Cambridge - Paris Rail Trail

The Cambridge-Paris rail trail is an excellent half-day ride. With a length of 19 km the seasoned cyclist should be able to ride from one end to the other in an hour to hour and a half, have a refreshment in either Paris or Cambridge, and cycle back for lunch or dinner.

The Trail

I started my ride at the Cambridge end and my initial reaction was that the ride was going to be a little boring. It is mostly lined with trees, set well back from the trail, and there wasn't much to see but the trees. It passes a few industries and the sounds of nearby Highway 24 disturb the tranquillity. The trail itself has a bit more loose gravel than I would like, but it presented no problem to my road bike.

After a few kilometres the highway noise disappeared and glimpses of the Grand River appeared. The track was really quite easy to ride and I found myself making excellent time. Kilometre markers measure one's progress and benches are placed along the route in case you want to rest. The trail is well maintained.

Though the trail is shorter than most, and unspectacular, it is never-the-less a very pleasant one. It is well maintained, easy to find, and convenient to major highways.

At the Paris end the trail terminates with a parking area and kiosk, but now the journey can continue to Brantford along the S. C. Johnson trail. It is now possible to cycle from Cambridge to West Hamilton with only about three kilometres of highway detour, and by late 1999 or perhaps 2000 even that detour should be gone.

Accessibility for Wheelchairs and Suitability for Children

At the Cambridge end there are a few driveways and one or two roads to cross, but they shouldn't be a major hazard to children. They are marked with signs. Older children should be instructed to stop before crossing and younger children should not be allowed to cross until an adult can accompany them.

The loose gravel may present some difficulties for wheelchairs. The Paris end is the best half for both children and wheelchairs.

How to Find

At the Cambridge end, head south on Highway 24, Water Street. Shortly after leaving the downtown the GTO gas bar is on the right. The parking area is the first driveway past the gas bar. There is a kiosk at this parking area with a map and some history.

At the Paris end the parking area is beside East River Road (County Road 14). It is located to the northeast of the town. There are a third parking area and kiosk at Glen Morris, along Road 14, at about the midpoint of the trail.

History

The rail trail follows the right-of-way of the Lake Erie and Northern, which was one of the last electric interurban railways to be built in Ontario. Interurbans were similar to streetcars but ran between towns, villages and cities, on their own right-of-way, whereas streetcars are public transportation along municipal roads. Freight could also be hauled along the interurban lines, and many of the cars had both passenger and baggage sections. Ontario used to have many interurban lines, and they were also common in other parts of North America. For further information visit the Lake Erie & Northern Railway site maintained by W. E. Miller..

For a map of the trail and information about the S. C. Johnson Trail and Gordon Glaves Memorial Pathway through Brantford, click on the image at right.

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Last Updated July 25, 2003 by Ken Brown