Riverside – Park Trail

Length – 8 + 4 = 12 km (one way)

85% park path
15% road, crossings, detours

Elevation – Flat following the water’s edge, with short climbs over/under bridges.

Terrain – Almost all paved, with some gravel sections.

Skill – Easy cruising

Maps – Map boards, a few trail markers; just follow the centre line.

Traffic – Not busy, typical park path users: walkers, joggers, and cyclists.

Facilities – Include parking, toilets, benches, picnic tables, gazebos, and local pubs nearby.

Highlights – Moira River, historic buildings, waterfront parks, gazebos, marina, Bay of Quinte.

Trail Fee – Free

Phone – None

Website – Belleville on Bikes, Great Lake Waterfront Trail

Similar Trails – Grand River, Speed River

Local Clubs – Nothing local,  Northumberland Hills Cycling Club

Access – At the North end just below Hwy 401, parking is west side of the Moira River at the north point of North Park St., in Riverside Park.

The South end at the lakeside, has free parking at the east side marina Jane Forrester Park, located at the bottom of South Front St., or go to the west side in Zwicks Park.

On the shores of the Bay of Quinte, I found last year 12 km of leisurely bike paths in the city of Belleville. Just off Hwy 401 in eastern Ontario, this bike route runs down the Moira River to the harbour and beyond.

These easy and well maintained park paths consist of 4 sections. There is on the north end right off the Hwy, Riverside Park, with Zwicks Park on the south west side of the mouth of the river, and the Bayshore trail on the east side. Connecting the three park areas is the Parrott Riverfront Trail running up along the river.

The city of Belleville is trying to promote cycling and has made connections with these snippets of trail to make this a safe and idyllic journey with varying scenery.

I did not see tons of signage but a look at a map would remove any confusion, and by just following the center line we never felt lost.

A likely start to your ride would be at the north end coming off the highway at Riverside Park. Here you can leave your car and do a few loops in the park before heading down the path to the bay.

Take note of the Quinte Mall just west of the park to find lunch on your return perhaps.

On your way down there is “pirate ship” playground to amuse your kids. The trail splits briefly to fine gravel by the river’s edge or the asphalt path by the street.

As you make your way down, numerous dams and concrete barriers in the river tells one the Moira River must have a long history of…

Read the rest of this review and 59 others in my NEW book, Volume 2 of Best Bicycle Park & Rail Trails in Ontario.