07/24/2026
Dear Laurentian Escarpment Community Trail Users,
North Bay Mountain Bike Association and Discovery Routes Trails Organization together with our partners North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority are asking all trail users to respect the closure of the wooden structure on the new Hemlock Haven trail (off McNutt Family Trail) within the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails network.
The structure, built by community volunteers in late 2025, has been closed since the spring after severe flooding in April 2026 caused significant erosion to the banks of the valley it spans. While the structure itself remains structurally sound, the surrounding slopes must be stabilized before it can safely reopen.
Unfortunately, barricades and closure signs have been removed on multiple occasions by unknown individuals. This creates a safety risk and undermines the efforts of volunteers, land managers, and partner organizations working together to reopen the structure as quickly and safely as possible.
A temporary trail detour has been established around the structure and remains open for public use while safety concerns are addressed.
Your patience and cooperation is appreciated and will support the volunteers who have invested hundreds of hours improving the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails.
In the coming weeks, we will be sharing some great news about this ongoing trail project. Updates are on Discovery Routes website here: discoveryroutes.ca/escarpment-trails-project/
If you aren’t already a member of NBMBA, we encourage you to join and become part of the community that helps make these trails possible. Membership directly supports the volunteers who dedicate their time to building and maintaining the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails as an inclusive trails network for mountain bikers, hikers, and all trail users to enjoy.
Thank you for respecting the closure, supporting our volunteers, and helping keep our trails safe.
