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Trails

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Family of four hiking on trailMom and boy hiking in forest in autumn

COVID-19 Alert

The GRCA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Ontario. The health, safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers and the community remain our highest priority. Please visit our COVID-19 Update page where you will find the most up-to-date information on impacts to GRCA programs and services.

Explore our vast system of trails, offering some of the best hiking and cycling opportunities in the Grand River watershed.

Our Rail Trails

We own four multi-use trails built on old railway corridors:

  1. Elora Cataract Trailway
  2. Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail
  3. SC Johnson Trail (Paris to Brantford)
  4. Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail

These trails offer some of the best bicycling and hiking opportunities in the area. Please note:

  • They are wheelchair-accessible in some sections. 
  • Each trail is surfaced with stone-dust or finer gravel, with parking areas at key locations.
  • There are no washrooms on the trails, although washrooms are available in communities along the trails.
  • Permitted use information is available on each trail page separately.
Intercity Connections: Hamilton-Brantford-Cambridge Trail Network

You can follow a series of connected trails (GRCA rail trails and others) in the Cambridge-Brantford-Hamilton region to travel about 80 kilometres almost entirely off-road. Download Explore the Hamilton-Brantford-Cambridge Trails (2MB PDF), which includes a map and descriptions of scenic highlights and services along this trail network.

Permitted uses:

  • Hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing.
  • Horseback riding is permitted in the section of the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail from Hwy 403 east to the Dundas Valley Trail Centre.
  • Dogs must be leashed, and please clean up after them.

Unauthorized uses:

  • No unauthorized motorized vehicles are permitted.
  • No open fires or camping are permitted.

This Hamilton-Brantford-Cambridge trail network is part of The Trans Canada Trail, a network of trails connecting Canada from coast to coast.
Trails in Grand River Conservation Areas and Conservation Lands
Trail Etiquette
  • Keep to the right when using the trails and announce your intention to pass.
  • Use trash cans or carry out any garbage.
  • Take only pictures and leave only footprints.
  • Stay on the trails. Traveling off route can destroy plants and wildlife.
  • Park only in designated trailhead parking areas.
  • Never use the trails alone; always use the buddy system.
  • Adjacent land may be privately owned.
  • Respect the rights of our neighbours by staying on the trail, and parking only in designated areas.
  • Respect all signs and laws.
  • Leash and pick up after your pet.
Other Trails 
The GRCA trails are part of a larger network of regional and municipal trails throughout the Grand River watershed. Go to the Other Trails page to learn more.
Support our Trails

GRCA trails are operated, in part, with money donated by members of the public to the Grand River Conservation Foundation. Donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.

If you would like to support trail operations, please contact the foundation:

  • Phone: 519-621-2761
  • Email: foundation@grandriver.ca
  • Mail: Grand River Conservation Foundation, PO Box 729, Cambridge, ON N1R 5W6
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