G2G Series - Brussels Line to MacDonald Line

Section from Walton to first side road

G2G Trail from at Brussels Line looking to Macdonald Line

OVERALL CONDITION

This section of the trail has been our favourite so far. It is well lined with trees, offering lots of shade. The foliage is also thick on both sides of the trail offering peace and quiet from the traffic of the highway and the parallel road Walton Line. One of the first things Jeff said about this section was that he imagined this is what the roads were like during Medieval Times. I think this section offered a Provincial Park feel. Clean, well maintained, private, yet wild and tree covered. There is a variety of landscape on this section of the trail. I enjoyed the deep valleys that were on either side of us. In about the middle of the trail, there is a small view of a Quarry pond (more on this later), and rocks and trees. The terrain is flat and well maintained. You cannot see much of the farms on either side of the trail. The above photo was taken right at the start of the trail in Walton, where there is a Grain Elevator.

G2G looking from Brussels Line to MacDonald Line

G2G looking from MacDonald Line to Brussels Line

TRAFFIC

This has been the best section for road traffic we have seen in a while. Which we admit was very welcomed! Other than getting onto the trail in Walton you cannot see or hear traffic from the road on the trail. Foot/bike traffic was pretty busy. As usual we were the only hikers, however we did get passed by several large groups of bikers. Of course everyone was courteous and followed the basic road rules. We walked single file to let everyone pass on the left (same as you would if driving). When we are hiking we pay attention to our surroundings, including what is behind us. Bikers obviously can come up fast so we like to keep an eye out for them. Of course bikers, should announce themselves. Every once in a while you will get a biker who rings their bell (very appreciated as a hiker with a stroller and dog) or shouts "on your left" as they pass.

Trees on hill on the side of the G2G

Jovie enjoying the view

PARKING

To hike this section you can park in Walton at the parking lot. This is the same parking lot you can use to hike the McCall Line to Brussels Line section.

This section looked like it could have been Northern Ontario

FUN FACT

This section of the trail has a delightful side trail that we recommend you check out. We did take our stroller on the side trail, however I would not call it stroller friendly.

Welcome to REA Memorial Forest

You can sort of see from the above image of the sign what the side trail map says. You can enter and exit off of the G2G in this section. However, there is also a parking lot for this side trail (the REA trail) so you could park there hike the side trail then jump on the G2G. The side trail is a typical hiking trail. Rough terrain, completely in the bush. Like I said I would not call it stroller friendly or even bike friendly unless you were on a mountain bike.

Jeff and Jovie hiking the side trail

The side trip is so worth it though! Just look at what we were blessed with at the end...

Quarry views through the trees

Of course we had to take a #selfie

Rest area off the G2G at the start/end of the side trail

Finding this side trail is what keeps us going. We have lived in this area our whole lives and we never would have found this piece of beauty and adventure if we didn't get ourselves outside. Taking the trip/adventure/drive/hike, etc. is always worth it! You never know when you will find something new, in your own backyard!

Adventure is out there!