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YOU WILL FIND ON THIS PAGE PICTURES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF THE TRAIL ACCESS
POINTS SHOWN IN THE MAP ABOVE
YOU CAN RIGHT CLICK ON ANY PICTURE / MAP AND SAVE IT ON YOUR COMPUTER TO
KEEP OR PRINT IT FOR REFERENCE.
Distances: Total = 9.8 km Paynes Mills to
Lyle Rd. = 2.9 km Lyle Rd. to Horse Farm = 4.1 km Horse Farm to Trestle Bridge = 2.8 km
Terrain: Mostly through wooded areas, some medium difficult
(20 to 30 meters high) hills. The trail runs adjacent to Dodd Creek most of the way, it is clay based thus can be slippery
after rains.
Hikers are reminded that they hike the Elgin Hiking Trail
at their own risk and that the ELGIN HIKING TRAIL CLUB is not responsible for any injuries incurred, death, or loss of way.
Please, read the "red and black on white" signs at the trail access point where you are starting your hike and comply
with the requirements. For your safety and comfort, wear a hat or cap, hiking boots; long
sleeved shirts and long pants and trekking poles are recommended. Bring adequate water and snacks along on
your hike plus insect repellant during the high activity seasons.
For more information than is described here, i.e. fauna, trail details, etc. you can purchase our Guide
Book at $13 for non-members and $10 for members (+ $3 for S&H). See our web page "Membership Application" for
ordering by mail. Guide Books are available also at Novack's on King St. in London or at Mackie's on the beach in
Port Stanley.
The Elgin Hiking Trail as described from North
to South.
There is ample parking in front of the red barn and the trail enters the woods along
the left side of the barn. When you come to the Horse Farm of the family Gill you'l find
that some sections of the hiking trail on Gill's property is also used for horseback riding, so don't
be surprised to meet some horseback riders on you walk there. Caution and important: when passing
through the business section of the horse farm, you will go through numerous gates, please close them ALL behind you!!!
Also, the electrically charged fence wires might be turned ON when you walk along
side of it, do not touch it or you could get a nasty shock.
This part of the trail does have some hills, also the trail is sprinkled with tree roots,
protruding above the ground, which means you have to keep your eyes on the trail ahead before you take any steps. You
are often walking along the banks of Dodd Creek with its many turns and twists.
You will find the entrance of the trail towards the Horse
Farm and Port Stanley at the left hand side of the Red Barn. See pictures at right and below You will go through
several sections of pine forest with the accompanying tree roots above the ground on the trail. So, if you wish to look
around during your walk, please stop first and than look.
The trail access point going north off Lyle road is next to
the bridge over the Dodd Creek. The other access point is about 30 m. to the south-east, next to a big old tree.
PLease stay on the side of the road, facing traffic, when walking this section. See pictures below and below left.
There is ample parking on both shoulders of Lyle Road,
please move as far as possible away from the driven part of the road surface. The big old tree next to the trail access
point is seen in the picture below.
When arriving at Fingal Line below the trestle bridge,
you will emerge from behind the bridge safety barrier next to the hydro pole. (See picture below) Continuing south, cross
the road, turn right and follow the blazes. (See web page above: "Trestle Bridge to Mellor Rd., a Pictorial
View.")
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