Victoria Rail Trail

In Bethany?  It’s possible.

Spring arrives on Wednesday, although it may not seem like it today!  It’s my favourite season.  To me, spring means getting back into my garden, reconnecting with my neighbours now that the winter hibernation is finished, hikes, bikes and baseball.  Spending time outdoors is a priority as soon as the snow melts and the winter coats are put away.

My next few posts will be looking at what to do in and around Bethany in the spring.  Not sure if any of the activities will lead to enlightenment but they’re sure to help shake off the winter blahs (and pounds!)

VICTORIA RAIL TRAIL CORRIDOR

The Victoria Rail Trail is an 85 km rail trail with corridors linking Kinmount to Bethany, through Lindsay.  The trail follows the former CN rail line which was constructed  in 1874.   This public trail is open year round for recreational uses including walking, hiking, cycling, fishing, bird watching, horseback riding, dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing; and, with  a valid trail permit, snowmobiling and ATVing.  It’s a great, well- maintained trail for hiking or biking with beautiful scenery and reported wildlife sightings.  Some favourite sections are the area around Cameron Lake in the North Corridor and Draonel Station, outside Bethany on the South Trail.

This trail seems like a great way to reconnect with nature.  Reportedly, it’s good to head there as soon as the snow melts!

NORTH CORRIDOR

The North Corridor follows the former CN rail line north from Lindsay to Kinmount.  It begins at the North end of Lindsay at the top of William Street North, traveling 55km through the Ken Reid Conservation Area and  Fenelon Falls and onto Kinmount.

SOUTH CORRIDOR

south corridor

The South Corridor, the old CP Rail Line, extends 30 km from Lindsay to Bethany. This trail begins off King St. E., with the new Rotary Trail – 1.5 km of paved pathway. The trail heads south to Bethany, progressing through farmlands and the natural areas of Fleetwood Creek Valley, bordered by the rolling hills of Bethany, including Devil’s Elbow Ski Resort. A portion of the trail passes through the newly formed Windy Ridge Conservation Area.

Recommended Access Points

• Bethany (Intersection of Ski Hill Rd. & Jackson St.)
• Pigeon River (limited parking) Mount Horeb Rd. (Arterial Rd. 31)
• Lindsay (King St.)

trail rules

TRAIL USE GUIDELINES

While on the Victoria Rail Trail a few basic rules apply:

• Speed limits of 20 km/hr
• Hours of use between 7:00am to 9:30pm
• No ATVs between Logie St. & Thunderbridge Rd. in Lindsay at anytime; ATVs are not permitted on the trail during the winter months; Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the VRTC during the month of April
• No two-wheel motorized vehicles are allowed
• Only licensed and insured ATVs and snowmobiles only
• Dogs must be kept on a leash
• Pedestrians have the right of way over all other users
• Privacy and the rights of abutting landowners must be respected
• No littering or removing natural vegetation

Visit explorekawarthalakes or Victoria Rail Trail for more info