Maitland Trail Association

09/03/2026

It's coming! Our fall native tree and plant sale AND the launch of Tree People!

09/03/2026

🍂 SEPTEMBER WITH THE MAITLAND TRAIL ASSOCIATION

September is packed with opportunities to get outside, explore our trails and connect with the hiking community! for full event details and to register and sign annual waiver please visit: https://www.maitlandtrail.ca/events/

Saturday, September 5 | 1:30–3:30 PM
🌊 Goderich Parkland Vista & Waterfront Experience
Starting at the Huron County Gaol, explore Goderich’s urban trail network, waterfront and bluff. Routes of up to approximately 8 km are available, depending on the group.

Saturday, September 12 | 1:30–3:30 PM
🚲 Goderich to Auburn G2G Cycle
Ride from Goderich toward Auburn and return along the G2G Rail Trail. Approximately 25 km return on a beginner-friendly crushed-gravel trail.

Sunday, September 13 | 9:00–10:30 AM
🥾 Maitland Trail & Robertson Tract Hike
Explore the Maitland Trail near Auburn and the Robertson Tract. Level 1 with a moderate-to-brisk pace and no significant hills.

Saturday & Sunday, September 19–20-SOLD OUT
🥾 El Camino Maitland
Our signature two-day Maitland Trail hiking event returns for another year!

September 25–27
🌲 Hike Ontario Summit – Westport
A weekend bringing together hikers, trail organizations and outdoor enthusiasts from across Ontario. The Summit and AGM take place Saturday, September 26.

Saturday, September 26 | 11:00 AM
🧘 Mindfulness Walk & Forest Therapy
Meet at the Nelson Street entrance to Goderich’s Millennium Trail for a gentle, slow-paced mindfulness walk to the Maitland River lookout.

➡️ Please pre-register with the hike or ride leader where required and complete the Maitland Trail Association annual waiver before participating.

There’s something for almost everyone this month — from cycling and longer hikes to gentle mindfulness and exploring Goderich’s waterfront. See you on the trails! 🌿

08/25/2026

🌿 DON’T LET SUMMER SLIP AWAY

There’s still plenty of summer left on the Maitland Trail.

Late August is one of the best times to get out there — the trails are lush, the river is beautiful, and you can just start to feel that first hint of fall in the air. 🍃

Take an hour. Take an afternoon. Bring a friend. Bring the dog. Pick a section you’ve never explored before and see where the trail takes you.

And while you’re out there, take a moment to appreciate something pretty incredible: this trail exists because generations of volunteers have helped build it, maintain it and care for it. ❤️

Where’s your favourite stretch of the Maitland Trail this time of year?

📸 Drop a photo in the comments — we’d love to see the trail through your eyes.

08/08/2026

Love to Hike? Become an MTA Hike Leader!

Do you love exploring the Maitland Trail and enjoy sharing the experience with others? The Maitland Trail Association is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers interested in becoming hike leaders!

You don’t need to be an expert or have years of leadership experience. Hike leaders receive training through Hike Ontario, which offers recognized programs designed to give volunteers the skills and confidence needed to safely lead group hikes.

Training covers practical topics such as hike planning, safety and risk management, leadership, navigation, environmental responsibility and handling situations that may arise on the trail.

Hike Ontario’s introductory Certified Hike Leader course is a one-day program, with some basic prerequisites such as its Safe Hiker Program or equivalent hiking experience.

MTA can help guide interested volunteers through the training requirements and next steps.

Leading a hike is a wonderful way to:

* Share your favourite trails and places
* Meet other people who love being outdoors
* Help introduce new hikers to the Maitland Trail
* Give back to our trail community
* Spend more time outside!

Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Contact MTA to learn more about becoming one of our volunteer hike leaders.
https://www.maitlandtrail.ca/contact-us/

Learn more about Hike Ontario’s hike leader training and certification programs through Hike Ontario.
https://hikeontario.com/takeacourse/trainingcourses/

Learn to hike in a safe and enjoyable manner! Hike Ontario has developed standards and training programs for Hike Leaders that are used by community colleges, universities, hiking clubs and outdoor training organizations for course delivery. Currently, Hike Ontario offers Safe Hiker, Certified Hike....

07/29/2026

🌿 Supporting the Fight Against Invasive Species

The Maitland Trail Association is pleased to share that we have once again received funding from the Invasive Species Action Fund (ISAF) to help cover the cost of removing and controlling invasive buckthorn in the Maitland Woods.

Once work in this area is complete, the project may expand to another section of the trail system, potentially near the G2G Rail Trail and Dunlop Tomb area.

The Invasive Species Action Fund is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. MTA gratefully acknowledges this valuable assistance as we continue the difficult, ongoing work of protecting local habitats and maintaining healthy, resilient trail environments.

Thank you to everyone involved in making this important work possible. 🌱

07/20/2026

🎉 EL CAMINO SOLD OUT! 🎉

Wow.

When we first opened registration, we had no idea just how much excitement there would be for the 2026 El Camino Maitland.

Today, we’re thrilled to announce that registration is officially SOLD OUT! 🥾❤️

To every single person who registered—thank you. You’re about to experience an unforgettable weekend hiking through the beautiful Maitland River Valley with an amazing community of fellow adventurers.

A huge thank you as well to everyone who shared our posts, told their friends, volunteered, and helped spread the word. This event wouldn’t be possible without your support.

Missed out this year?

Don’t miss your chance next time! Join our mailing list and be among the first to hear about future El Camino Maitland events, guided hikes, and other Maitland Trail Association news.

👉 Sign up here:
Maitland Trail Newsletter:https://www.maitlandtrail.ca/newsletter/

Now the fun really begins…

Training. Planning. New friendships. And in September, an incredible journey along one of Ontario’s most beautiful trail systems.

See you on the trail! 🌲🥾

07/15/2026

Literally Only 2 spots left for the El Camino

https://www.maitlandtrail.ca/event/el-camino-maitland/

07/13/2026

🚨 IT’S NOW OR NEVER. 🚨

Only 6 spots remain. https://www.maitlandtrail.ca/event/el-camino-maitland/

This is your last opportunity to be part of this year’s El Camino Maitland.

If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to register…

This is it.

In September, 52 kilometres of beautiful trails, stunning river valleys, unforgettable conversations, personal challenge, and incredible accomplishment are waiting.

The only question is…

Will you be there?

You don’t need to be an elite hiker.
You don’t need years of experience.
You just need the willingness to say yes to an adventure you’ll remember for years.

🥾 All experience levels are welcome.
🌲 Support every step of the way.
❤️ An experience unlike any other.

Registration closes July 31… but with only 6 spots left, we fully expect those places to disappear before then.

Don’t let someone else take your spot.

👉 Register today. We’ll see you at the finish line. https://www.maitlandtrail.ca/event/el-camino-maitland/