Trails

Trails

Midland’s trail system supports a variety of recreational uses throughout the year, with seasonal adjustments for safety, maintenance, and winter operations. Please help keep our trails enjoyable for everyone by leashing pets, not littering, and showing respect to all trail users.

The County of Simcoe owns and manages more than 150 different forest​​​​ properties spanning over 33,000 acres. Many of these properties have public recreation trails established and maintained by volunteers with over 720km of trails.

Did you know? 

The Town is developing a Parks, Trails & Recreation Master Plan to assist with budgeting and work plans for recreation facilities, parks, trails, program delivery, and how these services are delivered to the community. Provide your input by April 30!

Trailhead Signage Project | Spring 2026

Signage was requested by Midland’s Active Transportation Committee to assist users travelling the Waterfront Trail. Through the Town’s capital budget and funding from Simcoe County's Trails Connecting Communities Program and the Trans Canada Trail Catalyst Fund, the Town is installing 18 signs along the trail. These signs follow Regional Tourism Organization 7 guidelines, which standardize signage across the region.

Excavation work and concrete base pours are happening in April; sign placement is happening in May. For any questions about the project, please contact Quinton Kenney, project administrator, at qkenney@midland.ca or (705) 526-4274 x2407.

Spring–Fall Trail Maintenance

From April 15 – November 15, Midland parks and all sections of recreational trails are actively maintained and open for use. During this period, users may encounter scheduled maintenance, vegetation management, and surface repairs as part of regular seasonal upkeep. View the trails map.

  • The Midland Rotary Waterfront Trail offers over 8km of scenic trail with easy access to downtown, the harbour, parks, and attractions. Informative plaques highlight Midland’s maritime and industrial heritage.
  • The Little Lake Park Trail is a 1.8km trail perfect for picnics and activities like beach volleyball, swimming, and disc golf. Home to the Huron Ouendat Indian Village and Huronia Museum. The
  • The Mid/Pen Trail provides nearly 2km of paved trail through a scenic forest, connecting onward to the Penetanguishene Trail.

Spring–Fall Trail Safety & Essentials

General Safety Tips

  • Stay on marked trails and follow posted signs.
  • Be aware of your surroundings watch for cyclists, runners, and wildlife.
  • Avoid using headphones or keep volume low so you can hear others.
  • Check the weather before heading out and avoid trails during storms or poor visibility.
  • If going alone, let someone know your route and expected return time.

 

Must-Have Trail Essentials

  • Water - Stay hydrated.
  • Snacks - Quick energy boosts.
  • Phone - Fully charged.
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
  • First Aid - Small basic kit.
  • Footwear - Comfortable, good grip.
  • Bug Protection -  Insect repellent.
  • Layers - Light jacket or extra layer.

Winter Trail Maintenance

From November 1 to April 15, weather dependent, designated trail sections are groomed for snowmobile use under agreement with the Georgian Bay Snow Riders Club (GBSR). Other non‑motorized uses may continue within these sections, except where the Town posts temporary closures for safety reasons. Trail users should be aware of increased snowmobile activity and follow all signage and barricades. All other trails within Midland are closed as they are not maintained.

Between November 15 and April 15, The Georgian Bay Snow Riders Club is responsible for:

  • grooming and maintaining the winter trail.
  • clearing fallen trees.
  • installing and maintaining trail signage.
  • reporting any trail deficiencies to the Town within 48 hours.
  • repairing or replacing Town property damaged by snowmobile use.

Throughout the winter, the Town of Midland:

  • maintains and inspects the Highway 12 bridge structure.
  • coordinates any major repairs required on the designated trail sections under agreement with the GBSR, with shared cost contributions from the GBSR.
  • may adjust or relocate trail routes as needed.

Trail or bridge access may be closed by the Town or the Ministry of Transportation at any time for maintenance, safety concerns, or weather/environmental conditions.

GBSR works with local law enforcement to support enforcement of snowmobile laws. All snowmobilers must comply with the Motorized Snow Vehicles Act, Trespass to Property Act, and Occupiers Liability Act. Trail signage follows OFSC standards. The trail remains an open, multi‑use pathway; snowmobilers must share the space responsibly.