Trails

Our Trails

Trail with bench on the side and trees surrounding

Ganaraska Trail

Kawartha Trans Canada Trail

Somerville Forest Tract Trails

Gravel path through grassy area against a cloudy sunset

Victoria Rail Trail (VRT)

Explore Trails by Location

Bobcaygeon and Area

Coboconk and Area

Kinmount and Area

Kirkfield and Area

Lindsay and Area

Omemee and Area

Trail Classifications

Below is a summary of trail classifications with details shown in the classification tables.

Active Use Trails

Active use trails are designed to be used for walking/hiking, as well as by self-propelled or accessible/mobility supportive devices, e-mobility, and niche seasonal uses.

Trail Type	User	Width	Accessibility	Surface
Type 1: Fully Accessible Trail	Permitted: Pedestrian, mixed uses, vehicular for servicing only. Restricted: All motorized uses.	3.0 metres typical may exceed 3.5 or 4.5 metres. Constrained sections could reduce to 2.4 metres.	Meets or exceeds minimum accessibility requirements where feasible.	Typically, hard surface (asphalt)
Type 2: Recreational Connecting Link	Permitted: Pedestrians, cyclists, hikers, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing. Restricted: All motorized uses.	3.0 metres typical. Constrained areas could reduce to 2.4 metres.	Meets accessibility requirements where feasible.	Granular surface (i.e. limestone screenings)
Type 3: Natural Use Trail	Permitted: Hiking, mountain biking, may include special uses on a location-by-location basis (i.e. snowshoe, horseback, fat bikes etc.) Restricted: All motorized uses.	1.0 - 2.0 metres typical.	May be non-compliant - natural or heritage features take precedence over accessibility.	Granular or natural surface based on the conditions of the corridor.

Shared Use Trails

Trails that are designed for safe shared use by active modes as well as motorized trail use, such as ORV/OHV's and snowmobiles.

Trail Type	User	Width	Accessibility	Surface
Type 1: Fully Shared Use Corridor	Permitted: Accommodates all potential trail users for various seasonal uses. Restricted: None	3.5 - 4.5 metres typical.	Meets accessibility requirements where feasible only.	Granular surface (limestone screenings, granite screenings, granular A)
Type 2: Dedicated Use Corridor	Permitted: Mixed-use, accommodates all user groups, ages, abilities. Restricted:None	Minimum 6.0 metres wide (3.5 minimum for motorized + 0.70	Meets or exceeds minimum requirements for the active use components of the trail corridor.	Non-motorized: Granular or hard surface. Motorized: Granular
Type 3: On-road Connecting Link	Permitted: Focus on motorized uses, but use by pedestrians and cyclists is permitted depending on conditions. Restricted: Dependent on municipal bylaws and conditions.	1.5 metres with increasing width to accommodate shared use in select locations.	No commitment, road takes precedence.	Hard surface (asphalt) or compact granular surface.

ORV/OHV Trails

Trails meant for motorized vehicles manufactured for off-road use, including ATV's, utility vehicles, side by sides and snowmobiles, and may include off-road, two-wheeled motorcycle in locations where appropriate.

Trail Type	User	Width	Accessibility	Surface
Type 1: Explorer Trail	Permitted: All ORV vehicles with a focus on ATV and snowmobiles. Restricted: Active users	2.0 metres - 3.0 metres typically - may depend on the space available.	Maintaining natural heritage values takes precedence over accessibility.	Natural surface. May include granular surface.

For further information on trail classifications, e-mail the Parks and Recreation division or call 705-324-9411 extension 1301.

Trail Difficulties

Trail Difficulty Symbol and Rating	Easy	Intermediate	Difficult	Extreme
General Description	Terrain typically includes gradual to moderate grades. Typically, very few obstacles or off-camber situations. Likely high traffic	Terrain typically, rougher and somewhat steeper. May encounter moderate switchbacks and/or tight corners. May require four-wheel drive and/or winching. Likely high traffic.	Expect steep grades and significant off-camber conditions. May often require four-wheel drive and/or winching. Area may be difficult to pass. Likely moderate traffic.	Expect much steeper grades and major off-camber situations. Requires four-wheel drive and winching. Areas will be most difficult to pass. Likely low traffic. May not be suitable for all machines.
Trail Surface	Typically, hard surface (asphalt). Sometimes, Granular surface (limestone screenings, granite screenings, granular A). Natural surface. May include granular surface. Refer to Trail Classifications.	Granular surface (i.e. limestone screenings). Non-motorized: Granular or hard surface. Motorized: Granular. Refer to Trail Classifications.	Granular or natural surface based on the conditions of the corridor. Hard surface (asphalt) or compact granular surface. Refer to Trail Classifications.	Granular or natural surface based on the conditions of the corridor. Hard surface (asphalt) or compact granular surface. Refer to Trail Classifications.

Trail Difficulty

Symbol and Rating

Easy

Intermediate

Difficult

Extreme

General Description

Terrain typically includes gradual to moderate grades.

Typically, very few obstacles or off-camber situations.

Likely high traffic

Terrain typically, rougher and somewhat steeper.

May encounter moderate switchbacks and/or tight corners.

May require four-wheel drive and/or winching.

Likely high traffic.

Expect steep grades and significant off-camber conditions.

May often require four-wheel drive and/or winching.

Area may be difficult to pass.

Likely moderate traffic.

Expect much steeper grades and major off-camber situations.

Requires four-wheel drive and winching.

Areas will be most difficult to pass.

Likely low traffic.

May not be suitable for all machines.

Trail Surface

Typically, hard surface (asphalt).

Sometimes, Granular surface (limestone screenings, granite screenings, granular A).

Natural surface. May include granular surface.

Refer to Trail Classifications.

Granular surface (i.e. limestone screenings).

Non-motorized: Granular or hard surface.

Motorized: Granular.

Refer to Trail Classifications.

Granular or natural surface based on the conditions of the corridor.

Hard surface (asphalt) or compact granular surface.

Refer to Trail Classifications.

Granular or natural surface based on the conditions of the corridor.

Hard surface (asphalt) or compact granular surface.

Refer to Trail Classifications.

Trail Use Guidelines

Here are some suggestions for using and sharing the region's trails responsibly:

Try to stay on the trail, even if it rough and muddy;
Walking or cycling on the edge of the trail can widen the trail and cause damage and erosion;
Travel single file to avoid widening the trail;
If you are in a group and are not following a marked trail (for example, if you are walking through an open field) try to spread out rather than following in each other's footsteps to reduce environmental impact;
Avoid sensitive vegetation and watch where you put your feet;
Be considerate and honour other's desire for solitude and a peaceful outdoor experience;
Be especially cautious around horses and bikers, stay to the right of the trail and let them pass;
Allow for future use of the outdoors, by leaving it better than you found it;
Carry out what you carry in, don't burn or bury trash;
Respect the environment and other trail users.

City of Kawartha Lakes Trails Master Plan

The City of Kawartha Lakes is a growing municipality made up of several unique communities, including the settlement areas of Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, Omemee and Woodville. These communities are located amidst a rich and diverse natural environment, with over 350 km of trails winding through the towns, and abundant farmland. Kawartha Lakes, in partnership with external partners, has long been a proponent of recreational activities, tourism, and travel through the design and development of trails.

The Trails Master Plan is the result of a process initiated by the City of Kawartha Lakes and supported by CIMA+ The Report has been developed with the intent of serving as the City’s policy support, blueprint, and guide to trail planning, design, implementation, management, and maintenance.

Information contained within this report includes a series of trail recommendations which have been developed, reviewed, and confirmed based on input from City staff, stakeholders, and decision makers. They reflect the strong history of trail planning established by the City as well as reflections on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that need to be addressed over the next 20 years.

Download a copy of the Trails Master Plan (14MB)

For more information on the Trails Master Plan e-mail the Kawartha Lakes Parks and Recreation Division.

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