Rail Trail | Township of Oro-Medonte

Lake Country Oro-Medonte Rail Trail

The Lake Country Oro-Medonte Rail Trail is a 28km recreational trail running the entire length of the township. The Rail Trail connects Barrie and Orillia as well as completing the southern border of the Simcoe County Loop Trail. The Lake Country Oro-Medonte Rail Trail is open year-round for 4 seasons of recreation. COMING SOON: New Rail Trail Signs - The Township is grateful to all of our partners for their support in this project including Orillia & Lake Country Tourism, Simcoe County Trails Connecting Communities Fund, & RTO7 (BruceGreySimcoe).

Rail Trail Story Map

Hover your cursor over the Rail Trail Story Map to scroll through and learn more!

Maps

Map PDF Cycle Simcoe

Parking

Street parking is available at select locations, but it is recommended to park in one of the four available parking lots located along lines 1, 2, 7, and 15. These are larger lots which will provide ample parking for users. Click on the yellow buttons below to open directions to the parking space in Google Maps.

Line 1 Line 2 Line 7 Line 15

Recreation

The Lake Country Oro-Medonte Rail Trail has something to offer for every season. During the summer and spring, the trail is the perfect place for observing nature in its natural habitat. Take in the landscape and wildlife from your bike or on foot. During the winter months, the trail is perfect for cross country skiing or snowshoeing. The Rail Trail is also maintained and used as a snowmobile trail during the winter. No matter the season, the Rail Trail is fun for all.

Safety

In the case of an emergency, you should describe your location on the trail in relativity to the closest line crossing (ex. “I'm located on the rail trail between line 2 and line 3"). Wayfinding signs are located at road crossings to aid you in location.

While traveling the Rail Trail, users should be aware of noxious weeds. Users should avoid coming into contact with poison ivy and giant hogweed. If spotted, please report the location to the Township so that proper removal can be conducted. Remember to keep to the path in order to limit the possibility of encountering noxious weeds.

Nature

The Lake Country Oro-Medonte Rail Trail gives users the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful natural habitats of Oro-Medonte. Along the entire trail users can view an abundance of wildlife. From the osprey nests near Line 15, to the Beaver ponds of the Carthew Bay Nature Reserve, there is no shortage of animals to view in their natural habitat. Herons, deer, owls, foxes and more can all possibly be seen while exploring the trail. The Rail Trail has something for everyone looking to reconnect with nature.

History

The Lake Country Oro-Medonte Rail Trail was a significant historical connective rail route for the development of community hamlets within the Township of Oro-Medonte for over 150 years.

The rail line was officially opened on December 8, 1871, as the Toronto Simcoe and Muskoka Railway. The 32 miles in length skirts the northern shore of Lake Simcoe to support the travel of persons and industry between the landmark rail stations.

The development of the rail routes provided for advancements to the communities such as the mail delivery, telegraph services, travel, and community growth. As vehicular travel sophisticated over the 1900's, the reliance on rail travel decreased. Most rail routes were decommissioned in the 1960s with the final mail trains leaving Shanty Bay on June 22, 1963.

Today the route has been overhauled with flat crushed gravels providing for a beautiful route to walk, bike and explore between the urban locations. Historic plaques mark the rail stations providing the historical value of its route to its many users.

Simcoe County Loop Trail

The Lake Country Oro-Medonte Rail Trail is a part of the 160-kilometer loop known as the Simcoe County Loop Trail. This trail travels through nine municipalities and reaches three major bodies of water. The route is flat, scenic, and can be enjoyed as a multi-day tour. CycleSimcoe.ca has maps and itineraries available for explorers looking to traverse the loop.

Simcoe County Loop Trail | Cycle Simcoe