Author: Campbell Britton

Ice Storm Restoration Update

Posted on by Campbell Britton

 As per our announcement of April 3, 2025, following the ice storm of March 29/30, the entire 500 km long Ganaraska Hiking Trail was officially closed. Meanwhile, our club volunteers have been busy assessing and restoring their sections of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail and as a result of their hard work, we hope to be able to “open” up some sections very soon. Stay tuned for further announcements, hopefully by this coming  weekend. 

Our volunteers have already cleared a lot of the fallen debris, put caution tape around some dangerous hazards and/or created a small reroute, all this in an effort to make the trail “passable”. Trail Closed signs are being installed on those sections of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, which are still considered impassable, or where we have not been able to even start or complete any restoration.  In the most affected areas, such as many of the Simcoe County Forests in Oro Medonte, salvage efforts are scheduled by the landowner. These logging operations may last well into the summer, but will open up the forest access roads, and make it easier for our volunteers to access the trail for restoration efforts.  

As we cannot enforce physical closure of trail access, we ask that persons traversing the trail be guided by the following principles:

  • As is always the case, even under normal circumstances, HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK. It remains the individual’s own responsibility to decide what their own risk tolerance is. 
  • There are still a lot of overhead hazards such as tree branches hanging above the trail, or leaning trees near the trail, which we plan to deal with in due time. Several of our volunteers  have taken chainsaw training to help tackle the situation.
  • Consider the wind. Higher wind speeds and gusts can dislodge the overhead hazards or topple leaning trees.
  • Leave a hike plan with someone (i.e. where you plan to hike, when expected back, etc.)
  • Hike with a buddy

Enjoy the hiking season, but stay safe out there!

Frieda Baldwin

President, Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc.

2025 Volunteer of the Year – Bill Zeran

Posted on by Campbell Britton

Over the years Bill Zeran has held various leadership positions within the GHTA and the Pine Ridge Hiking Club including:

  • Member of the GHTA Executive (2014-2018) as Recording Secretary and later on as Secretary-Treasurer
  • Member of the GHTA Risk Assessment Committee;
  • President of the Pine Ridge Club (2018-2012);
  • Hike Leader at Pine Ridge since 2014; and
  • Member of the Pine Ridge Maintenance Committee (2017-the present).

Through all of these commitments Bill has demonstrated a positive and friendly demeanour which endears him to those around him. Bill’s smile and sense of humour are contagious. The Vice-President at Pine Ridge during Bill’s time as President stated how much he valued Bill’s mentorship. With the ongoing support of his spouse Rita, Bill is also involved with a number of other volunteer programs especially within their local church community. Bill’s family roots are steeped in service to others.

Pine Ridge Club representatives Cynthia Warn and Stan Muldoon receiving Bill’s plaque in his absence. 

Congratulations and thank you Bill! We couldn’t have done it without you.

2025 Volunteer of the Year – Simone Latham

Posted on by Campbell Britton

We are highly appreciative of the contributions Simone Latham has made to the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc. as our Treasurer since 2018, a valued member of our GHTA Executive, as a Certified Hike Leader for the Midland club, and as a great friend. 

Simone joined the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc. in 2011, and in 2012 soon after encouraged a team of 4 GHTA members to walk the 100 km Oxfam event in 48 hours. It was a very hot weekend, but we all made it in 42 hours, and only lost several toe nails in the process. However, she really enjoyed hiking and became a great hike leader.

As a member of the GHTA Executive, her skills and past experience with other not for profit and charitable boards, as well as with procedures and policies, helped us streamline & automate our GHTA processing for payments, bookkeeping, expense reimbursements, etransfers and many other administrative changes. We also thank her for the amount of time she gave us to find a suitable replacement, and get our processes documented and streamlined to pass on to our new Treasurer. 

Simone Latham receiving 2025 Volunteer of the Year

We wish her all the best in her retirement as treasurer from the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc, and will miss her as a great team player and friend. 

Safe Hiker Course April 26 at Tiffin Centre for Conservation

Posted on by Campbell Britton

On Saturday April 26, 2025 Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association will be offering a Safe Hiker course for members and non-members. The course is built on the Hike Ontario Safe Hiker course, but will include other topics such as information about safe hiking after the ice storm, protecting from ticks, carpool etiquette, planning for a hike, navigation tools, What3Words, what if you get lost/injured, weather, etc.

Following the course, there will be a 1 to 1.5 hour hike on the beautiful Tiffin CA property. Both the course and parking are free on April 26.

Address: Tiffin Centre, 8195 8th Line of Essa, Utopia, Ontario on Saturday April 26 at 12:30.
Park in the large parking lot by the green Administration building and proceed past that building via the covered boardwalk to the Learning Centre.

To sign up for the free course, enter your name and email on the following link. Your email will only be visible to the instructors and will be used in case of a change or cancellation.
Safe Hiker Course Registration

A New Ganaraska Hiking Trail Badge!!!

Posted on by Campbell Britton

In addition to our 50, 100 and 200 Hikes In 1 Year badges we are now also offering a “250 Hikes In 1 Year” badge, for those hiking aficionados, who have the time and determination to record at least 250 hikes (of a minimum of 1 hour) in a year.

The new badge (see prototype) has been designed by our very own Trail Director, Tracy Parsons, and will be embroidered by her capable and creative hands. A real collector’s item! This unique badge is available for $7 and can be ordered on our Merchandise Order Form.

Midland GAP – make up date success

Posted on by Campbell Britton

Although it was a hot and humid day on July 13, eighteen hikers registered for the make up date for the 18 km GAP hike, i.e. the new trail that connects the Midland and Tiny sections of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail.  The trail follows the beautiful valley of the Tiny Trail for a bit, then goes through the Thompson Forest, and down the Mid Pen Link to come out on the Midland Rotary Waterfront Trail (with some short road sections in between). Although we had one drop out due to the humidity, the other 17 hikers seemed to really enjoy the walk and were presented with a GAP badge. 

“I Hiked the Gap” Badge Now Available

Posted on by Campbell Britton

Following the historic “closing of the gap” event on May 11, 2024, between the Midland and Tiny sections of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, we now have a continuous loop of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail in Simcoe County.

The 18 km Gap trail, includes 2 kms along the beautiful Tiny Rail Trail and passes by a wetland, several creek crossings, etc. The trail then ascends to the Thompson Forest. In Penetanguishene there is about 2 km sidewalk/road walking, before the trail descends to the Midland waterfront via the forested Mid Pen Link trail. The final 6 km is along the shore of Georgian Bay and the Wye River. You can do the 18 km at your own pace, and even in sections. Updated maps are posted here.

I Hiked the Gap Badge

As a consequence, anyone wishing to obtain the Midland and Tiny end-to-end section badges, now have to complete the new distances: 28.2 km for the Midland badge and 30 km for the Tiny badge.

As well, the beautiful “I Hiked the Gap” badge is now available for sale ($7) to anyone who hikes the 18 km Gap trail. To obtain the badge, we do not need a log, but ask that you post a selfie or photo taken on your hike on the Gap trail, and post it in the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Group on Facebook, and order the badge using the Merchandise Order Form.

Any questions, please contact badgofficer@ghta.ca or president@ghta.ca.

“I Closed the Gap”

Posted on by Campbell Britton

On Saturday May 11, 2024, a historic hiking event occurred along the Ganaraska Hiking Trail which has been over ten years in the making. It took that long to close the gap that existed between the Midland and Tiny sections of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail.

The day began at Sainte Marie Among the Hurons, where an official ceremony took place, which was attended by municipal officials from Tay Township, Tiny Township and the Town of Midland, who along with Midland’s past club president Larry Piitz, recognized the benefits associated with creating new trails and hiking in general. They also applauded the amazing contributions of countless volunteers who made both the trail and the event possible. Following the land acknowledgement read by Midland council member and club member Jaz Patel, a very touching blessing was delivered by Father O’Brien, a Jesuit priest from the Martyrs’ Shrine. Following this, Frieda Baldwin, president of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association, did the honours of cutting the ribbon, thereby signifying the realization of a continuous trail between the Midland and Tiny sections of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail.

Now that the 18 km “gap” in the route has been closed, the Midland section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail now measures 28.2 km. An additional 3.3 kms were added to the Tiny section, making it 30 km long before it meets the Wasaga Beach section.

Starting at the 12th Concession in Tiny Township, the new trail winds its way along the Tiny Railtrail to the Thompson Forest. The trail then goes through the Bellisle subdivision in the Town of Penetanguishene and along the Midland waterfront, ending at the Wye River near Sainte Marie Among the Hurons. This represents a varied terrain including a beautiful section of the Tiny Railtrail, a mainly deciduous forest, a residential area, a waterfront trail along Georgian Bay and finally, a path along the Wye River on property owned by Parks Canada. Special thanks are given to Tiny Township for their creation of a set of stairs and a bridge which have made the trail more accessible.

On the day of the “I Closed the Gap” hike, 45 hikers undertook the 18 km hike challenge. They were bused to the start of the hike at Tiny Conc. 12 and walked back to their cars. Many volunteers were stationed along the route, ensuring the safety of hikers at critical junctures, along with providing a delightful rest station at Pete Petterson Park. Participants were treated to the music of guitar and steel pan as well as a myriad of healthy snacks and energy yielding treats, a water filling station and a first aid station. At the end of the journey, hikers were rewarded with a free commemorative badge signifying completion of the hike.

To see the ribbon cutting and participants click I Closed the Gap Photo Album

In conclusion, thank you to all who were instrumental in helping achieve the dream of a connected trail. And thanks to Mother Nature who presented us all with such a perfect day for hiking after being so very uncooperative on the originally scheduled date!
Happy hiking!

I Closed the Gap – New Date

Posted on by Campbell Britton

Hike On the Midland and Tiny Trail Extensions

On May 11, 2024 (new date) lace up those hiking boots and join us for the historic “I Closed the Gap” Hike along the beautiful Ganaraska Hiking Trail through Midland, Penetanguishene and Tiny. This project has been over 10 years in the making. Get ready to explore the beautiful Georgian Bay shoreline and various forest trails, breathe in the fresh air, and challenge yourself on this scenic trail. For more details and to register click here.