Greenway – Park / Rail Trail

Length – 15 km (one way)

90% park path
10% road & detours

Elevation – yup flat as they go as it follows the Otonabee River, a few inclines to get over bridges

Terrain – all asphalt, some gravel, sand at north end

Skill – easy cruising

Maps – posted maps, distance milestone markers on trail

Facilities –  parking on streets, washrooms at Nicholls Oval Parks

Highlights – century homes, Trent University, downtown, old canal and bridges

Trail Fee – free

Phone – 1 855 738 3755

Website – City of Peterborough

Similar Trails – Speed River, Nokiidaa, Ajax Waterfront,

Local Clubs – Peterborough Cycling Club, Northumberland Hills Cycling Club

Access – many spots, lots of parking along Auburn St. (where map flag is)

The Rotary Greenway Trail in Peterborough may be called a Park trail as it does go through a few parks, but this bicycle path was once originally a railway line too.

As such expect the bike path to be rather flat and straight with gradual bends in it. This paved wide park/rail trail is easy and never crowded with lights at busy intersections.

Being central in the city of Peterborough it connects to many other paths and there are a few bridges (former train bridges) to get you over the river into downtown.

As a riverside path, it’s not as scenic a trail as one would hope until you get closer to Lakefield. Trees and backyards of homes can block your view of the Otonabee River, but you can still drop down to it at many spots.

And this old rail line does drift away from the shore at times. There are a few century-old homes along the way, if you look for them.

Helpful distance markers along this path tell you how far you have gone and how far to go. Historic, environmental and ecological signage along the way may interest you.

Those who seek a more challenging trail can find a few stretches of MTB type single track down closer to the river to try.

This trail does continue from here out of Peterborough to Lakefield for another 8 km north along the river by dams, falls and…

Read more of this review in my trail guidebook with better maps, and suggested parking available as an eBook or paperback.