Runs
Canadian Trails
For a Loop in Canada’s Trail Capital
April 1, 2011By Karen Principato
The Oak Ridges Loop Trail
Walker Woods
Uxbridge, Ontario
Distance: 12K
In 2009, Uxbridge, Ont. received federal designation by Industry Canada as The Trail Capital of Canada. This wonderful labyrinth of trails is waiting for runners just one hour northeast of Toronto. Poised at the top of the Oak Ridges Moraine at the East Duffins Creek Headwaters, the Uxbridge area is a green oasis with over 220K of trails that wind through forests, meadows, creeks, ponds, historic sites and wetlands.
The area boasts four trail systems: the Trans-Canada Trail, the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail, the Toronto Region Conservation Authority/ Durham Region Trail and the Township of Uxbridge Trail. With a combination of single and double track routes, even the fastest trail runner would not be able to conquer them all in an entire season of weekend visits.
Some of these trails are set in plantation forests planted in the 1920s on property owned by Jim Walker. At the time, there was some doubt about whether these trees would grow in this terrain, but the 56,000 users of these trails in 2010 can attest to the fact that this forest is here to stay. Runners, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and cross-country skiers are all welcome here. Despite the multi-use designation, it’s rare to come across others along many of the routes because there are so many kilometres of trails to choose from. There’s not much worry about getting lost here, as the trails are groomed and well marked. You might find yourself turned around, but soon enough, you’ll find a north-facing, numbered marker post with a map of the entire area to guide you.
The 12K Oak Ridges Loop takes you through meadows, forests and rolling terrain. There are relaxing stretches of double-track and winding single-track to challenge even the fittest runner. Just when you think you cannot tackle any more of those rolling hills, you could find yourself out of the forest and in a meadow with a rough hewn bench there to rest your legs. If you pause long enough to look around, you will be treated to a breath of fresh, clean moraine air and one of the longest views in the region.
Directions:
From Toronto, take the 401 east to Pickering.
Exit at Brock Road North
Turn right onto Albright Road
Slight right onto Concession 6
The parking lot is on your left
Other Trail Options in the Uxbridge area:
Brock Tract
Durham Regional Forest
Glen Major Forest
North Walker Woods
Info and Maps:
Karen Principato is a runner and freelance writer. She lives with her husband and two sons in Claremont, Ont., a neighbouring hamlet of Uxbridge.
