Hiking in Huron

Winter hiking may seem daunting, but with a little preparation and some local knowledge, hikers will find that winter is one of the best seasons to experience Huron County. We have chosen these hikes because of the great scenery and because the trails are easy to use in snowy weather. As with any outdoor adventure, be sure to dress for the weather, know the forecast and be aware of the trail conditions. Snow can pack into ice quickly and slippery sections are common. Hike with a partner and carry a cell phone.

Menesetung Bridge & Tiger Dunlop Trail

Located at the mouth of the mighty Maitland River, this is the Goderich end of the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail (G2G). There is ample parking along the North Harbour Road. From the Menestung Bridge, the amazing vistas of the Maitland as it empties into Lake Huron are picture perfect. The bridge itself was closed for much of 2025 to facilitate some much needed structural repairs. As of this printing, the tentative re-opening is scheduled for November 30. The former rail bed offers an easy walk, even in winter, and this section close to Goderich is well travelled. The hike along the river offers great views of the treetops and church spires of Goderich just across the river. About two kilometres from the trailhead you will find some steps up to Tiger Dunlop’s Tomb. There are plaques and information kiosks throughout the parkette to tell the story of Goderich’s famed founder.

From this point, you can return to the parking lot for about a one-hour round trip or, if you have more time, you can cross the footbridge over Highway 21 and continue on through scenic wooded areas until the trail opens up onto Huron County’s rich farmland.

 

G2G Trail - Sharpes Creek Line: One of our favourite sections of the Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail starts at Sharpes Creek Line near Benmiller. There is ample parking on the side of the road, so be sure to leave room for the farm lane and gravel pit entrances, which are well-marked. On the trail, head west through a tree-lined section. This will soon open with gravel pits on either side of the trail. Then the hedgerows start to thicken with plenty of sumacs and dogwood adding a splash of colour. Soon you will encounter a substantial bridge built and maintained by the local snowmobile club that spans the picturesque Sharpes Creek. The creek was named after a runaway slave who settled in the area. 

Follow the trail along and you will encounter a pond on your left that is often ice- or snow-covered throughout the winter, with lots of tracks in the snow of the wildlife who take advantage of the thick ice cover as a shortcut.

The next road (Lucknow Line) indicates the end of the first block and is a good turnaround point to return to your car or a midway point if you want to continue. The next block is a short one, with the McGaw Line intersection. If you want to continue one more block, you will continue west to CP Line. A return trip from Sharpes Creek Line to CP Line and back is approximately 11 kilometres and a leisurely pace would be about two-and-a-half hours.

Remember that this is a shared use trail as it is part of the snowmobile trail. You may have to step off the trail to allow a snowmobile or two to pass, but the trade-off is a groomed trail to make winter walking a little easier. 81722 Sharpes Creek Line, near Benmiller.

 

Pinery Provincial Park

Just across the county line in neighbouring Lambton County lies a provincial park that can be enjoyed year-round. The park maintains two of its hiking trails for winter use.Both the Cedar Trail (2.3 kilometres) and the Heritage Trail (three kilometres) have parking available at

the trailheads. The trails can be either hiked or snowshoed. Wildlife and winter birds abound in the park and can be easier to spot this time of year.

The Pinery also offers 40 kilometres of ski trails, winter camping and roofed accommodations in yurts. 9526 Lakeshore Road, Grand Bend. www.pinerypark.on.ca