Photo credit: Le Tour de Norfolk
Norfolk County is a cyclist’s paradise along the north shore of Lake Erie, blending scenic shoreline rides, a large network of paved rural backroads and forested trails. With its mix of waterfront routes, charming small towns (Port Dover, Simcoe, Waterford to name a few) and local food experiences, it’s an ideal destination for both casual riders and cycling enthusiasts.
In Norfolk County:
- Follow the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, tracing Lake Erie’s shoreline through stunning beaches, parks (Turkey Point, Long Point) and welcoming lakeside communities, and linking east to Niagara Region.
- Explore off-road trails Lynn Valley, Norfolk Sunrise and Waterford Heritage Trails, perfect for day trips or multi-day rides, which seamlessly connect Port Dover north to Brantford and beyond to Waterloo Region, Hamilton.
- Discover 85km of exhilarating mountain biking at Turkey Point, with bike rentals and tours available
- Enjoy farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, and local markets, celebrating Norfolk’s rich agricultural roots.
- Visit historic towns and waterfront villages, each offering cyclist-friendly services and unique local charm.
Norfolk County – Regional Trails
Norfolk Trails & Pathways – This resource offers outdoor enthusiasts a one-stop shop for trail information in Norfolk County. The site is mobile-friendly and offers users access to an interactive GIS map and downloadable PDF maps for trails around the county, including a map of all of Norf0lk County’s rail trails, information on mountain biking trail systems, as well as on-road and off-road touring options for cyclists. Trails maps include trail head and access locations.
- Delhi Rail Trail – This 14km trail on a converted railway corridor, known as the old CN Rail Line, connects the neighbouring towns of Simcoe and Delhi in Norfolk County. In Simcoe, access the trail just off Norfolk Street North on Davis Street. The trail heads west to Fertilizer Road, just east of Delhi, with access points at Park Road near the Toyotetsu Plant, at Windham East Quarterline Road, Nixon Road and Windham West Quarterline Road. The gravel trail is approximately 14 km long.
- Lynn Valley Trail – This 10 km trail is located on the former CNR rail line that was established along the pioneer river trail in 1873 as the Lake Huron and Port Dover Railway. The trail connects the business districts of Simcoe and Port Dover, passing through a number of different habitats including mixed woods, wetlands, open grassland and agricultural land, all along the scenic Lynn River. Stop in historic Simcoe, enjoying a visit to the Lynnwood Arts Centre, or a local craft brewery or cafe in town. Enjoy the bustling beach culture in Port Dover, enjoying a stop for ice cream, a bite to eat, shopping, and a swim.
- Waterford Heritage Trail – This 20 km gravel trail in Norfolk County runs north into Brant County. The trail boasts a 166m long high-level bridge, called the Black Bridge, with panoramic views of the Waterford Ponds. In Waterford, discover the historic warehouse buildings along the river that now house restaurants, cafes and antique markets.
- Norfolk Sunrise Trail – This 4km gravel trail runs through Simcoe and follows the historical Lake Erie and Northern Railway line north to the 13th Concession of Townsend. Constructed in 2009, this trail connects the Lynn Valley Trail that runs south to Port Dover and the Waterford Heritage Trail.
- Connecting to Brant County & Brantford & beyond – From Port Dover, cyclists can make their way north to the Brantford area, taking the Lynn Valley Trail, which connects to the Norfolk Sunrise Trail, which in turn connects to the Waterford Heritage Trail. Further trails can connect cyclists to Brantford. Additional rail trails continue through to Hamilton.
- See below listing for Trans Canada Trail (under Cross-Regional Cycle Routes & Trails Information) and above trail info.
On-Road Cycling Routes
The following on-road bike routes are identified and published on the interactive Norfolk Trail Map. From that link, to view the routes, click the checkmark beside ‘Cycling Trails and Routes’, click the drop down arrow beside and click the checkmark for ‘On Road Cycling Routes’.
- Carolinian Tour – 75 km
- Turbine Tour – 80 km
- Port Town Tour – 55 km
- Big Creek Circle – 100 km
- Talbot Tour – 50 km
- Heart of Windham – 40 km
- Antique Tour – 60 km
- Waterfront Trail
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail – Stretching over 3600km, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a route connecting over 151 communities and First Nations along the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, Lake Erie, Detroit River and Lake St Clair, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and the North Channel. The fully signed Trail uses the safest infrastructure possible, a mix of both on-road and off-road facilities, and is primarily paved, with sections of unpaved path and gravel roads. It can be enjoyed for as part of a day trip or on a multi-day long distance cycling adventure.
The Waterfront Trail runs over 70 km through Norfolk County from Crescent Bay in the east to Long Point and Houghton Centre in the west.
For information and to access downloadable maps visit www.WaterfrontTrail.org
Trans Canada Trail (TCT) – A portion of this cross-Canada trail runs through Norfolk County. Multi-use trails with various surface types.
Delhi Rail Trail – This 14km trail on a converted railway corridor, known as the old CN Rail Line, connects the neighbouring towns of Simcoe and Delhi in Norfolk County. In Simcoe, access the trail just off Norfolk Street North on Davis Street. The trail heads west to Fertilizer Road, just east of Delhi, with access points at Park Road near the Toyotetsu Plant, at Windham East Quarterline Road, Nixon Road and Windham West Quarterline Road. The gravel trail is approximately 14 km long. See also below listing for Norfolk County Trails (under Norfolk County – Published Maps) for trail map.- Waterford Heritage Trail – This 20km stonedust trail in Norfolk County runs north into Brant County and south, connecting to the Norfolk Sunrise Trail and Lynn Valley Trails which runs south to Port Dover and Lake Erie. The trail boasts a 166m long high-level bridge, called the Black Bridge, with panoramic views of the Waterford Ponds. In Waterford, discover the historic warehouse buildings along the river that now house restaurants, cafes and antique markets.
Norfolk Sunrise Trail – This 4km gravel trail runs through Simcoe and follows the historical Lake Erie and Northern Railway line north to the 13th Concession of Townsend. Constructed in 2009, this trail connects the Lynn Valley Trail that runs south to Port Dover (see under Norfolk County – Cycle Routes & Trails Information) and the Waterford Heritage Trail.- Lynn Valley Trail – This 10 km trail is located on the former CNR rail line that was established along the pioneer river trail in 1873 as the Lake Huron and Port Dover Railway. The trail connects the business districts of Simcoe and Port Dover, passing through a number of different habitats including mixed woods, wetlands, open grassland and agricultural land, all along the scenic Lynn River. For trail map, see below listing for Norfolk County Trails, under Norfolk County – Published Maps.
- Use the Trans Canada Trail website’s “Explore The Trail” feature to find access points.
Turkey Point Area – The area has over 85km of single track mountain biking trails connected to various facilities including Long Point Eco Adventures (LPEA) and Burning Kiln Winery. There are a number of trailheads within the Provincial Park and also at LPEA. The trails are managed by the Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club. Download detailed PDF Trail map here.
- Turkey Point Mountain Bike Itinerary – This one-page mountain bike itinerary for Turkey Point curates the ‘best of’ restaurants and cafes, as well as places to lay your head! This is an Ontario’s Southwest Cycling Itinerary.
- St. Williams Conservation Reserve – This 1,035 hectare area of Crown land comprises two separate locations – the Nursery Tract and the Turkey Point Tract – within the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve. All trails on the property are open to passive recreation (e.g., walking, hiking, and hunting) unless otherwise posted. Posted trails with specific uses may include multi-use trails (motorized use, cycling), equestrian trails and mountain bike trails. Download Nursery Tract trail map here. and the Download Turkey Point Tract trail map here.
Norfolk Trail Map (ArcGIS) – This resource offers outdoor enthusiasts a one-stop shop for trail information in Norfolk County. The site is mobile-friendly and offers users access to downloadable pdf maps on various trail terrain, including detailed information on mountain biking, as well as on-road and off-road touring options for cyclists.- Visit Norfolk – NEW Mobile Tourism App. Download the Visit Norfolk app and unlock a world of exploration, fun, and discovery. From local eateries to hidden gems, the Visit Norfolk app gives you insider access to the county’s best-kept secrets. Quickly pick what interests you, build an itinerary, and share it with friends—all in a few taps.
- Explore Norfolk Trails – Find downloadable and on-line maps and detailed biking information. On-road cycle touring routes including: Carolinian Tour; Turbine Tour; Port Town Tour; South Coast Tour; Big Creek Circle; Talbot Tour; Heart of Windham; Antique Tour. Off-road trails, routes and mountain biking including: Delhi Rail Trail; Lynn Valley Trail; Norfolk Sunrise Trail; Waterford Heritage Trail; Backus Woods Trail; Hay Creek Trail.
- Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club – View and download detailed map showing all mountain biking trails in Turkey Point Provincial Park and St. Williams Conservation Reserve.
- Pathways for People. This community coalition promotes pathways for walking and cycling in Norfolk County for health, recreation and active transportation. The site lists a number of multi-use trails, offering downloadable map jpegs, descriptions and photos.
* Please note there are many additional map guides for the region that cyclists may find interesting or useful. New maps and guides are produced yearly, and the information listed here may change.
* Please note there may be additional map guides for the region that cyclists may find interesting or useful. New maps and guides are produced yearly, and the information listed here may change.
For more information on accommodation, attractions and activities within Norfolk County visit Norfolk County Tourism, & Ontario’s Southwest.
Norfolk County – Related Blogs
Ontario’s Best Cycling Loops: Full Circle Adventures
Out-and-back or a loop? Find a collection of diverse must-ride best road and gravel loops in Ontario to help plan a two-wheel adventure.
5 Top Trail Rides East & West
Trail ride suggestions are something we are often asked for at the shows and events we are at with our Ontario Cycle Tourism Info Centre. Time away from traffic, the quieter and often more natural settings that trails travel through are just some of the appeal. Most likely you are well acquainted with the trails close to home, but the following are some of our top trail suggestions to help you get out there and explore more by bike this summer. Happy trails, as they say.
Go To Ride, Stay to Play in Norfolk County
I had visited Norfolk County a couple of times in the past, using the area as a springboard to a great ride, following the Waterfront Trail, Port Dover to Fort Erie, or as part of a rail trail tour weekend on an Ontario By Bike Ride, from Dundas to Port Dover. I felt I knew something about the bike scene in the area. But it wasn’t until I recently spent a weekend dedicated to exploration and cycling adventures that I experienced a true appreciation for all things Norfolk.
Destination Partner:
