By Stacie Quinn
On Friday, Feb. 1 a group of second-year tourism and travel students and several of their teachers from Cambrian College headed out to the Hillfield Trail in the Former Town of Walden.
 |
It was decided that, as part of their eco-tourism class, this experience could really teach the students the joys of the outdoors and how precious natures splendors really are. So they set out at the one end of the Hillfield Trail and made their way to Fielding Park. It was a pleasure for me just to get out on the trail, and I was happy to share the experience with others.
As the newest segment of the Trans Canada Trail in the Sudbury District, the starting point for the Hillfield Trail is at the west end of the Kinsmen Sports Complex. A Trail Head sign marks the beginning of the trail. With its many bridge crossings and steep terrain, it is one of the most challenging Trans Canada Trail segments in the Sudbury District.
The Hillfield Trail is also one of the most scenic trails in the area, passing beside a number of rapids and swifts on Junction Creek, through stands of white spruce, cedar and white birch, along boardwalks rising out of bulrushes and through a beautiful wooded ravine.
Some of the spots can be tricky and slippery at times so be careful. My boss tells me he's been out on the Hillfield Trail with his family and dog and has fallen flat on his back a few times now. This, I think would even be an embarrassment to his dog.
Located in the Walden area, turn at Hillcrest Drive and follow Hillcrest to Mikkola Street. Turn left at Mikkola and it will lead down to the parking area at the Kinsmen Sports Complex. At the far end of the parking lot the trail begins. This is a wonderful spot for walkers, bikers, cross-country skiers and snow shoers.
Trail News: Rainbow Routes Association, the local Trans Canada Trail group will be hosting a Trail Day event Sunday, April 21, at Fielding Park and all the names of our wonderful donors will be displayed on the Trans Canada Trail Pavilion. We also have an up coming walk-a-thon in partnership with the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee June 1. This fundraiser will be held at the segment of Trans Canada Trail running along Junction Creek and adjacent to Notre Dame Avenue in the downtown Sudbury corridor. Rainbow Routes Association is looking forward to starting trail development this summer. We are in the planning stages of extending our downtown trail running along Notre Dame to in behind Revenue Canada as well as focusing on other trail development. We are also in the planning stages of building a bridge crossing the Vermilion River. This will provide a safe crossing for pedestrians.
Rainbow Routes Association is always looking for members and volunteers to join our crew. If you are interested in becoming involved, contact me at 705-674-4455 ext. 4613.
