Oro – Medonte – Rail Trail

Length – 28 km (one way)

90%  rail trail path
10% road crossings

Elevation – flat, follows the Lake Simcoe shoreline

Terrain –  wide path, crushed stone, some loose, gravel, bridges

Skill – easy

Maps – signs at most crossroads

Traffic – bicycles, hikers, horses, snowmobiles, nordic skiing

Facilities –  parking on streets and lots marked on map

Highlights – historical signage on path, marshland, farms

Phone – none

Website – Lake Country Oro

Similar Trails – Victoria South,   Millennium, Kissing Bridge

Local Clubs – Barrie Cycling Club,

Access – any cross-road and parking lots at Line 15 South,  2 Line S. (Shanty Bay Rd.),  15th Line

History – A Canadian National line built in 1870, closed by 1996. Hawkstone was a rail centre with stockyards and a water tower.

This moved the town from the shore and boat commerce to inland train traffic. Area history

This Simcoe County Rail trail is an easy, quiet ride with little traffic. There are two parking lots for this trail at each end, plus you can park on most crossroads to the path.

Scenery changes from treed sections to open marshes with creeks and a few bridges. The Oro – Medonte is a very straight trail with crushed gravel and good enough for a hybrid bike.

Road traffic is light but do take care when crossing every road. Though this rail bed runs parallel to Lake Simcoe you will not see it much of it until you get close to Orillia.

Take any side road south and they will lead you to the shore. You can make a great loop of this trail by going back on Ridge Rd. E. which has few cars and is more picturesque.

Not an awesome trail but certainly well maintained and long enough to get some easy exercise. Very suitable for a family outing.

To add interest the county has added numerous historical signs along the path to get riders to stop and take in the history. It’s a nice effect if you’re into the history part.

Not very many spots to refresh and buy food or find shelter as you pass by the communities of Shanty Bay, Oro Station and Hawkestone, so be self-reliant and pack wisely.

Need some more riding? Going along the Barrie waterfront is very nice or on the other end  down Line 14 South and loop around Eight Mile Point (which is not 8 miles long??) to see the lake.

And to Orillia other cycling paths can be found. Two rail trails  lead out of town. (soon to be reviewed)