Whether you walk, run, bike or use some other form of locomotion, the public trails in the Bay of Quinte region offer a wealth of natural experiences. Opportunities abound for leisurely walks, challenging mountain bike rides and interesting nature hikes. There are 23 conservation areas, 3 provincial parks, and winding municipal and rail bed trails to connect you with multiple communities, all within an hour of your own back yard!
The Millennium Trail in Prince Edward County is a former railway that’s been converted into a multipurpose trail. You’ll pass by farmers’ fields, forests and creeks, not to mention marshes that are teeming with wildlife like frogs, turtles, beavers, and birds. It is a great spot to take the dog for a long walk or just to get out and enjoy nature for a while. The trail system serves as a County wide recreational facility for local residents, visitors and to provide access for farm vehicles by adjacent land owners.
Originally trains moved produce to and from County canning factories. Today the rail bed trail travels through the grounds of a number of wineries: it’s great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the quiet winters when many wineries are still open for business, and is well-groomed for walking and cycling during the warm spring and summer. The 49 kilometres of trail starts in Carrying Place and winds through the County to Picton with various vistas and natural landscapes. The Trail is accessible at several locations throughout the County with specific hiking points in Picton, Wellington, Bloomfield and Consecon. The trail is well-situated to stop for lunch at one of these communities during your hike.
The City of Belleville boasts two very popular trails: among others, the Belleville Waterfront Trail and the Riverside Park Trail offer something for all ages. The Waterfront Trail begins at Wallbridge-Loyalist Road and continues to East Bayshore Park. From Wallbridge-Loyalist, cyclists can leave this trail and continue east along Highway 2 toward Deseronto passing Shannonville and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. A significant part of the trail is paved and wheelchair accessible. Stop at a playground for the little ones, get a snack along the way, drop a fishing line in the Bay of Quinte or visit the turtle pond.
The Loyalist Waterfront Trail encompasses about 40 kilometres of Waterfront Trail along the Loyalist Parkway through the Greater Napanee and Loyalist areas. Visitors can cycle though this stretch through charming farmland and heritage villages while taking in the vistas of Lake Ontario. Spend some extra time at a festival or one of many weekend family activities held at different locations throughout the summer.
The City of Quinte West is the gateway to the Trent Severn Waterway, as well as being the hub of new manmade waterways like the Murray Canal. Quinte West has reclaimed what was once riverfront parking lots and has created a well-lit and rejuvenated Quinte West section of the Waterfront Trail. It is used today by fishermen along the Trent River, for summertime outdoor concerts at RiverFront Square, and other impromptu gatherings of friends and musicians.
The Hastings County portion of the Trans Canada Trail runs for 64km from Hungerford in the east to Hoard’s Station in the west. Primarily flat, the Hastings Heritage section of trail is suitable for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, snowshoeing and, when winter is over, hiking/walking and cycling. Travel through small towns like Tweed, a supply centre for the farming community. Passing through farms and over rivers, the Hastings Heritage Rail Trail is a great way to avoid the steep hills often found in Northumberland and Hastings Counties.
