N. Simcoe + Tiny – Rail Trail

Length – 32 + 30 = 52  km

90%  rail trail path
10% road crossings, detours

Elevation – flat grade with a gradual northward climb

Terrain –  crushed stone, gravel, asphalt, gets rough on south end and certain sections, sideroad detour in the middle

Skill – easy, some section are Intermediate rated where it gets “rough and rustic”

Maps – signs at cross roads – North Simcoe Tiny Trail

Traffic – bicycles, hikers, horses, (ATV, dirt bikes on some sections)

Facilities –  parking on street, services in Elmvale, Wyevale, Anten Mills, Penetang.

Highlights – Fort Willow, Mayer’s Marsh,  Minesing Station and Wetlands

Phone – none

Website – Simcoe Country – map

Similar Tails – Oro – Medonte, Victoria South

Local Clubs – Barrie Cycling Club

Access – at cross roads, parking lots at Hwy 26, Flos Rd. 4 W., Hwy 92 Elmvale (halfway point), Concession Rd. 3 E., Concession Rd. 5 E. Wyevale, Main St. & Beck Blvd. in Penetanguishene

This 32 km North Simcoe Rail Trail also includes the 20 km Tiny Rail Trail north to Penetanguishene that was originally route of the North Simcoe Railway.

This route covers scenic farmland, large wetlands and a few historic points.

Some sections are well treed but expect to be out in the sun for sections of this ride. This is a typical rail trail in the area with the south end it appears getting more travel than the north half.

Perhaps because it has some very straight stretches, still being part of the Trans – Canada trail you will see other riders.

Actually above Elmvale it runs straight with  hwy 6 for 12 km then curves gradually to “Penatag” through more quiet wooded areas.

Along the route there are 11 interpretive signs of historical interest to enlighten the traveler in you.

Many old railway bridges are along this trail before you get to the pretty harbour in Penetanguishene.

A rebuilt Fort Willow, on a high point, once housed military supplies for the War of 1812. Minesing Station on Hwy 26 has parking and info.

Elmvale has a few old homes from the time the trains ran.

The trail climbs north to a view of the valley when you get to…

Read the rest of this review in my trail guidebook along with 64 others. Features train history with better maps, elevation graphs and parking locations when you buy the eBook or paperback.