The Lower Trent Trail (Trenton) Review

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THE LOWER TRENT TRAIL REVIEW

We found this one while wandering about The Bleasdell Boulder Trail and became very excited when we found it was 17 kms long. It’s on the berm of an early 20th century railway that follows Hwy # 33 (and the Trent River) between Trenton and Glen Ross. However, like most long trails (e.g. – ORTA, GHTA, TransCanada), there are lovely stretches and … not so lovely stretches. So, we checked out the entire 17 kms, and unfortunately, only liked one length. That was Lock Rd to Bernard Long Rd / McCauley Rd. which is a 5 km return trip.

The parking lot address is 70 Lock rd Trenton Ont, if you wanna just punch that into Google maps. Otherwise, take Hwy # 33 North from the 401 (exit 525) to Lock Rd (one km from the off ramp). The Lock Rd. parking lot is just under 1 km from Hwy 33 on the North (right) side. It’s easy to miss ‘cause the driveway kinda tilts back in the direction you just came from. There’s an information board at the parking lot trailhead. This link will open Google Maps at the parking lot : https://goo.gl/maps/U53pH6dk5gzsFdTCA

This stretch goes right past (with access to) The Bleasdell Boulder CA. This entire trail is an old railway berm so of course, it’s high and dry, and nice and flat with very wide curves. On a trail like this you’d think the view would be to the sides. Which it is.

But don’t spend all your time looking to the sides, as you might run headlong into this guy on the trail ahead.

There are three rest benches on this 2.5 km (one way) stretch. The first two are wooden. One is a simple enough affair, while the other would’ve been charmingly amusing in its day. But I fear it’s day has passed. The third is just past the Bleasdell Boulder access trail under a canopied section of trail beside a lovely bridge over a stream. When we first found this trail from Bleasdell, it was in the Spring and the stream was flowing strongly. When we returned to walk this whole section in August, it was bone dry and silent.

If you brought a trail snack, this bench at the bridge would be a good spot to have it, as Bernard Long Rd (your turn around point), is less than 300 meters further down the trail.

The Lock Rd. to Bernard Long Rd. Take

This 5 km (return trip) trail is flat as a pancake, high and dry, and wide enough for two to walk at the shoulder. It’s gravelled, has a no charge parking lot at the South end, three rest benches, with a lovely bridge and stream beside the furthest one. Its remarkably quiet which surprised me, knowing it’s proximity to roadways and industry. There’s wildlife to be spotted too. As well, it has a short access trail to the Bleasdell Boulder CA and it’s 1.5 km loop trail.

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We continued Northward, walking each section of this trail until we had to admit defeat and conclude that this trail wasn’t going to work for us. From Bernard Long Rd. it’s rarely more than twenty meters from a Hwy, town, or cottage road, and is often within a few meters of someone’s backyard, or the rear of a factory . The further North the trail goes, the less maintained it becomes. There are also parking issues at many of the access points if you wanna break-up the 17 kms. into time manageable segments as we had to.

Don’t get me wrong with this review. I greatly appreciate any attempt to create a trail system. We saw many residential bridges built across the ditches on both sides of this berm trail from the very backyards we walked past. These “residentially close” trails get people out and about. They allow neighbours, who’d otherwise not likely ever meet, to run into each other in a more tranquil setting than a town road, or retail venue. People on a trail are more relaxed. Hence, more open to a friendly smile and a nod of the head, or even a friendly greeting. Walkers and joggers aren’t sucking up automotive exhaust, and families on bicycles have a safe place to ride together. These kinds of trails are a good thing for a community.

However, while I can appreciate these trails, I’m afraid my preferences lean toward more secluded, remote, and quieter trails, and the stretch between Lock Rd. and Bernard Long Rd. is the only segment of this trail which answers that description.

Have a nice walk,

Bushwhacker

Tags: Lower trent, Trail review