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Published: September 14th 2009
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The North Simcoe Rail Trail
Location: west of Barrie Ontario to north of Elmvale
Access: 3 main ones (see below)
Distance: 30 kilometres
Surface: crushed stone and unimproved
Facilities: 3 outhouses, no water
Other: interpretive signs, wetland viewing area The North Simcoe Railtrail is a recreational trail from just above county road 90, (Pinegrove Road) west of Barrie to just north of Elmvale where it connects to the Tiny Trail. It is intended for walkers, cyclists, horseback riders, skiers and snowmobilers. It is a part of the TransCanada Trail which extends over 8000 km from the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans and for a while a part of the Ganaraska hiking trail.
The first 12 km of the southern section has been resurfaced with crushed limestone screenings. North of Horseshoe Valley Road (county road 22) the trail is unimproved but the surface is level and makes for easy cycling. When funding becomes available this section will be improved as well.
Access: From highway 400 exit to highway 90 (Dunlop Street West) and travel for exactly 8 km and turn right to Pinegrove Road. When you see the
transmission towers in the distance you know you are close to
Pinegrove Road. After turning right to Pinegrove Road, the trail is 3.7 kilometres. After crossing the railway track the small parking lot is 300 metres ahead and the trail is marked.
You can also travel along highway 26 to
Minesing Park Station. A large parking lot and pavilion is located on the right side of the highway. Exit highway 400 at Bayfield street (highways 26/27). After 5.7 km turn left to highway 26. The parking lot is 5.2 km ahead at Minesing Station.
Another alternative is to take Horseshoe Valley Road (county road 22) to
Anten Mills. Go through the village. You will find the trail about 100 metres BEFORE the old TEXACO sign on the left or right beside a chip fry stand. There is limited parking on the road.
Starting from the
Pinegrove Road parking lot (the trail actually begins about a kilometre south behind the transformer station) there is a gradual downhill slope. On the other hand the last few kilometres leading up to Horseshoe Valley Road are uphill. But being an abandoned railway line, each is very gradual.
Within
the first two kilometres there are two interesting sights. First comes an overview with a view of the
Minesing Swamp. This wetland drains over 3300 square kilometres and has been declared one of the
most important wetlands in the world! It is home to one of the oldest and largest great blue heron colonies in Ontario.
Less than a kilometre along is an entrance to
Fort Willow Conservation area with a voluntary fee station. There is a small sign on the right that you might miss. You have to walk up steps to get to the fort. During the war of 1812 hundreds of tons of military supplies and trade goods were stored here. It is worth a stop.
Further along is
Mayer’s Marsh (just north of Vespra Valley Road) There is a viewing platform located here. Of course the wetlands are home to many plants and animals. Just a few of the plants that you might see are: cat tails (lots!) Canada Anemone, Iris, Touch-me-not, St, Johnswort, Poison Ivy, Common Mullein, Marigold, Milkweed, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Joe-Pye-Weed, Purple Loosestrife, Columbine, Fleabane, and many more.
At the highway 26 crossing there is
Minesing Park Station with
parking
Pinegrove Road a pavilion, a large parking lot and an outhouse (but no water or garbage can)
After the marsh, the trail opens up with farmland and you will see many fields of corn as well as farms and beef and dairy cattle. At his point you will come across two farm gates that have to be opened. Make sure you close them behind you.
The trail deteriorates a bit but still easy to ride. You will soon come to Horseshoe Valley Golf Club (be aware of stray golf balls!!) As you approach Horseshoe Valley Road (14 km) you will see an outhouse and a chip fry stand open April to November. As well as fries, soft drinks, juice and water can be purchased.
We were only able to ride to Horseshoe Valley Road. The trail continues to Phelpston, 5 km away which has a park and general store. For part of the distance you can ride along Phelpston Road which runs parallel to the trail.
Trailhead signs (with
“you are here” are at Pinegrove, Road, Minesing Park Station and highway 26 (Horseshoe Valley Road at Anten Mills)
Next year we hope to
try out the Tiny Trail from Elmvale to Penetag. When completed, the two trails will run for a distance of 52 kilometres.
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