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.
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
Trail alert: While evidence of an ice storm presents some great photo opportunities, the damage of the ice storm on the Ganaraska Hiking Trail and the local communities is extreme and will require time to get back to some kind of normalcy. Meanwhile, consider the Ganaraska Hiking Trail closed until further notice, as we need time to assess the damage and put a clean up plan in place. Many of the local parks and trails are also closed. Also, the OPP has asked that travel by non-residents postpone their trip to the area between Orillia, Oro Medonte, Ramaras, Muskoka, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Peterborough, etc. until further notice as local communities are experiencing shortages of fuel, food, etc.. Meanwhile, hikers, please refer to these safety precautions.
Important Safety Notice for Hikers After Recent Ice Storm
Following the recent ice storm, we want to ensure that all members stay safe while enjoying the outdoors. Many trails in our area have been affected by fallen trees, unstable branches, and icy, flooded or muddy conditions. As a result, we strongly urge all members to follow these safety guidelines:
Current Trail Conditions
Most sections of the 500 km long Ganaraska Hiking Trail between Wasaga Beach and Port Hope have been very badly affected by the ice storm, which has resulted in hazardous conditions especially in parks and forests. Many trails are blocked by debris or have unstable footing due to ice and storm damage.
Volunteers from our local Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association clubs will be assessing the damage, as soon as it is safe and reasonable to do so. Meanwhile, “Trails Closed” signs may be installed where practical and recommended. Once the damage has been assessed a clean up plan will be prepared and restoration efforts will commence. We expect this work to be ongoing for a while and will provide updates as our clubs report their progress.
Hiking Safety Guidelines
• All previously scheduled hikes listed in our newsletter schedule and/or the on-line calendar are cancelled, unless re-confirmed by the local club and hike leader.
• Avoid hiking in forested areas, and do not trespass on closed trails.
• Stick to open and cleared trails; avoid areas that have not been assessed.
• Avoid hiking alone and always inform someone of your route.
• Wear appropriate footwear (crampons or micro spikes recommended for icy areas).
• Watch for fallen trees and hanging branches that may still pose a danger.
• Carry a first aid kit and emergency supplies, including a flashlight and whistle.
• Use caution near slopes and water crossings, as ground conditions may be unstable.
Club Trail Cleanup Efforts
We will be organizing volunteer cleanup events to help clear trails safely. If you’d like to participate, please contact the local Ganaraska Hiking Trail club for instructions.
Wear sturdy boots and work gloves, and bring tools (hand saws, loppers) if available.
Do not bring chainsaws and other mechanized tools, unless cleared with the local club trail director. If approved, wear protective gear and use the equipment as per the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines.
More details will be shared soon.
Stay Updated
We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates on trail conditions through email, our website and social media. Please check with your local parks and conservation authorities before heading out to hike on their trails.
Thank you for prioritizing safety and for your patience as we work to restore our hiking trail. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Stay safe and happy hiking,
Frieda Baldwin
President, Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc.
As per Simcoe County’s recommendations, “Residents are being advised to avoid entering County Forests until further notice.” Thank you for your patience.
Logging operations are on hold at the Brentwood Tract (Clearview). The operators have moved out but will be returning Mid-February at the earliest to haul out timber. Until then, the Tract is open, and signs have been removed.
Because of the bad sight lines coming out of this parking lot, where the Tiny and Midland sections of the Ganaraska Hiking Trail meet, the County of Simcoe has closed the parking lot on the east side of Overheadbridge Road opposite Kingfischer Road. A large new parking lot has been built just 500 m further south, but it is not plowed (as yet). We are currently investigating a new route for the very last 200 m of the Midland section, and perhaps a blue side trail to the new parking lot. Meanwhile, park on Kingfischer Road and cross Overheadbridge Road if you want to hike east towards Midland.
Current logging operations are affecting the Ganaraska Hiking Trail going east from Gill Road on the Barrie section. As always, kindly refrain from trespassing, as the area has been posted with No Entry signs.
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 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.
