Trail Use Suggestions

The trail restoration efforts that are currently underway at GPWA are rooted in the following principles:

1. Leave no trace.
2. Ecologically sensitive trail design:
1. Stay on the trails: Trails in this area were developed by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Trail design seeks to disturb the natural habitat as little as possible. We hope that trail users will respect and use the established trails. The property shares a boundary with Route 401; as such we want to ensure that wildlife has adequate refuge away from the highway. Traveling off trails and establishing new trails that are not part of the current system may disrupt migration patterns of wildlife, damage plants, or increase erosion.
3. Ecologically sensitive trail use. (wildlife, environment, etc.)
1. Wet conditions: When trails are wet, they are more susceptible to erosion. The GPWA trails wind through a Canadian Shield landscape where shallow soils have particularly poor drainage. The long term health of trails depends on people using trails responsibly and allowing them to dry (or freeze!) adequately after rain and snow. We hope that people will be mindful of this for the benefit of all.
2. Respect the wildlife
4. Maintaining trails for multiple uses.
1. Dog Owners: We love dogs, but we don’t love stepping in or riding through dog poop. Please clean up after your dog (even in the snow) and take your waste with you. Please also be mindful of your dog around wildlife. We want to mindful of the natural habitat and discourage dogs from chasing or herding animals. There area is also home to plenty of porcupines - so if you have a mischievous companion, it may be best to keep them leashed. Finally, please be mindful that dogs that the area is used by a wide range of people with varied interests. If you think others may find your dog intimidating or may interfere with other's enjoyment of the Area, we hope that you will consider using a leash.
2. Mountain bikers: we encourage riders to follow the International Mountain Bike Association’s Rules of the Trail. While some of those principles are listed elsewhere on this list, specific suggestions for cyclists include yielding to other non-motorized trail users.
3. ATV and other motorized vehicle users: We hope that motorized trail users will stick to the trails designated for motorized use and will yield to non-motorized folks.
4. Hunters: Hunting is permitted at GAWP by the Ministry of Natural Resources. We hope that hunters will follow the Leave No Trace principle by collecting their shells, and we encourage all trail users to inform themselves about hunting season dates and to wear highly visible colours.

GPWA is publicly accessible land; as such, we can only suggest these principles among those who choose to visit the Area. We believe that mindfulness and consideration for other trail users will go a long way. Finally, If you use these trails, we invite you to come help out with our trail maintenance efforts!

The Ministry of Natural Resources' Free Use Policy (applicable to GPWA) can be found here.