail-Trail is Ontario's first entirely off-road, interurban hiking and biking trail.
The Hamilton Region Conservation Authority owns and maintains the trail from Hamilton to Jerseyville, and the Grand River
Conservation Authority owns and maintains the trail from Jerseyville to Brantford. Trail users can enjoy 32 kilometres (20 miles)
of completely resurfaced trail on the abandoned roadbed of the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway (TH&B). The railway,
affectionately known as "To Hell and Back", provided transportation to communities along its route from 1894. It was officially
abandoned in 1988 as a result of a landslide and completed as a Rail-Trail in 1996.
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Scene along the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail, near the mid-way point in Jerseyville.
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General Trail Description
The Hamilton-Jerseyville section of the trail begins on the west side of Hamilton, near McMaster University and
follows the scenic Dundas valley for 18 kilometres (11 miles) to Jerseyville with a long steady climb from kilometre 3.5
to kilometre 12. The Jerseyville to Brantford section is newer and constructed in 1996. The entire trail length is surfaced
with stone dust. Posts mark each kilometre from the Hamilton end, and some benches are provided along the trail. The Brantford
end of the trail crosses under Highway 403 into Brantford, and connects with Brantford's
Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway through
the city. Remember to take plenty of water as there are no stores along most of the route.
Horseback riding is permitted on the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail.
Trail Access
There are three formal parking lots for trail users with ample parking for up to 20 cars, and kiosks featuring trail maps and information and railway history.
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Cross country skiing is popular along all the GRCA Rail-Trails.
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Brantford: The Brantford Jaycee's Trailhead and Parking Area is located on the eastern edge of Brantford, just south of Mohawk Lake.
From Highway 53 (Colborne Street) take Locks Road south. At the bottom of the hill, the road makes a sharp right turn and becomes Mohawk Street.
Continue on Mohawk Street to the next right at Greenwich Street. The parking lot is visible a short distance along the left hand side of
Greenwich Street. There is an information kiosk and parking for 40 cars. A short extension trail has been built to
Mohawk Park, Brantford, where washrooms and a food concession are available during the summer.
Jerseyville: Take Highway 53, east of Brantford. Turn north onto Jerseyville Road. You will cross the trail, but continue to the western outskirts of
Jerseyville. The parking area is on the south or right hand side of the road. There is a nearby general store.
Dundas Valley Trail Centre, Dundas: Take Highway 99 east from Copetown. Watch for signs for the Dundas Valley Trail Centre on the south or right hand side.
This area is operated by the Hamilton Region Conservation Authority and an admission fee may apply.
Linkages with Other Trails
In Hamilton, the trail links with the City of Hamilton trail and bikeway network.
In Hamilton, the trail also connects with the Bruce Trail at the
Dundas Valley Conservation Area.
In Brantford, the trail links with the Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway
which runs along the Grand River through the City of Brantford.
The Glaves trail in turn connects wtih the and the SC Johnson Trail from Brantford to Paris which then connects with the
Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail.
The trail has been formally incorporated into the Trans Canada Trail system.
Location Map
Click on map to print.
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