County_trails

Jeff Green | Jun 01, 2006

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County Trails open

On May 24, the County of Lennox & Addington held the official opening of Ontario ’s newest recreational trail network: County Trails.

County Trails is a multi-use fitness trail network that encompasses 12 trails & nearly 600 kms of circular routes that allow travelers to arrive back at the beginning without having to retrace their steps. Three of the trails loop through Central & North Frontenac, & Addington Highlands , & two of those are the longest trails in the system.

The Buckshot Lake Trail is 102 km long and is the most challenging of the trails. It takes you through Bon Echo Provincial Park , and past Myers Cave , Plevna, Vennachar and Cloyne.

The Sheffield Trail is 78 km long and is also a challenging trail. It is considered the transition trail and goes from farmland to the Canadian Shield . The trail loops around Erinsville, Tamworth, Arden and Kaladar.

The Flinton Road Trail is 37 km long and is of moderate difficulty. The northern & western portions of this trail are on the Bridgewater Road . The southern & eastern portions are on the Old Flinton Road . Both roads are well traveled but may be best suited for mountain biking.

The County Trails concept was recommended in the County of Lennox & Addington’s 2001 Master Transportation Plan. County Council has been committed to the initiative & has recognized the importance of the trails in promoting recreation & fitness and as a product to improve tourism in Lennox & Addington & neighbouring municipalities.

The opening festivities of County Trails will continue on June 11 at 10am with a Grand Opening Tour de Hay Bay Ride. Cyclists of all levels & ages will have the opportunity to be the first to ride the Hay Bay Trail (Trail E). This free event will offer a 15km, 25km or 44km leisurely ride along the shores of the Napanee River , Bay of Quinte & Hay Bay, beginning at Conservation Park in Napanee.

Trail brochures are available at the Land o’ Lakes Tourist Association office in Kaladar, township offices and other locations. For more information visit www.countytrails.com or call 1-800-840-4445.

Photo: MPP Leona Dombrowsky, Lennox & Addington County Warden Doug Bearance, Napanee Mayor Gord Schermerhorn, Addington Highlands Reeve Ken Hook, & Doug Sexsmith, Chairman of PELA CFDC, were all in attendance at Conservation Park in Napanee to launch County Trails.