The Elora Cataract Trailway, while still under development, is already an
excellent ride. The western end, which starts from Elora, has already
been constructed at a cost of $260,000 into a first-class trail for a
distance of about 11 km.** The eastern end has yet to be improved, but
is blessed with a very good natural surface which is a quite good ride as
is. The middle section, unfortunately, will not be a lot of fun until the
funds are found to upgrade it. The total length of 47 km and will be a
superb trail when completed.
** 
: I plan to do a major overhaul of this site, but until I get around to it I provide the
following information. In the west the improved section was extended during 1997 to the
community of Belwood, a further 7 kilometres. In the east the granular surface has been
constructed from 7.5 km west of Erin to the end of the trail at Cataract. I cycled most of this
during the spring of 2002. I have prepared a map, click here
.
During the fall of 2002, the section of the Elora Cataract Trailway between Wellington County Road 26 (Belwood) and the sixth line of the town of Erin (between Hillsburgh and Orton) will be closed for construction. When completed the entire trail will have a fine granular surface. **2006 update** - I have been told by a reader that the entire trail is now complete. Thanks to Brian Michell.
The Village of Elora has
many amenities that draw
visitors, the trailway being
the newest. It starts at the
eastern fringe of the
community where the Grand
River Conservation
Authority has constructed a
parking lot and kiosk. The
trail surface is a stone dust
about 3 metres wide, and
the trail is about as close to
flat as you will find. After
about 2 km the trail enters
the Village of Fergus, which
unfortunately has not as yet
realized the potential of this
former rail line. Signs direct the cyclist along local streets, but it is also possible to follow the
right-of-way through much of the village. Toward the eastern end of the community the trail
becomes less obvious and a detour to the streets is advised. At one point the right-of-way is
elevated and a missing bridge makes it mandatory to follow the local roads.
On the eastern boundary of Fergus the constructed trail
resumes. There are a few road crossings but otherwise it is
continuous to and over the Shand Dam. On the left you will
see Lake Belwood and to your right is the picturesque valley
of the Grand River. The entire area is part of the Belwood
Lake Conservation Area, where there are washrooms and a
host of recreational features such as boating and fishing. As a
cyclist you get to pass through for free, though you are asked
to pay the entrance fee should you wish to stop and use the
amenities.
Past this point the trail has not as yet been improved (**see
update above). I rode it for perhaps 500 metres but found it
unpleasant. The old rail bed is composed of large stones
which are very bumpy. I am told that the trail remains like
this to about the community of Orton, about 15 km.
Jumping to the eastern end of the trail, we find the
community of Cataract. It is named for a waterfall on
the Credit River, located within the Forks of the Credit
Provincial Park. The trail begins within this park and,
although the surface is very crude and perhaps even
dangerous along this short section, it is well worth
seeing. The scenery is wonderful and there are hiking
trails in the park that are worth exploring. Walk your
bike if it is busy along the hiking trails, and some
cyclists may feel more comfortable walking their bikes
along the cycling trail where it skirts the gorge.
Outside the park the trail heads westward along a
narrow but smooth track. It soon gets wider and is a
pleasant ride to Erin. The village centre is about 500
metres to the south, a pleasant village and worth a
visit. The trail continues west of Erin to Hillsburgh,
then on to Orton. While few improvements have been
made along these sections, the cycling is quite good.
Be wary, though, as you will encounter the occasional
rock or puddle or sandy section which could lead to a
spill if you are not watching. It is the Erin section
which will get the next upgrade.
The Cataract/Orton end has more road crossings and is slightly less suitable. The surface should
be good enough for wheelchairs, though likely muddy following rain.
The Belwood/Orton section is presently unsuitable, except perhaps for older children on mountain bikes.
Parking is available at Belwood Lake Conservation Area but you will have to pay.
Other parking areas specifically for the trail have yet to be constructed, but access is available at any crossing street where you can park either on the shoulder or at a nearby parking lot. In Erin, for example, unofficial parking is available where the trail intersects Highway 24, and plans call for a proper lot to be constructed there shortly. Update: this has been constructed, east of the highway, but you can not see it from the highway.
Elora Cataract Trailway Association
Box 99, Fergus, Ontario, N1M 2W7
Tel: 519-843-3650 Fax: 519-843-6907
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