Dundas Valley – Park Trail

Length – 40 km

60% park path
20% dirt single track
20% road

Elevation – flat in the valley with a few quick hills, some steep

Terrain – a mix of old roads and paths – asphalt, gravel, crushed stone

Skill – all levels, some MTB trail

Maps – map at trailhead, signs on trail (some were missing)

Facilities – large parking lot, outhouse, snacks, water, washrooms at train station

Highlights – bridges, sulphur springs, stone mansion ruins, old train station

Trail Fee – free if you ride there, or $10 per car to park

Phone – weekends: 905-627-1233, weekdays: 905-525-2181

Website – Hamilton Conservation Authority

Similar Trails – Morrison Valley, Taylor Creek, Eldred King

Local Clubs – Hamilton Cycling Club

Access – There are many access points. The parking lot where the flag is on the map is a good central point to start. Enter side road into park at around 620? Governors Rd. near Ridgewood.

The Dundas Valley Conservation Area, right at the west end of the lake near Hamilton is a wonderful park with well treed loops.

Here you will find many paths and even a Rail trail that runs through it.

The bicycle paths are wide, mainly crushed gravel with some hilly sections. Some are short yet steep and you might opt to walk up them.

The Main loop circles the park and is a popular ride but yet not too crowded. Expect to see not only bikers but hikers, dogs and even horses.

Also on the loop is the train station and a large abandoned stone farmstead – The Hermitage. A very odd sight to come upon. Covered in ivy, the shell of this once stately home has an interesting history you can read about at the gate.

Signs will keep you on the right track with trail branches leading you out in all directions. There is a lot to ride here besides the Main loop.

Though not all side trails are suitable for the causal Park rider. I found many thinned out to worthy track mountain bikers would appreciate and you may curse.

In the centre of the park is a replica of a Victorian train station, which is by the Hamilton Rail Trail that goes to…

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