News – Page 6 – Ganaraska Hiking Trail

A New Ganaraska Hiking Trail Badge!!!

Posted on December 11, 2024October 2, 2025 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.

Logging Operations

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Tracy Parsons

Logging operations will commence on Wednesday December 11 at the Brentwood Tract of the Simcoe County Forest. The main access route will be coming from Sunnidale – Tosorontio Townline. Though the GHTA is not affected directly, hikers are reminded to respect the No Entry signs.

2024.12.07 – Temporary closure of section of Barrie Trail through Springwater Provincial Park

Posted on December 7, 2024June 5, 2025 by John Sloan

2025.06.05 Update – Trail has been re-opened.

The following has recently been posted on the Springwater Provincial Park website – “Significant Conifer Plantation Management is occurring at Springwater Provincial Park from December 2024 through March 2025. As a result, park roads and trails will be closed to pedestrian access during this time.” This announcement means the Barrie trail between Anne Street and Wilson Drive is closed until work in the park is completed.

Some Trails Closed at the Tiffin Tract

Posted on November 18, 2024November 18, 2024 by Tracy Parsons

Note that logging is currently taking place in the Tiffin county forest (in Midhurst), through which the Barrie section of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail runs. Loggers are currently also using the Smith Tract to forward timber out to the landing in the parking lot. They will be moving over to the gated section further East shortly. Hikers are expected to comply with the No Trespassing signs.

QEII Trail Reroute

Posted on October 1, 2024 by Tracy Parsons

Hikers please note that beaver activity at Fairy Falls (2.9km wilderness section) now requires hikers to cross below the falls. This is a very small reroute. Hikers should exercise caution as water levels are variable and the rocks maybe slippery

Update 2024.11.13 Tiny Rail Trail Temporary Closure

Posted on September 18, 2024November 13, 2024 by Tracy Parsons

Updated: Nov 13, 2024 This section has been reopened.

Temporary Trail Closure – Tiny Rail Trail – North of Conc. 12 E to P5 Bridge

TAKE NOTICE that a portion of the Tiny Rail Trail will be closed between north of Concession 12 East to the P5 bridge for a culvert replacement. The trail will be closed from 7:30am on Monday, September 23, 2024 to 3:30pm on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Update 2024.11.13 – Temporary Closure of Loop Side Trail in Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area

Posted on September 6, 2024November 13, 2024 by John Sloan

Updated: Nov 13, 2024 This section has been reopened.

The Ganaraska loop side trail on the west side of the Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area has been temporarily closed due to a fallen tree damaging the boardwalk along this trail. Please do not attempt to hike on this trail until notice is provided that the boardwalk has been repaired.

2024.09.01 Update – SCF Logging Affecting Barrie Trail Complete / Trail Open For Use

Posted on August 4, 2024September 1, 2024 by John Sloan

Original Posting Dated 2024.08.04 – SCF Logging Affects Barrie Trail.

Logging in SCF Smith Tract has resulted in the temporary closure of the Barrie Club Bear’s Creek Sidetrail, located just north of Midhurst where Gill Road crosses the railway tracks (KM 24.9 on the Barrie trail). The main Barrie trail is unaffected and remains open. Please obey all posted signs in the area and avoid hiking this side trail until further notice.

Midland GAP – make up date success

Posted on July 30, 2024 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.

2024.07.01 – Temporary Detour on Barrie Club Trail in Midhurst

Posted on July 1, 2024July 1, 2024 by John Sloan

For those that hike in the Midhurst area please note that access to the Ganaraska hiking trail at the Belmont\Doran Rd. intersection is temporarily closed due to severe washout. A map to an alternate route (Belmont Rd to Finlay Mill Rd. to Willow Creek) along the Hunter Russell Nature trail to meet up with the GHT is posted at the closure site. From the Midhurst Community Centre one can also walk along Finlay Mill Rd. to Willow Creek where the detour begins.