Take the Path Less
Traveled
Board of Directors
- President & G2G Representative: Phil Paquette
- Secretary: Monica Hill
- Treasurer: Cathy Paquette
- Membership Coordinator: Rob Ayres
- Trail Maintenance & Landowner Relations: John Beaver
- Trail Ranger Coordinator: Doug Ellacott
- Hike Ontario Representative: Patrick Capper
- Environmental Committee & Newsletter Editor: Cam Whiting
- Google Drive Administrator (Librarian): Janice Collins
- Hike Leader Coordinator: Patrick Capper
- Communications Director: Jennifer Morris
Our Mission
To maintain and develop dedicated and partnership trails in the Maitland Valley for discovery and appreciation of the natural environment.
The MTA, through the development and maintenance of sustainable and vital organizational structures driven by accountability and responsibility, shall strive to adhere to its guiding principles:
- Protecting the natural environment of the Maitland River Valley as it pertains to trail maintenance and development;
- Providing safe and, where possible, accessible, opportunities for physical activity, nature appreciation and recreation for the community;
- Fostering community involvement, partnerships and stewardship.
Love to Hike? Become an MTA Hike Leader!
Do you love exploring the Maitland Trail and enjoy sharing the experience with others? The Maitland Trail Association is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers interested in becoming hike leaders!
You don’t need to be an expert or have years of leadership experience. Hike leaders receive training through Hike Ontario, which offers recognized programs designed to give volunteers the skills and confidence needed to safely lead group hikes.
Training covers practical topics such as hike planning, safety and risk management, leadership, navigation, environmental responsibility and handling situations that may arise on the trail.
Hike Ontario’s introductory Certified Hike Leader course is a one-day program, with some basic prerequisites such as its Safe Hiker Program or equivalent hiking experience.
MTA can help guide interested volunteers through the training requirements and next steps.
Leading a hike is a wonderful way to:
* Share your favourite trails and places
* Meet other people who love being outdoors
* Help introduce new hikers to the Maitland Trail
* Give back to our trail community
* Spend more time outside!
Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Contact MTA to learn more about becoming one of our volunteer hike leaders.
www.maitlandtrail.ca/contact-us/
Learn more about Hike Ontario’s hike leader training and certification programs through Hike Ontario.
hikeontario.com/takeacourse/trainingcourses/
Training Courses - Hike Ontario
hikeontario.com
Learn to hike in a safe and enjoyable manner! Hike Ontario has developed standards and training programs for Hike Leaders that are used by community colleges, universities, hiking clubs and outdoor tr...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🌿 Supporting the Fight Against Invasive Species
The Maitland Trail Association is pleased to share that we have once again received funding from the Invasive Species Action Fund (ISAF) to help cover the cost of removing and controlling invasive buckthorn in the Maitland Woods.
Once work in this area is complete, the project may expand to another section of the trail system, potentially near the G2G Rail Trail and Dunlop Tomb area.
The Invasive Species Action Fund is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. MTA gratefully acknowledges this valuable assistance as we continue the difficult, ongoing work of protecting local habitats and maintaining healthy, resilient trail environments.
Thank you to everyone involved in making this important work possible. 🌱
#maitlandtrail #invasivespecies #buckthornremoval #trailstewardship #habitatrestoration #maitlandwoods #protectourtrails #ontariotrails
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Mindfulness walk tomorrow. Sign up. Your body and brain will thank you.
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🎉 EL CAMINO SOLD OUT! 🎉
Wow.
When we first opened registration, we had no idea just how much excitement there would be for the 2026 El Camino Maitland.
Today, we’re thrilled to announce that registration is officially SOLD OUT! 🥾❤️
To every single person who registered—thank you. You’re about to experience an unforgettable weekend hiking through the beautiful Maitland River Valley with an amazing community of fellow adventurers.
A huge thank you as well to everyone who shared our posts, told their friends, volunteered, and helped spread the word. This event wouldn’t be possible without your support.
Missed out this year?
Don’t miss your chance next time! Join our mailing list and be among the first to hear about future El Camino Maitland events, guided hikes, and other Maitland Trail Association news.
👉 Sign up here:
Maitland Trail Newsletter:https://www.maitlandtrail.ca/newsletter/
Now the fun really begins…
Training. Planning. New friendships. And in September, an incredible journey along one of Ontario’s most beautiful trail systems.
See you on the trail! 🌲🥾
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Literally Only 2 spots left for the El Camino
www.maitlandtrail.ca/event/el-camino-maitland/
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🚨 IT’S NOW OR NEVER. 🚨
Only 6 spots remain. www.maitlandtrail.ca/event/el-camino-maitland/
This is your last opportunity to be part of this year’s El Camino Maitland.
If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to register…
This is it.
In September, 52 kilometres of beautiful trails, stunning river valleys, unforgettable conversations, personal challenge, and incredible accomplishment are waiting.
The only question is…
Will you be there?
You don’t need to be an elite hiker.
You don’t need years of experience.
You just need the willingness to say yes to an adventure you’ll remember for years.
🥾 All experience levels are welcome.
🌲 Support every step of the way.
❤️ An experience unlike any other.
Registration closes July 31… but with only 6 spots left, we fully expect those places to disappear before then.
Don’t let someone else take your spot.
👉 Register today. We’ll see you at the finish line. www.maitlandtrail.ca/event/el-camino-maitland/
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🌿 Maitland Trail Association – August Events 🌿
Here’s what’s coming up this August with MTA!
Come hike, ride, breathe, and enjoy the outdoors with us. 🚶♀️🚴♂️🌲
🚴 Sunday, August 9
MacGregor Point Park Cycle
🕙 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
A mostly beginner ride with a few bumpier sections.
📍 Meet at the park gatehouse
☕ Optional coffee stop after
Register: Donald Andrew – 519-530-9019
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🥾 Saturday, August 15
Morrison Dam & MacNaughton-Morrison Trails Hike*
🕘 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Approx. 8 km with scenic reservoir views.
📍 Morrison Dam Conservation Area, Exeter
🌿 Level 1 | Moderate to brisk pace
Register: Susan Ethelston
📧 susan.ethelston@gmail.com
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🚲 Sunday, August 23
Kincardine Cycle Trails Ride
🕙 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
A lovely ride through trees and along the river and lake.
📍 Bruce Avenue Soccer Complex, Kincardine
⛰ Some hilly sections may be walked
Register: Donald Andrew – 519-530-9019
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🌸 Saturday, August 29
Mindfulness Walk & Forest Therapy
🕚 11:00 a.m.
📍 Millennium Trail, Nelson Street entrance, Goderich
A slow, peaceful walk with time to reflect, connect, and enjoy the river views.
🧘 Level 1 | Slow-paced and meditative
Register:Tanya
📧 redroofrecovery@gmail.com
📱 519-616-3636
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✅ Good to know
* Please pre-register for all events
* Helmets are required for cycling events 🚴
* Please complete your 2026 MTA waiver before attending: www.maitlandtrail.ca/mta-annual-waiver/
#hikethemaitlandtrail #cyclingtours #hikehuroncounty #cyclehuroncounty
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Monthly mindfulness walk last Saturday of every month. All welcome. See details below.
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🗺️ Why carry a trail map?
Whether you’re exploring a favourite section of the Maitland Trail or heading out on a brand-new adventure, having the latest Maitland Trail Guide is one of the best things you can pack.
Our updated guide includes:
🥾 Detailed topographic maps
📍 Trail descriptions and points of interest
🌳 All trails maintained by the Maitland Trail Association
🧭 Information to help you stay on route and get the most from your hike
Trails can change over time, and a current guide helps you hike with confidence while discovering places you might otherwise miss.
Get your trail guide, maps and other hiking resources here:
www.maitlandtrail.ca/trails-maps-guides-and-more/
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Do you have an up to date trail map?
Get yours here: www.maitlandtrail.ca/trails-maps-guides-and-more/
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🚨 ONLY 19 SPOTS LEFT! 🚨
This is where your journey ends…
…under the finish banner, surrounded by new friends, proud of what you’ve accomplished, and already talking about coming back next year.
But first, you have to say yes.
If you’ve been thinking about El Camino Maitland, don’t wait any longer. Registration closes July 31, or sooner if the remaining 19 spots are filled.
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker.
You don’t have to be the fastest.
You don’t have to have hiked 52 km before.
You simply need a willingness to challenge yourself, enjoy the outdoors, and become part of an amazing hiking community.
From first-time long-distance hikers to seasoned trail veterans, everyone shares the same finish line—and the same incredible sense of accomplishment.
🥾 September 19–20, 2026
🌲 52 km over two unforgettable days
❤️ All experience levels welcome
The only people who’ll miss out are the ones who keep saying, “Maybe next year.”
👉 Only 19 spots remain. Register before July 31 and we’ll see you at the finish line! www.maitlandtrail.ca/event/el-camino-maitland/
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UPCOMING EVENTS! Looking for a reason to get outside this July? 🌿
Join the Maitland Trail Association for three great opportunities to explore our beautiful local landscapes. Whether you enjoy a scenic hike, a peaceful mindfulness walk, or a paddling adventure on the Maitland River, there's something for everyone.
🥾 July 12 – River Line to Sharpes Creek Line Hike
🧘 July 25 – Mindfulness Walk & Forest Therapy
🛶 July 26 – Canoeing, Kayaking & Paddleboard Excursion
Visit our events page for full details, registration information, and upcoming events throughout the season:
🌐 www.maitlandtrail.ca/events/
We hope to see you on the trail (or the water) this summer!
#maitlandtrail #hike #paddlethemaitland #mindfulnesswalk #naturehike
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Recognition & Awards
