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3

45

6

78

9

10 11

12

13

14

3

1

2

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

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14

A Guide To The Trails Of Oxford

CountyAvon Trail

Embro Conservation Area

Lawson Tract

Chesney Wilderness Area

Pittock Conservation Area Husky Trail

Vansittart Woods

Trillium Woods

Roth Park

McLaughlin Way TrailVeterans' Memorial Walkway, and Kinsmen Participark Trail

15 Borden Crescent Trail and Tillsonburg Golf Course Trails

Thomas Ingersoll Scenic Trail, Ingersoll

John Lawson Park & Trail

Hickson Trail

The Pines

Millennium Trail System

2

19

401

401

403

40

22

3

29

8

8

6

8

59

59

33

17

16

28

11925

2 7

46

10

27

20

40

13

18

59

19

24

5

59

12

20 21

EMBRO

INGERSOLL

WOODSTOCK

TILLSONBURG

TAVISTOCK

INNERKIP

DRUMBO

NORWICH

CULLODEN LINE

OTTERVILLE ROAD

McBETH RD

SWEABURG RD

TRILLIUM LINE

OXFORD RD #17TOWNSHIP RD 2

TOWNSHIP RD 4

OXFORD RD #29

OX

FORD

RD #22

BLAN

DFO

RD RD

PERTH-OXFORD RD

11TH LIN

E

29TH LIN

E

ROAD 84

1

2

3

45

6

78

9

10 11

12

13

1415

Avon Trail 1

7

11

WILDWOOD

LAKE

PERT

H-O

XFO

RD

RO

AD

RO

AD

96

23RD LINE

25TH LINE

27TH LINE

29TH LINE

31ST LINE

33RD LINE

35TH LINE

HARRINGTON

TOW

NSH

IP O

F PE

RTH

SO

UTH

Avon Trail The Avon Trail is a hiking trail that runs from St. Mary’s to Conestogo. Providing a link between the Thames Valley and Grand Valley trails, the Avon Trail stretches approximately 104 km through scenic countryside. A small section of the trail is in Oxford County. A detailed guide to Avon Trail can be purchased from the contact address listed below.Length:

Difficulty:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

19 km

Easy – moderate

Hiking

The west end of the trail in Oxford County starts at Wildwood Conservation Area. Cross Hwy 7 & 19 at south end of Wildwood Dam. The trail then skirts the shore of Wildwood Lake. This portion of the trail is also part of Wildwood Conservation Area’s 18 km Loop Trail. Further information may be obtained at W.C.A.’s Visitor Centre, on the north side of the Lake, near the Highway. Gate fees are charged for day use and camping.

It exits Oxford County at the intersection of Embro Road (Perth County Rd. 113) and Fairview. At this point the trail goes north up Perth County Rd. 113.

The Avon TrailBox 21148Stratford, ONN5A 7V4

1

6

1

Whole Hearted Living TipBe active most,

if not all days of the week.

1

Embro Conservation Area 2

9

ROAD 84

EMBRO POND

22

Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

2.4 km

Easy, family

Parking, outdoor toilets, picnic tables, picnic shelters

Walking, cross-country skiing

County Road 6 north of Embro, turn west onto Road 84.

Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (519) 451-2800

Embro Pond Conservation Area

This well-maintained trail is packed earth and has wood chips on large sections. There are several loops, so hikers can go as short or long a distance as they desire. A great place for a family picnic and hike.

2

8

2

Whole Hearted Living TipWalk, bike or ski!

Enjoy nature at its best!

2

Millennium Trail System, Woodstock

The Millennium Trail System includes trails developed by the City of Woodstock, Woodstock Rotary Club, Woodstock Lions Club and Youth Start and is maintained by the City. The trail follows the banks of the Thames River, through mixed hardwood and softwood forests, marshland and some retired agricultural areas, some of which are slated for reforestation. Hikers may spot the occasional deer, beaver, blue heron and other interesting wildlife. Black berries may be ripe for the picking. Though the trails are not connected, they are in close proximity to each other. Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

Rotary: 5.9 km,Lions: 1.72 km,Youth Start: 1.40km

Easy

Parking, outdoor toilets, benches

Walking, cycling, cross-country skiing, dog walking, snow shoeing (No Motorized Vehicles)

Rotary Trail: North on Hwy 59. Immediately after crossing the bridge over the tracks and Thames River, turn left on to Tecumseh St. (Oxford Rd. 48). The trail entrance is on the right. The Roth Park Trail starts on the other side of Tecumseh St., across from the Rotary Trail. Another entrance is on the east side of the 11th Line, ½ km north of Hwy 2.Lions Trail: Take Hwy 2 (Dundas St.) to the west end of Woodstock. Trail entrance is on the north side of Hwy 2, 200 metres west of the railway bridge. Another entrance is at Bexley and Hunter streets, at the railway overpassYouth Start Trail: Take Hwy 2 (Dundas St.) to the west end of Woodstock. Trail entrance is on the south side of Hwy 2, 60 metres east of the railway bridge.

City of Woodstock (519) 539-2382 Ext 4101

10

333

Whole Hearted Living TipCover up and use DEET to avoid

mosquito bitesSee page 36 for more information

11

33

ROTARY

THAM

ES R

IVER

TECU

MSE

H S

TO

XFO

RD S

T

BULLER ST

HUNTER ST

CPR

LIONS

INGER

SOLL

RD

MAIN ST

11TH

LIN

E

YOUTH START

Millennium Trail System, Woodstock 3

BEX

LEY

ST

DUNDAS ST

HWY #2

Entrance

ROTH PARK(see map 6)

Hickson Trail Once a piece of rail line from Stratford to Port Dover, it was purchased by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Now it is used by cyclists, walkers, and birdwatchers. This trail goes from Pittock Park Rd., north to Braemar Side Rd. Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

5.5 km

Easy

Off road Parking at Braemar Side Rd and Fredrick St. On road parking at County Rd. 17 and County Rd. 33.

Walking, dog walking on leash, bicycle, cross-country skiing.

1/2 Km east of Hwy #59, north of Woodstock, on Pittock Park Rd. at Frederick St., or County Rd. 17 or County Rd. 33

City of Woodstock:(519) 539-2382 ext 4101Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources: (519) 773-9241

4

12

4

Whole Hearted Living TipWalk with a friend or your family.

It’s more fun!

4 Hickson Trail 4

13

OXFORD ROAD #33

OXFORD ROAD #17

PITTOCK

PARK ROAD

13TH LIN

E

HIG

HW

AY #59

4

MUD CREEK

BRAEMAR SIDEROAD

4

ROTH PARK

(see map 6)

MILLENNIUM(see map 3)

PITTOCK/HUSKY

(see map 5)

Pittock Conservation Area,Husky Trail

Pittock Conservation Area has picnic and overnight camping facilities on the north side of Pittock Lake. The trail goes through a pine plantation and then swings back, near the railway tracks. The park is open from about the third week in April until the week after Thanksgiving in OctoberLength:

Difficulty:

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Contact:

Admission

4-5 km

Easy, family

Washrooms, picnic areas, parking (summer only)

Walking, cycling, (gates closed in winter)

Pittock Conservation Area, north side of Pittock Lake (east of Hwy 59, north of Woodstock)

Pittock Conservation Area: (519)539-5088

A Day Use Pass is required from Pittock Conservation Area to use the trail.

5

14

5

Whole Hearted Living TipWear appropriate clothing such as

layers in cool weather, a hat in summer and reflective clothing at

night.

5 5

OXFORD ROAD 4

TOW

NSH

IP R

OA

D 3

PITTOCK RESERVOIR

CPR

TO H

WY

59

OX

FORD

RO

AD

#17

Pittock Conservation Area,Husky Trail

15

55

ROTH PARK(see map 6)

Roth Park, City of Woodstock

Roth Park is on the south side of Pittock Lake. There are picnic facilities and is home to the Woodstock Rotary Dragon Boat. The trail is wide with hard packed dirt and granular and provides a lovely view over the lake. There are also side trails, which branch through a pine plantation and go up and down some gentle inclines. These side trails link back to the main trail. At Lansdowne Ave. The trail going west from Huron Street, goes by the dam and then along the Thames River. A new section of trail has been completed that allows the hiker to go under the railway bridge and Hwy # 59 and arrive at Tecumseh St. Across the street is the entrance to the Millennium Trail System.

Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

6.75 km approx

Easy, family

Parking, picnic tables, washrooms (summer seasonal)

Walking, bicycle, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, dog walking

South side of Pittock Lake; take Huron St. N. to the end, turn right and drive to the parking lot

City of Woodstock: (519) 539-2382 Ext 4101Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (519) 539-5088 ext 21

6

16

6

Whole Hearted Living TipDrink cool water before starting out

and carry water with you.

6 6

17

HWY #59

PITT

OCK

RES

ERV

OIR

CPR

DEV

ON

SHIR

E AV

E

HURON ST

LANSDOWNE AVE

Roth Park, City of Woodstock 66

HICKSON

(see map 4)

MILLENNIUM(see map 3)

PITT

OCK

/HUS

KY

(see m

ap 5)

The Pines These trails, through beautiful pine forest, are primarily maintained for people who like a challenging cycling experience, although easier trails are marked. The property is owned by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and leased by the Woodstock Cycling Club (W.C.C.) who construct and maintain the trails. The area is partially fenced and access is through the main gate only. More information and a map are available at www.woodstockcyclingclub.ca and the parking area. Permitted Users:1. - If you’re a member of an O.C.A. affiliated club (carry your card with you when riding) and ride the Pines a couple of times a year you’re OK.2. - If the same as above but ride the Pines more frequently you need to join the W.C.C. and get the trail sticker for your bike/helmet (you will not pay for insurance portion twice).3. - All other riders are taking their chances as the U.T.R.C.A. will be doing random checks at the parking area and throughout the trails just as they do at Fanshawe Lake in London. Riders found in the Pines without proper membership card or W.C.C. sticker may be subject of a fine of under the “trespass to property act”. Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

Red Trail - approx.10 km. Black Trail (technical add on loops) - approx.13 km.

Challenging, difficult

Large parking area up the driveway. Washrooms available further up the driveway @ Flying Club.

Mountain Biking

Blandford-Blenheim Twp. Rd. 4 (north side), 1 Km east of Oxford Rd. 4

Woodstock Cycling Club:519-539-3681 www.woodstockcyclingclub.ca

7

18

7

Whole Hearted Living TipSecond-hand smoke, in any amount,

is harmful to your health.

7 7The Pines 7

19

TOW

NSH

IP R

OA

D 4

7

8

Whole Hearted Living TipStart with five minutes of light

activity before stretching.

8Vansittart Woods 8

23

TO WOODSTOCK

TOWNSHIP ROAD 3

TOWNSHIP ROAD 2

HIGHWAY 40

1

BLAN

DFO

RD RO

AD

8Vansittart Woods The trail loops through hardwood and pine forests. There is one long incline, but the rest is relatively flat. It is hard packed earth. This is great for cross-country skiing, although it is not formally groomed. This is an outdoor education centre for the students of the Thames Valley District School Board. The public is welcome to use the trails, but are asked to contact the centre first and obtain a permit for trail use.Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

Note:

4.2 km

Easy, family

Parking

Off-trail snow-shoeing, cross country skiing, walking, dog walkingNo motorized vehicles or bicycles. No hunting.

Blandford Road, north of Hwy #2. Located on the west side just north of the Highway 401 overpass.

(519) 467-5468

Users must call ahead first to obtain a permit to use the trail.

8

22

8

9Chesney Wilderness Area 9

25

TO INNERKIPOXFORD ROAD 29

OX

FORD

ROA

D 22

TOWNSHIP ROAD 8

9

Whole Hearted Living TipChoose Your Own Speed.

Walk at a pace that suits you.Enjoy your walk!

9 Chesney Wilderness Area

The trail starts on a long wide grassy lane, which goes into a mature hardwood bush. It then goes into an array of vegetation: pine, cedar, wetland and field. There is one steeper hill, but is not overly difficult. A wonderful hike, particularly in its autumn glory.

Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

4 km

Easy to moderate

Parking

Walking, cross-country skiing

Oxford Rd. 29 (north side), just west of Oxford Rd. 22

Grand River Conservation Authority: (519) 621-3697

9

24

9

10John Lawson Park & Trail, Ingersoll

27

CNR

McKEAND ST

THA

MES

RIV

ER

CPR

WONHAM ST S

MERRITT ST

BOND ST

WHITING ST

CHARLES ST W

KING S

T W

10

Whole Hearted Living TipShow you care.....

Choose smoke-free air

10 John Lawson Park & Trail, Ingersoll

This wide easy trail follows the south side of the Thames River. It includes many internal loops. The Park is naturalized, which provides walkers with the joy of seeing a variety of vegetation and the opportunity to do some bird watching.Length:

Difficulty:

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Contact:

2.75 km

Easy, family

Parking, benches

Walking, dog walking (on leash), cycling, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing

Accessed from Charles St. West, at the bottom of Wonham St. South, Ingersoll

Ingersoll Recreational Trail Committee: (519)425-1181

26

10

11

29

(PLANK LINE) H

ARRIS ST

CA

NTE

RB

URY

ST

WELLINGTON ST

THAMES ST

HALL S

TTUNIS

ST

KIN

G S

T

Thomas Ingersoll Scenic Trail, Ingersoll 11

NELSON ST

WELLIN

GTON AVE

Whole Hearted Living TipBe Sun Safe

Wear a hat with a brimUse sunscreen

Cover up

11 Thomas Ingersoll Scenic Trail, Ingersoll

This trail extends from the Cheese Museum on Plank Line to the Gazebo in downtown Ingersoll. Trail users will go through Centennial Park, walk by the Creative Arts Centre and Victoria Park Community Centre, enjoy the beauty of Smiths Pond, enter Memorial Park and be able to relax in the Gazebo at the end of the trail. Trail maps are posted in the Gazebo and at the Canterbury St. entrance to Smith’s Pond.

Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

2.5 km

Easy, family, wheelchair

Parking

Walking, dog-walking, cycling, cross-county skiing,

1. Ingersoll Cheese Museum, Plank Line2. Wellington St (west side), north of Victoria Community Centre

Ingersoll Recreation Trail Committee: (519) 425-1181

28

11

12Trillium Woods

31

TO SWEABURG

SWEABURG ROAD

TRILLIUM LINE

1212

Whole Hearted Living TipChoose comfortable shoes for

walking. Shoes should be flexible with roomy toes, have non-slip soles and have good support at the heels.

Trillium Woods

This wide, well-maintained trail is a single loop through a mature maple sugar bush. It is a pleasant walk for the whole family. This delightful trail is located across the street from Jakeman’s Maple Products.

Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

1 km

Easy, family, wheelchair

Parking

Walking, cross-country skiing

Trillium Line, west of Village of Sweaburg, 1/2 km north of Sweaburg Road

Port Burwell Provincial Park (519) 874-4691

30

12

13

Whole Hearted Living TipIn winter, be aware of the

wind-chill factor.

Lawson Tract The public is encouraged to use the Tract for passive recreation and nature appreciation. In a grassy, treeless area of about one hectare, the Ingersoll Nature Club, in cooperation with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, undertook a wetlands creation project. Ongoing maintenance of trails, the picnic area and bird feeding stations provide club members with opportunities to regularly support our stewardship responsibilities, along with the compilation of natural history information. Lawson Tract is in a mixed wood, which provides hikers with the joy of seeing a variety of vegetation and the opportunity to do some bird watching. There is one steeper hill, but generally the terrain is easy-going. The trail is wide and well-maintained. There can be wet spots in the spring or if there has been a lot of rain. It is a great hiking area. Please remember when walking your dog to have it on a leash and to clean up after it.Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

2 km

Easy to moderate, family Parking, picnic tables, outdoor toilets

Walking, dog walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing

McBeth Road, 1km east of Culloden Line (Approx. 8 km south of Ingersoll)

Ingersoll Nature Club, www.ingersollnature.ca

32

13 13Lawson Tract

33

McBETH ROAD

13

TO IN

GER

SOLL

CU

LLOD

EN LIN

E

35

QU

ARTERLIN

E RD

BALDWIN ST

CONCESSION ST

ROLPH ST

BROADWAY

BRIDGE ST

1414

KINSMENPARTICIPARK

VETERAN’SMEMORIAL WALKWAY

McLAUGHLINWAY

Veterans' Memorial Walkway (Trans Canada Trail),Kinsmen Participark Trail and Mc Laughlin Way Trail

BORDENCRESCENT(see map 15)

LISGA

R AVE

34

1214

Whole Hearted Living TipReduce your risk for chronic

disease. Make healthy choices: Be physically active,

Be smoke-free,Eat a lower fat diet.

Veterans' Memorial Walkway (Trans Canada Trail),Kinsmen Participark Trail and Mc Laughlin Way Trail

The Mc Laughlin Way Trail starts behind the Lake Lisgar Waterpark and extends to Lisgar Avenue. The trail will be extended in the future to continue to Hardy Avenue and Lisgar Drive. The trail offers beautiful views of Lake Lisgar with well placed benches for a rest. The Veterans’ Memorial Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail was renamed on July 1, 2006 and starts at Bridge and Rolph Street and ends at Quarterline Road. The trailhead is landscaped with a large limestone marker, gardens and benches. Parking is located across the road from the trailhead. The Trans Canada Trail continues along Quarterline Road south to Newell Road and south on Bayham Drive to Highway #3. The Kinsmen Participark Trail runs through a picturesque river ravine in the heart of Tillsonburg with access to Washington Grand Ave. and Baldwin St. at the end of the trail. Parking is located on site at the Concession St. entrance with a new accessible entrance added to the Park. Picnic tables and benches as well as a swing set are located in the park.Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

McLaughlin Way Trail: 1 kmVeterans' Memorial Walkway: 3.6 kmKinsmen Participark Trail: 1.2 km

McLaughlin Way Trail: Flat terrain with a limestone surface Veterans' Memorial Walkway: Flat terrain with a paved pathway on Veterans’ Walkway to Quarterline RoadKinsmen Participark Trail: Flat terrain with a limestone pathway

Parking, benches, shopping near trailhead, picnic tables and swing set.

Walking, Cross Country Skiing

McLaughlin Way Trail: Parking on Park Street or at the Tillsonburg Community CentreVeterans' Memorial Walkway: Parking available at Bridge and Rolph Street entranceKinsmen Participark: Parking available at Concession Street entrance.

Town of Tillsonburg519-688-3009 or visit www.tillsonburg.ca

Borden Crescent Trail andTillsonburg Golf Course Trails

36

1315

Whole Hearted Living TipEat at least one dark green and one

orange vegetable each day.

At the south end of Participark the trail goes up on to Baldwin St. and goes a short distance, west on Baldwin St.. The trail continues south off Baldwin St. to Border Cres. and John Pound Rd. It then follows the south side of John Pound Rd. to Mabee’s Sideroad and connects with Highway #3. There is a small secondary trail on land owned by the Tripp family at the beginning of the trail. This area is more challenging to traverse than most trails in the system. The Tillsonburg Golf and Country Club along with the Town of Tillsonburg is pleased to announce the opening of an expanded eighteen hole golf facility and 5 kilometres of trails for the 2009 season. The major trail head located in Coronation Park will provide full access to all trails. This scenic 2.8 metre wide trail will be constructed of limestone screenings and asphalt in certain sections. For more information on this project please contact Rick Pero at (519) 842-4822 or Kelly Batt at (519) 688-3009 x 4232. Length:

Difficulty:

Facilities:

Trail Uses:

Location:

Contact:

Borden Crescent: 1 kmTillsonburg Golf Course: 5 km

Borden Crescent: Gently sloping terrain with a gravel and sand pathway until John Pound Road Tillsonburg Golf Course: Easy

Borden Crescent: N/ATillsonburg Golf Course: Picnic tables and pavilion at trail head

Walking, Cross Country Skiing

Borden Crescent: John Pound Road and Borden CrescentTillsonburg Golf Course: Access at Coronation Park

Borden Crescent:Town of Tillsonburg (519) 688-3009 or visit www.tillsonburg.ca Tillsonburg Golf Course: Rick Pero at (519) 842-4822 or Kelly Batt at (519) 688-3009 x 4232

37

1515Borden Crescent Trail andTillsonburg Golf Course Trails

BALDWIN ST

HIGHWAY #3

BROADWAY

JOHN POUND RD

BORDENCRESCENT

TILLSONBURGGOLF COURSE

KINSMENPARTICIPARK

(see map 14)