Map note: The urban paths, indicated in blue on the map, are not included with GPX file except for the link connecting the red trails together.
The first thing I noticed was that these trails appear to be well maintained, about the width of a vehicle and apparently kept cleared by some kind of mowing equipment. Most of them are hard packed grass trails, with some gravel/dirt/rock sections, but because they are hard packed they are easier to ride on than most grass trails.
There are essentially two types of vegetation in this system which you can see on the Google Earth view in the background of the map. Where the Main Trails are are smaller trees, brush and bushes and tall grasses, while the area to the northeast where the Forest Trail is is denser bush. This trail is different also, not being packed grass but more like a very primitive cottage or fire road that appears to be abandoned, although it ends next to a cornfield.
The Forest Trail is the most interesting and natural trail as you can see from the photos. That area of dense forest is unfortunately zoned Development Reserve.
Map note: You will notice that the trail running northwest from the pond turns ninety degrees southwest, however it also continues straight but becomes very overgrown. It is what would be called a “cart track” on old topo maps, but appears more like a rarely used ATV trail. It ends at the marker just before Highway 417. That part is not on the GPX file.
The area where the Main Trails are is zoned Rural Countryside.
Map note: You will notice the “Homestead” marker on the map, which is where the remnants of an old homestead can be seen (see photos). There is another remnant of an old homestead next to the “Main Trails” label on the map at the intersection.
Map note: You will notice a “Bridge” marker along the back trail running southwest. At that point there is a creek with a very nice new wooden bridge set up to go across it but not put in place yet. The other side of the bridge appears to be a very overgrown trail which likely leads to the trail passing by the homestead where the well maintained well defined trail also appears to become a very overgrown trail that I did not follow and so is not on the GPX file.
Map note: The southwestern end of the trail that goes by the bridge ends at a farm but it is possible, but not recommended except in an emergency, to follow another overgrown trail to the inside of the farmer's gate where there is a cement barricade that it is possible to lift your bike over, but you would be clearly trespassing if you did that.
Map note: You will also notice a section of trail marked “Field”. I only included this because of it's proximity to the other trails. It is similar in being a maintained trail clearly indicated by having it's path mowed through a grassy field.
I really have no idea what these trails are for although they are well maintained but appear to be unofficial. My best guess is that they are ATV/snowmobile trails, although the few times I have been there I have only seen dog walkers on them. They do make a great unofficial off leash dog area. The old homesteads are kind of neat to see and the Forest Trail is really nice.
GPS gpx Files
The gpx file for this trail system (and other trail systems) can be downloaded by clicking the link below:
If you do download the gpx file please email me at richardw.woodley@gmail.com and let me know so that I have an idea of how many people are downloading and using the files.
Posted 2013-10-08
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