A quick note to all and any hikers who are interested in hiking the Mad River section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail, at this time, the trail is closed until further notice.
The trail has not been maintained since 2015 but the plan is to have it re-opened very soon, following the scheduling of work parties. Anyone interested in helping with this venture, please contact Sharon at striegl01@hotmail.com.
Frieda Baldwin
705-245-1005
The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc. is pleased to make the following 2 announcements, which will be ratified at our Annual General Meeting on April 18, 2020:
Claudia Jaspert, member of the Midland club, has agreed to take on the role of Publicity Director for the Ganaraska Hiking Trail with a focus on getting our brochures out to places were they can be seen (such as outfitters, libraries, etc.) She will also try to find opportunities to have the Ganaraska display set up, such as at the Toronto Outdoor Show on Feb 22-24 (where we will have a shared table with Simcoe County Tourism) and other venues. Because of her location, her focus will mostly be on opportunities in Simcoe County. Claudia is an avid hiker, biker, paddler and skier, and has some previous experience with trade booths at trade fairs. If you have any suggestions for Claudia, you can reach her at cjaspert@gmail.com Note: I will continue to post Ganaraska Hiking Trail related information on the association’s Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/GanaraskaHikingTrailAssociation/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Sharon Striegl, also a member of the Midland club, but who also hikes, bikes and paddles with other Ganaraska clubs, has agreed to take on the role of Mad River Club President. Earlier this year, we had announced that Laura and John Giffin of Glen Huron had accepted the role of co-presidents of the Mad River club, but unfortunately, due to time commitments related to their business, they have had to resign. We are fortunate, however, to have Sharon Striegl step up to the plate. Sharon owns property in Glencairn, along the route of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail. Last spring, a significant road section north of Glencairn was taken off road and relocated onto her land, which is rented out as a Christmas tree farm. One immediate focus will be the maintenance of the Mad River section of our trail, which is in desperate need of some trail maintenance (it has not been done since 2015). Until such time as the Mad River section has received its much needed TLC, we have decided to actually close it, mainly for liability reasons. We hope that some of the neighbouring local clubs will help the Mad River club which only has 8 members, to bring the trail back up to par. Sharon can be reached at striegl01@hotmail.com.
2020 is certainly looking like an exciting year!
Frieda Baldwin President 705-245-1005 Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc.
The Orillia Club’s trail between the 11th and 9th lines of Oro-Medonte has been rerouted. There was already a reroute in place for between the 10th and 9th due to loss of access to private land, but now due to tree cutting over the next several weeks between the 11th and 10th, the trail is rerouted as follows: from where the trail exits onto the 11th line, the reroute proceeds south along Line 11 to Old Barrie Road, then west along Old Barrie Road to the 9th Line, then north along the 9th Line until it rejoins the existing trail before proceeding west. This reroute will be in place until further notice. Please do not use the blazed trail that crosses private lands between the 11th and 9th lines.
Logging operations are active in Simcoe County Forest between Lines 5N and 6N in Oro-Medonte. The Barrie Club trail in the section is therefore closed until further notice. A temporary alternative would be to go through Sugarbush Estates (the same route as described in the 2013 Guidebook). When the logging operation is completed and the No Entry signs removed we will post an update.
First annual Nine Clubs Hike.
Each year one of the member clubs will host a hike(s) to showcase their section of the Ganaraska Trail. This year the Wilderness Club has been given the honour of hosting the first annual Nine Clubs Hike.
Sunday, October 6 <Moderate> 5.2 km Annual GHTA–Nine Clubs hike: Moore Falls to Fairy Falls return 8:30am: Departing Devil’s Lake access point. Arrive 20 min prior for briefing & waiver. The Wilderness Club is excited to show and share our section of the trail with everyone on the First Annual Nine Clubs hike. Parking is limited-please carpool to Devil’s Lake. Space is limited. Register: Glynn Richardson <glynnr@hotmail.com> .
Sunday, October 6 <Difficult> 15 km Annual GHTA–Nine Clubs hike: Devil’s Lake to Highest Point in QEWIIPP return 8:30am: Departing Devil’s Lake access point. Arrive 20 min prior for briefing & waiver. The Wilderness Club is excited to show and share our section of the trail with everyone on the First Annual Nine Clubs hike. Parking is limited-please carpool to Devil’s Lake. Space is limited. Register: Glynn Richardson <glynnr@hotmail.com>
Frieda Baldwin 705-245-1005
Rob Halupka has taken over from Glynn Richarson and Robert Campbell as the new President of the Wilderness Hiking Club.
Please welcome Rob and lend him a hand as it is a huge job he has volunteered to fill.
This reroute moves the trail off busy Country Road 7 and Centre Line Road to pass through Stayner’s new EcoPark forest, through Station Park, and along the footpath beside the abandoned CN Railway tracks.
Thanks to Guenter for leading the hike and to Jenny for taking the photos.
Rob
