Members only hike. Pre-registration is mandatory.
Oak Ridges Moraine Trail - End-to-End Series #4
As this E2E is starting mid-winter, our route will begin a bit closer to “my” home due to the potential for difficult winter travel. We will hike our way eastward every Monday, excepting holidays and the unforeseen, until we reach both eastern terminus’; Castleton, then Warkworth. After that we will restart from the western terminus in Caledon trekking east again until we reach the end of our journey and where it began in Hollidge Tract.
Due to parking constraints during the winter season especially, this group will be kept very small. Hike distances will be shorter to start, and increase to ~20kms as we hike towards Spring and easier hiking conditions.
ORTA MAP 6: 4.5-5 hrs / 18k+. The first half of this hike will be primarily on natural and forested trails that will lead us through East Duffins Headwaters Skyloft Tract and the northern section of Crow’s Pass Conservation Area, part of Chalk Lake Woods and designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) by the Central Lake Conservation Authority (CLOCA). This will be followed by approximately 10 kilometres of mostly road walking, briefly interrupted by a 1.3-kilometre detour through Rahmani Tract before we return to the road and our destination, Purple Woods Conservation Area.
Preparing for the hike: Dress in weather-appropriate layers and be prepared for wind on the roads. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and lunch. Expect deep snow and easier trails with snowshoes. Please have icers on hand, just in case. Poles are optional but helpful. No dogs or drop-outs.
This is a shuttle hike and will require volunteers for driving to the starting point. Our starting point at East Walker Woods is pay parking. We are permitted to park for free at Purple Woods in the pull-off area, between the two entrance gates by the fence.
Please meet by 08h45 to prepare for our shuttle(s) to the starting point.
Meeting Point: GPS 44.03732, -78.91967 (Purple Woods CA, 38 Coates Rd, E, Oshawa)
Sheila King (905-903-1955 text or call)