Feel like taking a hike in King?

November 2, 2016 · 0 Comments

This is a great time of year to take a walk or run on the trails in King Township. No bugs.
Those of us who live in or near King City are very fortunate to have the King City Trail and the Oak Ridges Trail close by. Parks and Recreation have been upgrading the King City Trail recently. Last year, they rebuilt three bridges on the trail east of Keele St.
This year, they have been widening the trail path and installing a new system of signposts and maps at the trail entrances as well as along the trail.
If you are interested in a short and quiet walk, try the trail east of Keele St. This trail follows along a tributary of the East Humber River as it meanders through a nice wooded area. This will be ex-tended eastward, past Dennison St. through the C.N. Railway underpass and down to the King Road, just east of the new homes in that area.
The trail on the west side of Keele St., also in the Humber Valley, has seven entrance points along the way. It is most popular for walkers and runners as well as cross country skiing in the winter. Two fawns and an otter were seen in this area last spring. A blue heron and Pileated woodpeckers also frequent this area.
The Oak Ridges Trail is also a place for a pleasant walk, either west of Keele St. to Mary Lake or east to Seneca Lake and beyond both lakes. Please note these are private properties. Please stay on the trail (dogs are no longer allowed on the trail west of Keele). You can walk north of Mary Lake to Pine Farms Orchard, where you may stop for a rest and some food and drink, when they are open.
The Oak Ridges Trail in this area is maintained by a local resident. Ed Millar looks after the trail from Bathurst St. all the way to the junction with the Bruce Trail in the Caledon area. Last spring, Ed received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Township of King and the Oak Ridges Trail Association. A very deserving fellow.
Whichever trail that you choose, be sure to go prepared with proper clothing, boots and water, for the longer hikes. Perhaps a cell phone, also. King City trail guides are available at the K.C. Library.
Enjoy the outing.

Barrie Moir
Member, King City Trails Committee & Oak Ridges Trail Association