Georgian – Rail Trail

Length –  32 km (one way)

90%  rail trail path
10%  road crossings (some are busy), detours

Elevation –  flat, straight, bridges, shaded woodlots, farm fields

Terrain – wide path, crushed stone, gravel, a little asphalt

Skill – Easy

Traffic – bicycles, hikers, horses, cross-country skiers

Facilities –  parking, outhouses, local services in Collingwood, Thornbury, Meaford

Highlights – Georgian Bay, Thornbury bridge, Craigleith train station

Trail Fee – free

Maps – signpost markings and milestones

Phone – 1 888 227 8667

Website – Georgian Trail , Cycle Simcoe, Georgian Bay Tourism

Similar Trails – Caledon, Hamilton to Bradford, Millennium

Local Clubs – Collingwood Cycling Club (road riders)

Access – Parking by trail at many locations.

The Georgian Rail Trail going from Collingwood through Thornbury to Meaford is one of the more popular bike rides for locals and tourists. This pleasant and easy bike path follows the coast of Georgian Bay.

It offers glimpses of the water, travels through shaded woodlands, marshes and farm fields with the towering Niagara Escarpment as a backdrop.

This trail has a well maintained base of crushed gravel, with little overgrowth. There are plenty of signposts to keep you informed as to how far your destination is.

Collingwood has many bike paths, and taking one of them along the water’s edge will bring you to the back of a mall where the rail trail starts.  

Following the trail through a forested area, this leisurely bike ride is a favorite for local families and bike cruisers. The distance to Thornbury (the next town) is 19 km one way.

Near Craigleith, note the old train station that once brought vacationers in from the city. Also a good area to…

Read the rest of this review in my trail guidebook, with better maps, parking suggestions & train history when you buy the eBook or paperback.