Exploring Huron County on the G2G Rail Trail

The Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail (known as the G2G) has been steadily growing in popularity since the entire length of the trail was interconnected and opened in 2015. Maintained and managed by the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail organization, the full 132km trail from Goderich to Guelph is well-signed from end to end and in good condition with a hard-packed limestone surface thanks to major resurfacing in 2020.

While the whole trail is worth exploring, one of the most scenic sections is through Huron County, known as ‘Ontario’s West Coast’. Cycling in the area offers a unique and picturesque experience, as this rural region is nestled along the shores of Lake Huron. With its vibrant agriculture and charming small towns, the area is a haven for cyclists seeking a tranquil and scenic ride. Whether you’re pedalling through fields of golden wheat, passing by century farms, or exploring the quaint streets of charming communities, Huron County provides a captivating cycling adventure for riders of all levels. The other bonus of basing a G2G trail adventure in Huron County are the incredible beaches for swimming after a day of cycling.

Here are some suggested and manageable G2G trail sections to explore and enjoy the best of the trail through Huron County and see some of the top sights and towns along the way.

G2G – GART – Goderich to Auburn – Trail Return 29km

Route Map: www.ridewithgps.com/routes/41707791
Note: Exclusively gravel/unpaved trail route. Turn around at any distance, to shorten route.

This trail starts and ends in picturesque Goderich, the largest town in Huron County and a real gem, with a unique octagonal town square and downtown layout (like spokes of a wheel!) with plenty of shops, cafes and businesses to explore. There’s also a fantastic farmers’ market every Saturday from 8AM to noon.

The ride starts and finishes at the beautiful Goderich Beach (Main Beach) where there is ample parking and a perfect sandy beach for a refreshing post-ride swim. Cycle out 14km from this start or end point of the G2G Rail Trail – this section of the trail is called the Goderich to Auburn Rail Trail (aka the G.A.R.T).

On your way out of Goderich linger and marvel at the Menesetung Bridge, which is 230 metres long and sits 18 metres above the Maitland River and valley. Trains operated for 80 years on this bridge that was originally built for the CP Railway, connecting to Goderich, an important port town. In 1907 when it was completed it was the longest bridge of its type in Ontario.

Past the bridge you’re on the Tiger Dunlop trail, named after the founder of Goderich. Just before the 4km mark visit his tomb and plaque and cycle on this scenic portion of the trail high above the Maitland River valley. Continue on this tree-lined corridor, providing ample shade for hot days. While you can cycle as far as you’d like, our route follows the trail east 14km and turns back just before another crossing of the Maitland River, where there is a detour on roads to continue east on the G2G.

Return to Goderich for a swim at its inviting Huron coast beach, where there are washrooms, a boardwalk, parklands and delicious eats at the Beach Street Station, a delightful restaurant in a converted train station right next to the beach. Or head downtown for a coffee, snack or drink – Cait’s Cafe, Culbert’s Bakery (donuts!), and local craft beverage producers East Street Cider and Square Brew are all great options. When you’re ready to rest, there are many great accommodations in Goderich and a number certified as bicycle friendly including Samuels Hotel, By the Lake Studio, and Rock House B&B.

Base Your Ride from Blyth

Another great Huron County base to explore the G2G Rail Trail is the smaller town of Blyth. The town is well known for the Blyth Festival Theatre and has a growing number of attractions including renowned Cowbell Brewing Co. and a mix of unique shops and accommodations. The trail goes right through town and is one of the few spots on the G2G where camping is permitted at a nearby municipally designated area. Blyth is a popular stop on the trail for its high quality roofed accommodations including the Blyth Trailway Cabins and Hotel Lux, both certified bicycle friendly businesses with secure overnight bike storage. Thanks to the Goderich Bike Shop, bike rentals are available from their Blyth location. When you return from your ride head to the Blyth Inn which has an extensive menu of tasty pub food, or Brød Bread & Pastry for delectable Danish style home baking. Cowbell Brewing Co. also has a great food menu of pub classics including handhelds, pasta, and pizza.

G2G – Blyth to Maitland River – Trail Return – 26km

www.ridewithgps.com/routes/41707951
Note: Exclusively gravel/unpaved trail route. Turn around at any distance, to shorten route.

This route also starts and ends in Blyth and is an easy ride west to the Maitland River and back. Cycle through this forested path all the way to the river’s edge where you’ll get a great view across the Maitland River. This is where the G2G Rail Trail has a detour as there is no longer a bridge across the river (fundraising efforts for a new bridge are underway). At this point you can turn back for a 26km return journey to Blyth, or if you’re feeling adventurous you can continue on the detour for a hillier but scenic ride.

The detour follows the river on an unpaved and quiet tree-lined road, then up over farmer’s fields to Ball’s Bridge, a steel-framed truss bridge that is very picturesque with another great view of the river. To rejoin the trail, cyclists need to get up through Hills Road (aptly named) and back to the trail on the west side using either the section of an unassumed road, a south extension of Heron Line, maintained by a local family, or continuing on Hills Road west to Sharpes Creek Line and north to connect back to the trail. Due to deep water and dangerous fast currents, no attempts should be made to cross the river in any other way.

G2G – Blyth, Walton, Perth County – Trail Return – 53km

Route Map: www.ridewithgps.com/routes/41707966
Note: Exclusively gravel/unpaved trail route. Turn around at any distance, to shorten route.

This route is another great trail ride based from Blyth, this time exploring the G2G section east of the town, which riders can follow uninterrupted for 26km into neighbouring Perth County. This stretch of the trail is quite peaceful and bisects expansive farmers’ fields and crops as far as the eye can see. The trail section near the hamlet of Walton is lovely and surrounded by trees and shade overhead, and there are a number of unsigned trail breakaways to be aware of. The Walton Raceway located near the hamlet is an off-road vehicle and motocross/motorsports park with a 50-year history of races with an extensive race course and property. While there aren’t any larger towns along this stretch of the trail, it makes for quite a pleasant and uninterrupted trail ride through beautiful agriculture land and nature.

G2G – Goderich, Huron County to Perth County – Trail – 54km

Route Map: www.ridewithgps.com/routes/41708002
Notes: Exclusively gravel/unpaved trail route.

For the full Huron County G2G Rail Trail experience, ride the entire trail through the county, beginning and ending in Goderich for a 54km roundtrip. From beautiful forested trails, the scenic Maitland River Valley, to expansive agricultural land, explore all that the G2G has to offer through Ontario’s West Coast.

Note that as described above there is a detour at the Maitland River west of Blyth. The detour follows the river on an unpaved and quiet tree-lined road, then up over farmer’s fields to Ball’s Bridge, a steel framed truss bridge that is very picturesque. To rejoin the trail, cyclists need to get up through Hills Road and back to trail on the west side either using the section of an unassumed road, a south extension of Heron Line, maintained by a local family, or continuing on Hills Road west to Sharpes Creek Line and north to connect back to the trail. Due to deep water and dangerous fast currents, no attempts should be made to cross the river in any other way.

Start planning your Huron County Trail Adventure

Huron County, Ontario’s West Coast is the perfect place to base your G2G trail adventure, exploring as little or as much of the trail as you like, returning to enchanting communities with gorgeous beaches, places to eat, and quality accommodations. Whether you’re seeking a serene cycling experience on trails through forests, atop river valleys or through expansive agricultural land, this region has an abundance to offer cyclists of all preferences and abilities.

• Ontario’s West Coast  – Plan your trip to Huron County. Find Tourism information for things to do and see, places to eat and where to stay during your visit to Ontario’s West Coast.
• Village of Blyth – Blyth is a small vibrant village 20 minutes from Lake Huron in rural Ontario.
• Town of Goderich – Looking for family fun. Couple’s getaway. A single day trip. Goderich has beaches, trails, golf, and adventures.
• G2G Rail Trail – Explore the G2G Rail Trail interactive map to discover entry points, parking locations, washroom facilities, points of interest and more.
• 519 Tours – Tour company based in Goderich with group transportation and shuttle services available
• Ontario by Bike – Ontario’s West Coast – Great Places to Cycle– Find routes, trail information, maps, and bicycle-friendly businesses in the region.

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Sponsored Content Partner: Huron County / Ontario’s West Coast

Photos credits: All photos from Huron County except photo 3 by Richard Oldfield.

Additional input provided by cyclist Lillian Lahe.