WHAT MAKES AVON TRAIL SPECIAL FOR STRATFORD?

Now in its 50th year, the Avon Trail remains a significant landmark for Stratford. This rural-urban trail stretches between St. Marys in the west and Conestogo Village in the east, remaining a popular hiking trail thanks to the generosity of over 90 landowners who permit hikers to walk along paths on their properties.

Many trail members and users reside in the Stratford area, along with volunteers who ensure the trails are safe to traverse. Tree branches are trimmed, and trail blazes are refreshed to help hikers stay on the path. Each trail section receives careful attention from its trail monitor during the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. Where needed, grass is trimmed by a team of maintenance volunteers. As you hike along sections of this 130 km trail, you’ll encounter wooden bridges, climbing stiles and boardwalks created and installed by volunteers. 

The idea of the Avon Trail was born in 1975, mainly due to the vision and efforts of the late Dr. Crosby Kirkpatrick and several dedicated volunteers.   By 1976, the trail was complete, joining St. Marys to Conestogo and thereby creating the link that joins the Thames Valley and Grand Valley Trails. The trail runs through scenic farmland and meanders along small rivers and streams. Since it is a continuous long-distance trail, it also follows a few back roads and occasionally a busier route through the small towns in its path.

The main trail is marked at regular intervals by white rectangular blazes. Side trails are marked with blue rectangular blazes. Most access points are marked with the small, 3-inch square diamond sign (pictured).   Motorized vehicles, camping, and fires are prohibited on the trail.

The Trail is open from dawn to dusk.  The Trail is closed in its entirety on December 25 out of respect to our landowners.

During the fall season, many of the woodlots along the Trail allow hunting.  Check the Trail Alerts button on the website for details of where and when to avoid hiking during hunting season

In addition to the 130 km main trail, numerous side trails have been established and maintained over the years, including a 9.8 km trail running through Stratford from Road 122 in the west (in T.J. Dolan) to Road 111 in the east (north of Highway 8).

Every Tuesday morning, trained volunteer leaders lead a 2-hour Ramble hike on a different section of the trail throughout the year. Anyone—members and non-members—can join this hike free of charge. Visitors to Stratford from Michigan or Toronto, in town for the Stratford Festival, have been known to participate in a hike. All participants must agree to the Trail Terms of Use by signing a waiver once a year. This is a great way to become familiar with the trail and meet fellow hiking enthusiasts. Check the Event Calendar on the website for details.