Headwaters Communities in ActionThe Oak Ridges Moraine Trail
The Oak Ridges Moraine Trail is a hiking trail spanning the Oak Ridges Moraine, a natural feature left behind by glaciers thousands of years ago. Important as a source of many rivers and streams, the Moraine offers recreation in a natural environment, within the GTA.
The trail extends from the Niagara Escarpment in the west to the Northumberland Forest in the east. The Oak Ridges Moraine is a protected land area that is a significant part of the larger provincial Ontario Greenbelt.
| Name | The Oak Ridges Moraine Trail |
| Description | The Oak Ridges Trail is a linear hiking trail that runs more than 160 km east-west along the Oak Ridge Moraine just north of Toronto. There are also about 100 km of side trails that link to the trail. The west end of the trail links to the Bruce Trail. Near the east end it connects with the Ganaraska Trail. ORTA organizes weekly hikes and an annual adventure race. |
| Activities | Hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing |
| Location | Palgrave, Aurora, Burketon, Gores Landing |
| Map | The Oak Ridges Moraine Trail |
| Parking | Yes |
| Trail Head | Various access points (see map) |
| Trail End | Various end points (see map) |
| Distance | 275 km |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate |
| Surfaces | Asphalt, grass/natural, sand, soil –loose, soil – compacted |
| Amenities | The Oak Ridges Trail passes near many communities: Caledon, King, Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Toronto, Markham, Stouffville, Uxbridge, Port Perry, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Peterborough, Lindsay, Port Hope, Cobourg, and Campbellford |
| Landmarks | Woodlands, wetlands and streams |
| Cost | No cost |
| Trail Web Site | Oak Ridges Trail Association |
| Closest Town | The Oak Ridges Trail passes near these communities: Caledon, King, Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Toronto, Markham, Stouffville, Uxbridge, Port Perry, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Peterborough, Lindsay, Port Hope, Cobourg, and Campbellford |
