Cambridge Paris – Rail Trail

Length – 18 km (one way)

98% rail trail path
2% road crossings, detours

Elevation – Flat with a very gradual 30 m slope south 

Terrain – fine crushed stone, cut grass

Skill – Easy

Maps – Mapboards at trailheads, signage on the route

Traffic – Bicycles, hikers, joggers, X-country skiers

Facilities – Three main parking, toilets (in Glen Morris), benches, amenities in Paris or Cambridge.

Highlights – Ruins of mill and bridge, shaded woodlots, quite 

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – 519 621 2761

Website – Grand River Conservation Authority

Similar Trails – Grand River, LE & N, Hamilton Brantford RT

Local Clubs – Waterloo Cycling Club

Access – Parking lots at three locations:

• Cambridge: Water Street South (Hwy 24) 
• Glen Morris: End of Forbes Street by the river canoe launch 
• Paris: Willow Street at the north end of Paris 

History – (I no longer include train history in my free reviews. Only to be found in my published books.)

The Cambridge to Paris Rail trail follows the Grand River between the two cities of the same names. An enjoyable and popular bicycle ride that takes you along the east bank of the river for 18 km.

This abandoned rail line opened in 1994 repurposed as one of the first Rail trails in Ontario. You can start at either end or at the middle parking lot in the village of Glen Morris. 

The finely crushed gravel path is firm after many years of use. I saw no puddles though sections had grass growing down the middle, turning it into a double track. It was evident that a maintenance crew had mowed the grass shoulders and cut the brush back.

An assortment of signage was posted on the trail, some so old and sun bleached they were just white placards. Not that you need signs, the right path is evident. 

A very popular trail that has a long history of use by many cyclists, hikers and joggers. And was it ever busy last weekend, the parking lots were overflowing with cars. An odd but pleasant sight for Rail trail use; no worries, there is always plenty of space for everyone to ride.

There are not that many lookouts to view the river and sit on a bench as this old rail line moves inland a number of times. I saw two interesting landmarks…

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