TRAILS GUIDE 2015 / 2016
www.eastgwillimbury.ca/trails
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TOWN OF EAST GWILLIMBURY TRAIL SYSTEM Trails Support an Active, Healthy Lifestyle Trails are exceptionally well suited to helping East Gwillimbury residents become more physically active. Many are designed for the recreational activities trail users most enjoy, including walking, cycling and jogging. Trails provide accessible and widely available opportunities to meet the physical activity needs of most users. For this reason, the East Gwillimbury Trails Guide is linked to the Town’s Active Transportation and Trails Master Plan and its role in encouraging a more active and healthy lifestyle for East Gwillimbury residents. For information on the Town’s plans for future trails, please visit www.eastgwillimbury.ca/trails Strengthening Communities Trails strengthen the social fabric. Volunteering is one measure of the vitality of a society. People working together, giving their time freely, and sharing in socially valuable, meaningful activities — these are practices that create strong communities. East Gwillimbury’s trail system was largely built by volunteers, such as the members of the Town’s Trail Advisory Committee and other organizations such as Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and York Region. Trails continue to provide abundant opportunities for volunteering in the community. It is useful to note that several trails (Anchor Park, Holland River, Rogers Reservoir and Simcoe Trail) form part of the popular Nokiidaa Trail network.
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Trails provide meaningful and satisfying outdoor experiences for many users. These experiences reaffirm a sense of connection with the natural environment and provide opportunities for an appreciation of East Gwillimbury’s natural heritage.
Conserving and Appreciating the Environment Our trails lead users through the incredibly varied landscapes to be found in East Gwillimbury. They lead people to diverse plant and animal habitats like wetlands and forests, and historic places such as old mills and canal locks. This trail guide and interpretive signage identify the special features along our trails and enhance your appreciation of our natural and cultural heritage. Our trails often cross environmentally sensitive lands. By leading users along well-worn paths, trails keep users away from more sensitive features that might not be able to withstand traffic. Welldeveloped trails provide environmental buffers, such as boardwalks and bridges, which protect delicate wetlands while allowing users to experience varied plant and animal wildlife. Please respect our environment. Take only pictures. Leave only footprints. With a trails system that traverses many of East Gwillimbury’s natural regions, trails play an important role in supporting environmental education and building a public commitment to conservation of our natural heritage. ENJOY OUR TRAIL SYSTEM & GUIDE PAGE 3
HOW TO USE THE GUIDE Find your Trail Community by Colour ■ HOLLAND LANDING COMMUNITY • Anchor Park Trail • Holland River Trail • Simcoe Trail ■ SHARON COMMUNITY • Rogers Reservoir Trail • Sharon Hills Park Trail ■ HARVEST HILLS COMMUNITY • Peggy’s Wood Trail
■ QUEENSVILLE COMMUNITY ■ MOUNT ALBERT COMMUNITY • Princess Trail • Shannon Park Trail • Vivian Creek Trail
TRAIL FEATURE LEGEND Baseball Field Basketball Feature Tennis Court
TRAIL MAP LEGEND
Soccer Field BMX/Mountain Bike Feature
3m Wide Urban Trail
Splash Pad
Hiking Trail
Playground Picnic Shelter
Park Boundary Picnic Area
Pedestrian Access Point Parking Area
Sun Shelter Public Washrooms Foot Bridge
911 Number
Rest Stop
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR TRAIL EXPERIENCE PAGE 4
Street
Yo n g e
Bradford Bypass
Farr Avenue
Green Lane East
Ward Avenue
Herald Road
d 0
0.4 0.8
1.6
Boag Road
Harvest Hills
Mount Albert
Holland Landing
2.4
3.2
Kilometers 4
Herald Road
Mill Road
Mount Albert Road
Doane Road
Queensville
Boag Road Boag Road
Trail Communities
Cole Road
o Doane Road
r te a C
g in
a Boag Road
dy Ro ad
Kenne
R
e n Ave nu Warde
Holborn Road
Road
ssion
2nd Co nce
Street Leslie
ay 404 Hi ghway 404
Highw
e ine Av enu Woodb
an Ro ad
Boag Road
Sharon
Street Centre
McCow
ay 48
Highw
King Str eet Centre Street
Ninth L ine Ninth L ine
Ninth L ine
Boag Road
TOWN TRAIL COMMUNITY KEY MAP
DISCLAIMER: Information displayed is for reference only and does not replace an engineering drawing or legal survey. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, data and/or mapping errors may exist.
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ANCHOR PARK TRAIL Holland Landing Park is accessible from the north side of Doane Rd. east of Yonge St. and has a parking lot that is open most of the year except in mid winter. There is also pedestrian access from Parkside Dr. The Park gets its name from the giant anchor on display here. It was abandoned near here on its journey to Lake Simcoe when the war of 1812 ended. A 1km wooded loop trail starts near the picnic shelter. It forms a part of the larger Simcoe Trail network which runs both north and south from the park. The park has several amenities including a picnic shelter, a playground and washrooms (for permitted user groups). There are also sports fields and an adventure bike park. The east side of the park consists of mixed woodland and connects to the Holland Landing Conservation area that also has several trails. Many bird species can be seen in the park and the conservation area, partly due to its proximity to Holland Landing Provincial Park Reserve.
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109
Simcoe Trail continues
URBAN TRAIL LENGTH=400m FOOT PATH LENGTH = 1550m 0
Yong
62.5
36
14
Cresc
Walnut
Avenue
t
ent
ay Str ee
Delta
t
Meters 250
Rams
e Stre e
125
Simcoe Trail continues
Cedar Street
Doane Road
Anchor Park Trail
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HOLLAND RIVER TRAIL This trail is part of the Rogers Reservoir Conservation area. It starts on the west side of 2nd Concession on the south side of the Holland River beside the dam and one of the locks from the old canal system. There is a plaque with some interesting historical information by the lock. This wide gravel trail heads west along the south side of the river and traverses several different habitat types. Mixed deciduous forest and shrubs are on both sides of the river. Sometimes a beaver can be seen in the river along this stretch of the trail. This is a loop trail with several choices available. At the foot bridge, you can cross the bridge to the north side of the river and continue west on a smaller footpath. There is also access to the trail here from Holland River Blvd. You can also follow the south side of the river on the smaller footpath that continues to the west. On your left you will see a depression that was the former route of the river that was straightened for canal construction. The former river bed has formed wetlands in some areas. Next along the river, (on both sides) there are open grasslands. If you are lucky, towards the far western end of the trail, you may see an eastern meadowlark or a rare bobolink. This trail also circles back to 2nd Concession. Along the way, you will also see evidence of sand extraction pits. This area has also had some pine tree reforestation and planting along the river banks to restore riparian cover. The Region of York is undertaking a dramatic transformation of 2nd Concession where it crosses the Holland River. Changes to the trail system and access points should be anticipated.
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70 r d Rive Hollan vard Boule
B
72
URBAN TRAIL LENGTH=1200m FOOT PATH LENGTH = 3850m 0
50
Meters 200
Hilltop Drive
100
Valley Trail
2nd Co nces
18676
Connection to Rogers Reservoir Trail
sion Ro ad
Holland River Trail
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SIMCOE TRAIL Between Mount Albert Road and Queensville Sideroad, the Simcoe Trail connects area residents to Anchor Park and the Holland Landing Community Centre and Library. Section One is short and sweet: starting from Royal Cedar Court, it leads to Colony Trail Blvd. Here you follow the road to Stonehill Blvd. where at the north-west corner is a new stormwater pond helping to reduce loadings of phosphorus into Lake Simcoe. Section Two is off Thompson Dr.; either continue on Colony Trail Blvd. to Oak Ridge Ct. and head north or, take Stonehill Blvd. north and go west. An asphalt trail leads into a cedar forest; head east and cross the wooden bridge; look for wild roses and note a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees. Follow the trail north-westerly to the Holland Landing Community Centre and Library; enjoy a game of tennis or basketball or, stay to the east and continue northbound to Beckett Ave. Section Three to Anchor Park; take Beckett to Hollis Cres. A walkway brings you to Anchor Court and continue through to Cedar St. (see Anchor Park Trail on pages 6-7). Section Four is the Holland Landing Prairie Reserve. It includes a planted coniferous forest from the 1970s as well as areas with some rare prairie plant species near the hydro towers by Queens Court. Please note that the Simcoe Trail should be considered moderate in difficulty as it contains sections that are uneven, rocky, wet, narrow, or pathways that may be root-covered.
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Kitching Driv e
eh
ill
Blv
d
Th
om
ps
on
Dr
Colony Trail Blvd
n Sto
Emily Park
86
0
Holland Landing Community Centre & Library
FOOT PATH LENGTH=715m
Yonge S treet
URBAN TRAIL LENGTH=750m 50
100
31
B
Meters 200
ec
ke
tt
n
ve
re
A
B
t
R
o
A
a
n
d
c h o
r
C
Anchor Park (Pg. 6 & 7)
rt
Doane Road
ive
Simcoe Trail
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ROGERS RESERVOIR TRAIL The Rogers Reservoir Trail follows the route of the abandoned ‘Ghost Canal System’ of the early 1900s, and is a part of the Nokiidaa Trail system linking the Towns of East Gwillimbury, Newmarket, and Aurora. Access the trail from the parking lot on the north side of Green Lane, between 2nd Concession and Leslie St. Start your hike by walking west towards the bridge. Before the bridge, you will notice a trail going north; this is the route of the historic Metropolitan Radial Line. As you cross the foot bridge, you will see the remains of a swing bridge that was once part of the canal system. Next, you will be at a T-intersection. The trail to the south heads to Newmarket and the East Gwillimbury GO station; the trail to the north is the Rogers Reservoir Trail. The trail is flat and is perfect for walking, jogging and biking. Take note of the wildlife you may see: heron, geese, American coot, rails, kingfishers and several varieties of ducks floating along the waters. Note the many spots along the trail that give visitors the opportunity to take a rest and enjoy watching the river from either the benches or sitting rocks. To your right, you will see the Holland River, on the left-hand side there are wetlands. Work is ongoing to enhance this habitat. The Region of York is undertaking a dramatic transformation of 2nd Concession where it crosses the Holland River. Changes to the trail system and access points should be anticipated.
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Connection to Tom Taylor Trail
B
Main St reet No rth
1150
Connection to GO Station
URBAN TRAIL LENGTH=2100m FOOT PATH LENGTH=1600m 55
110
2 nd C o n ces
0
sion Ro ad
Meters 220
Rogers Road
Green Lane East
Town of Newmarket
Rogers Reservoir Trail
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Connection to Holland River Trail
18676
SHARON HILLS PARK TRAIL This Trail is located in Sharon Hills Park, at Colonel Wayling Blvd. and Maplehyrn Avenue. From the parking lot, a sun shelter opens the route to the paved loop trail (see Photo #1). The trail turns north towards the basketball courts, and then east along the edge of Jason’s Pond. Park amenities include playgrounds, a soccer field, tennis courts and a great toboggan hill. As you walk along the pond, you may hear the sound of frogs that have made this pond their home (see Photo #2). Once you’ve passed the pond, the trail turns to the south. On your right hand side will be soccer fields, and on the left, the Highway 404 extension. Once you approach the tennis courts, the trail will take you back towards the playground and the start of the trail.
1
2
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Maplehyrn Ave.
_ ^
48
12.5
25
Meters 50
171
Ward Avenue
A I
0
Colonel Wayling Boulevard
URBAN TRAIL LENGTH=700m FOOT PATH LENGTH=450m
Âą
_ ^
Sharon Hills Park Trail
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PEGGY’S WOOD TRAIL Peggy’s Wood Trail currently comprises an urban trail and foot paths surrounding a naturalized storm water pond. It is situated west of the playground off Old Field Crescent at Harvest Hills Boulevard. This small trail is a haven for birds and offers lovely vistas of the low lying woods. Keep an eye on this area as the trail into Peggy’s Wood is to be developed in the near future. Peggy’s Wood is a healthy and vibrant ecosystem – a real treasure!
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Green Lane W est
URBAN TRAIL LENGTH=750m
Peggy's Wood Trail
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FOOT PATH LENGTH=200m 0
12.5
Meters 50
Future trail extension South to Newmarket
25
Old Field Crescent
Harvest Hills Boulevar
_ ^
_ ^ _ ^
4
28
Âą
PRINCESS TRAIL The Princess Trail begins at King Street just north of Shannon Street in Mount Albert and moves westerly through a meadow grass habitat, and then moves southward to Princess Street where it connects to urban sidewalks leading west past the fire station, to the commercial area at Highway 48. You can also access the trail via a walkway on Shannon Road.
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URBAN TRAIL LENGTH=50m 0
Princess Street
FOOT PATH LENGTH=350m 12.5
32
25
104
Meters 50
Shannon Road
84
King Street
Highw
ay 48
Princess Trail
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CONNECTION TO SHANNON PARK
SHANNON PARK TRAIL This Mount Albert trail provides a rich diversity of valley and natural woodland habitat experiences. The trail begins at King Street just north of Shannon Street and moves easterly through Shannon Park ending at the Ross Family Complex and Centre Street. The limestone aggregate trail begins at King Street and passes through valleyland and wooded areas, eventually crossing over Vivian Creek on a small foot bridge. The trail continues to the Ross Family Complex, where one leg connects to the parking lot and the other connects to Centre Street. Trail visitors can travel a short distance south along Centre Street to the Vivian Creek Park entrance where they can connect to the Vivian Creek Trail system. Once the visitor crosses to the north side of Vivian Creek on the urban trail they can turn west and hike up to Robert Hunter Crescent Park. They can loop back to the main trail behind the Ross Family Complex.
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Ki
ng
St
re
Connection to Princess Trail
84
R
o
e
rt
u
n
te
r C re s .
27
Shannon Road
H
0
50
118
25
ingsgate Crescent
K FOOT PATH LENGTH=600m
77
83
b
URBAN TRAIL LENGTH=1400m 50
Mai
np
e riz
Meters 100
Cre
B
sce
Mill Street
nt
19300
Centre Street
et
Shannon Park Trail
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VIVIAN CREEK TRAIL This Mount Albert trail provides a rich diversity of urban and natural experiences through two trail options. The trail begins in the Vivian Creek Park parking lot, just west of Centre Street. Leaving the parking lot, the visitor has the option of following the 3 metre wide asphalt trail easterly through Vivian Creek Park or heading south across the pedestrian bridge over Vivian Creek to the hiking trail. The asphalt trail begins at the Vivian Creek Parking lot and winds easterly through the park. At the baseball diamond, the visitor can head north and connect to King Street or continue easterly on the trail to the back of the park. After leaving the park, the 3 metre asphalt trail changes to a limestone trail through a lowland meadow until it once again reaches Vivian Creek. At this point, the visitor can choose to head west over the bridge and Vivian Creek to the hiking trail that connects to Valley Mills Road and downtown Mount Albert amenities. Or the visitor can continue east on the 3 metre trail to Samuel Harper Court. The hiking trail section begins at the pedestrian bridge just south of the Vivian Creek Park parking lot and traverses a diverse woodland habitat as it moves southeast to the pedestrian bridge to the south. The visitor can continue east over the pedestrian bridge and connect to the main 3 metre trail and go north to return to the parking lot or go east to Samuel Harper Court. If the visitor remains on the hiking trail and continues south, the trail connects to Valley Mills Road through two urban sidewalk connections. Valley Mills Road connects to downtown Mount Albert amenities through adjoining streets using urban sidewalks.
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19253
B
FOOT PATH LENGTH=1350m
Bank Street
Street
Main Street
Centre
Mill Street
Vivian Creek Park Sign
URBAN TRAIL LENGTH=1550m 0
25
Va ll ey Mills R oad
47
15
50
Meters 100
P.S.
B
401 Hammil
477
Donald Stewart Cresc
King Street East
V
Samuel Harper Court
l Heigh ts
Royal O ak Roa d
Alice S treet
Vivian Creek Trail
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EAST GWILLIMBURY TRAILS COMMITTEE East Gwillimbury Trails Committee members are volunteers from the community who are appointed by Town Council. The committee is devoted to the creation, development, preservation, management and usage of recreational trails within the Town of East Gwillimbury. Our purpose is to encourage recreational opportunities within the Town including cycling, hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. EAST GWILLIMBURY TRAILS COMMITTEE Contact: Town of East Gwillimbury, 19000 Leslie Street, Sharon, Ontario, LOG 1V0 | 905-478-4282
ON AR SH HOLLA ND LANDIN G
TRAIL HIKES A trail hike with the members of our committee is held the second Saturday of each month on one of the trails within the Town. Details of our planned hikes can be found in the Era Banner, The Bulletin, or on the Calendar page of the town’s website: www.eastgwillimbury.ca Meet you on the trail!
OTHER PLACES TO WALK IN THE TOWN: Regional Forests Bendor Graves Tract, Brown Hill Tract, Zephyr Tract Visit www.york.ca for more information PAGE 24