Erin Sawmill – Park Trail

Length –   8 km

85% park path
10% hiking trail
5% road crossings, detours

Elevation – Half of the route gradually climbs 60 m, the other half you coast back down.

Terrain – Mainly a paved path, soil/woodchip base, bridges.

Skill – Intermediate

Maps – Map boards, posted directions to many routes.

Traffic – Cyclist, walkers, dogs, strollers

Facilities –  Parking lots, toilets, benches, picnic tables, playgrounds.

Highlights – Natural ravine valley, quiet suburbia

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – 905 615 4311

Website – City of Mississauga

Similar Trails – Morrison Valley,  Upper Etobicoke, 

Local Clubs – Credit Valley Cycling Club,  Mississauga Bicycle Racing Club

Access –  Parking at UofT campus metered lot, The Collegeway east of Mississauga Rd. At the other end try Pheasant Run Park or Dunn Park.

In Mississauga, explore the 8 km  Erin Sawmill Park Trail. An interesting ever-changing bicycle loop I designed because everyone loves loops. They bring you back to your start point when complete.

In 2020 I scouted this out and encounter a few sections being resurfaced by the city. So I waited till now to suggest it as a good, convenient city park ride for those on the west side of Toronto.

This route encompasses a few different trail sections so the name changes and so does the terrain. It flows well between one neighbourhood to the next with few street crossings as most roads have an underpass for cyclists. Hurray!

That said riding it for the first time will require a map to stay on course. There are lots of side trails to keep you guessing. Signs are posted, sometimes but this is not a loop the city has mapped out.

We started from Mississauga Rd. and The Collageway taking the Sawmill Valley Creek trail into the wooded ravine. It is shady as it follows the water on a dirt/woodchip path you need to contend with. This is the more natural, secluded part of the loop.

 As it curves around westward it rises gradually 60 m to street level into more of an open parkland setting by the time you get to…

Read the rest of this review and 59 others in my NEW book, Volume 2 of Best Bicycle Park & Rail Trails in Ontario.