Grand River – Park Trail

Length – 20 km loop

60% park path
30% double track
10% road crossings, detours

Elevation – flat along dikes and floodplains, a few short hills, bridges

Terrain – paved with rough patches, gravel base paths, bridges

Skill – easy

Maps – map boards, trail markers

Facilities – parking lots, toilets, benches, picnic tables, rain shelter, eat and lodging close by

Highlights – Grand River, dams, old rail bridges, treed paths

Trail Fee – free

Phone – 519 759 4150

Website – City of Brantford

Similar Trails – Thames Valley, Speed River, Greenway

Local Clubs –   Brant Cycling Club

Access –  Parking at many park lots on the loop – Suggested start point Mt. Pleasant St. and Gilkison St.  also D’Aubigny Park at Spalding Dr.,  Glenhyrst Gardens 

Here is an enjoyable 20 km Park Trail loop in Brantford that follows the Grand River up one side and back down the other. Part city parkland, part repurposed old rail lines, it makes for a pleasant path to cycle.

With no single long intercity park path in Brantford, here is a combined loop. Though the path’s names change a few times, there are plenty of maps and signposts to guide you around and back.

With only a few climbs, it is fairly flat riding and easy to do. The scenery is a mix of parks, woodlots, old rail beds and floodplains with glimpses of the river over your shoulder. You will be riding on top of dikes that keep the city dry when there are spring floods.

Part of this ride crosses over the Grand River on two old bridges; the north one is very long with great views of canoes and fishing boats in the river.

I noted that some of the path’s asphalt surface needed repair and was a rough ride. Though most of it is paved, there are sections with smooth dirt and crushed gravel in between.

To do the loop I counted three road detours that were straightforward connections.

If you look on a map, your start points are numerous. I found the parking at…

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