Grand River Country | Trails Take Flight

Cambridge to Paris Rail-Trail - Glen Morris to Paris

Latitude/Longitude: 43° 16' 35" N , 80° 20' 44" W

This is an historic 18 km multi-use linear trail that is part of a larger 77 km system linking Cambridge with Brantford and Hamilton. It is also part of the Trans Canada Trail. The Glen Morris to Paris section is 9 km in length, and is accessible from trail heads with parking lots and exhibit kiosks in both communities. The trail is open all year for hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing.

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Built on the former Lake Erie & Northern rail line, which was once an electric railway, the route is now a very easy trail with hard gravel. In places, low vegetation grows between the two former tracks, but it is generally suitable for wheel-chair use. There are overlooks at several points in the Glen Morris to Paris section, allowing clear views of the Grand River. The spectacular Murray Overlook at km 61 is a decked overlook on historic sandstone bridge piers. The Grand River in this stretch is also suitable for very enjoyable canoeing, and is possibly one of the most traveled stretches of the river.

There are no road crossings on this stretch, and the Grand River is continually on the west side of the trail. At various points the trail is bordered on the east side by small streams, by a number of seeps, and on the west side a number of ephemeral streams draining back down to the river. Both sides of the trail have re-growth Carolinian forest and also small areas of old field community in various stages of succession. Cedar woods occur intermittently.

The trail is occasionally bordered by a narrow strip of wetland in various stages of succession, from wet meadows to treed swamps. There are a variety of plant species such as lady’s slipper, Hill’s oak and pignut hickory.

The trail is a good place for migrating songbirds including warblers in spring and again in August. The locally rare Blue-winged Warbler nest here. Provincially rare Cerulean Warblers have also been sighted. The fall migration is highlighted by the Bald Eagle. Throughout the year the Pileated Woodpecker and Great Horned Owl may be seen. Red-bellied Woodpecker, Wild Turkey, and Osprey are other notables. The open river may offer a view of water birds such as Great Blue Heron, Canada Goose, American Black Duck, Common Merganser and Wood Duck.

In spring and summer, resident birds may include Cooper’s Hawk, Black-billed Cuckoo, Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, House Wren, Yellow Warbler, Northern Waterthrush, Chipping Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, and Baltimore Oriole.

Trail Owner and Manager: Grand River Conservation Authority
Trail Affiliation: Grand Valley Trail
Trail Affiliation: Trans Canada Trail