Trails
The Upper Grand Trailway is a four season nature trail that is 10.5 km in length. The old abandoned CPR line has been lovingly resurfaced to provide hikers, cyclists, cross country skiers and horseback riders access to the wonders of the countryside. It also accommodates snowmobiles with a valid permit in the winter season, but motorized vehicles are otherwise forbidden.
The Trail begins at Waldemar and runs westward, crossing over a unique brick-lined culvert that was built in the early 1900s. The Boyne Creek runs through this culvert to join up with the Grand River. As the trail winds westward, you reach County Rd. 125. Here you can take a side tour by sidewalk heading north into the quaint village of Grand Valley to enjoy the friendly hospitality. Notice the Grand River heads north with you. Once back on the Trail, you can continue to head westward and you will see the old train station which is now a private residence. Further down the trail to the west, is a new bridge over the Boyne Creek.
When you reach concession 24/25, you can either follow the gravel road north to the Luther Marsh or you can continue on the trail to the East/West Luther Townline where, as of 2018, it meets the West Luther Trailway that continues along the former rail corridor to Arthur. Click here for the Upper Grand Trailway Map.
Headwaters Communities in Action
The trails of the Headwaters area are a recognized local treasure . In our community consultations with over 300 residents and community leaders, considerable energy was generated by the idea of further developing area trails. Click here for a listing of all the Headwater Trails.
Elora Trail
The Elora Cataract Trailway is owned by the Credit Valley and Grand River Conservation Authorities and is managed by them in cooperation with the Elora Cataract Trailway Association.
The Village of Elora has many amenities that draw visitors, the trailway being one of them. The trailway starts at the eastern fringe of Elora, where the Grand River Conservation Authority has constructed a parking lot and kiosk. The trailway surface is stone dust about 3 metres wide, and is about as close to flat as you will find.
After about 2 km the trailway enters the Town of Fergus. Signs direct the cyclist or walker along local streets.
On the eastern boundary of Fergus the gravelled trailway resumes. There are a few road crossings, but otherwise the trailway is continuous to the Shand Dam. As you cross the dam, you will see Belwood Lake on the left and to your right is the picturesque valley of the Grand River. This entire area is part of the GRCA's Belwood Lake Conservation Area, where there are washrooms and a host of recreational features such as boating and fishing. As a trailway user, you are permitted to pass through without admission charges, though you are asked to pay should you wish to stop and use the amenities of the conservation area.
At the eastern end of the trailway is the community of Cataract. It is named for a waterfall on the Credit River, located within the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. The trailway begins within this park and is well worth a visit. The scenery is wonderful and there are many hiking trails in the park that are worth exploring. Walk your bike if it is busy along the hiking trails, and some cyclists may feel more comfortable walking their bikes along the cycling trailway where it skirts the gorge.
Outside the park the trailway heads westward along a narrow but smooth track. It soon gets wider and is a pleasant ride to Erin. The village centre is about 500 metres to the south, a pleasant village and worth a visit. The trailway continues west of Erin to Hillsburgh, then on to Orton, Belwood and the Belwood Conservation area.
Parks
After relocating the Orton Park adjacent to the Orton Community Association St. John Church building on John Street, Council of the Township of East Garafraxa, funded the building of a Pavilion that will cover the ice surface in the winter, built by community volunteers. The Pavilion also will provide protection to the attendees at the Canada Day Celebrations. Hydro One assisted with the relocation process and funded the children's playground.
Park Location: 6 John Street, Orton (North side of Erin-East Garafraxa Townline; East of 10th Line East Garafraxa).
Orton Community Association runs a baseball program from June to mid August and this year there is a summer camp as well.