A 130 km hiking trail from St. Marys to Conestogo in Southwestern Ontario
In the heart of SW Ontario, the Avon Trail traverses approximately 130 km of gently rolling farm land from St. Marys to Conestogo. It is through the generosity of landowners that the trail exists. Please respect this privilege. Abide by the Trail User’s Code.
Avon Trail organizers have added 14 side trails for hiking shorter distances, including a 9.8 km side trail running through Stratford (the Stratford Side Trail).
This linear trail spans the length of the Avon River from the East end at Rd 111 to the West end at Rd 122 in the T.J. Dolan conservation area. If you purchase the latest edition of the Avon Trail Printable Guide, it contains a coloured map of the Stratford Side Trail as well as other side trails. As well, you get the main trail divided into 10 sections. If interested, click HERE for details.
You can keep interactive maps of the Avon Trail’s main trail and side trails. They are free to be downloaded to a mobile device. To get started, click HERE. Once on your phone, no data is used when you access the maps.
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. Thanks to the generosity of more than 90 landowners, 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 ac
cess 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. Out of respect to our Landowners, the Trail is closed in its entirety on December 25.
During the fall season, many of the woodlots along the Trail allow hunting. Check the Trail Alerts button for details of where and when to avoid hiking during hunting season.
Terms of Use
Membership is open to anyone willing to abide by The AvonTrail Terms of Use.
Learn more on our FAQs page.
The Avon Trail provides hiking opportunities led by volunteer leaders. It has the following objectives:
- Stimulate interest in hiking
- Establish and maintain trails for hiking
- Encourage awareness of the natural environment
- Promote the conservation of the environment
The Avon Trail hosts one Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 3rd Tuesday of November. The AGM is generally held in Stratford. Please refer to the Event calendar for the location. Usually posted by July 1st each year.
Canadian Registered Charity with the Canada Revenue Agency: #891197972RR0001