Jewels of Grand Valley Trail - Black Walnut: Doon area - 10 km

About this hike: This hike will be in Black Walnut Section: Kitchener  Doon Tract to Homer Watson Park. The hike includes a loop on local trails through Grand Valley Trail, Doon area and the Trans Canada Trail. Lots of great views along the Grand River, we will see a historic ruin, walk beside the Doon Presbyterian Church Cemetery active since 1854. The resting place of celebrated Canadian Landscape artist Home Watson. Lunch will be on the trail overlooking the Grand River.
After the hike you may want to visit the Homer Watson House & Gallery.

About this series: Jewels of Grand Valley Trail is a series of hikes highlighting the beautiful parts of GVT in all 4 sections. Those hikes will range from about 6 km to 15 km. They will be led by Jeanette, Jane, Eva and Brandon through months of August to October. Come and enjoy the beauty of our trail!

Leader: Jeanette Vincent 
Contact: vincentjeanette1604@gmail.com

About the Hike Leader: A hike leader for over 20 years, locally and for the Bruce Trail Conservancy. In the year 2000 Jeanette participated in Greg Vincent's End-to-End of the Bruce Trail and it was then that she was hooked. Every year since she has been on hiking holidays out of the country. Jeanette continues Greg's Legacy of relaxing hiking weekends which they both led together.      

Where: Kitchener, Doon Area
Length: 10 km
Category:  Car shuttle
Pace and duration: Moderate, 3.25 km/hr. About 3.5 hours + car shuttle time.
Hike level: Moderate (2). Some hilly sections and uneven terrain; some paved and well maintained paths.

Parking and departure: Meet at 9:45 am at parking lot off Wabanaki drive, near trail (43.40819, -80.44588). From there we will carpool to the start of the hike, parking lot of Homer Watson boulevard (blvd) opposite Doon South Dr. This is parking lot for Marguerite Ormston Trailway a WBGRT access point for the GVT (43.389944, -80.421037).

Directions: Please use your favourite GPS app to obtain directions.
 
What to wear and bring: This is a summer hike, please dress accordingly to weather, bring a hat and sunscreen, sunglasses. Wear good hiking boots. Bring rain gear. Hiking poles are optional if you like using them. Bring water, snacks and pack a lunch - we will stop for lunch.

Sorry, no dogs on GVTA hikes with the exception of certified service dogs.

ALL ARE WELCOME ON OUR HIKES. Membership is encouraged as it helps to support our trails, $30 per household. To become a member please go to: https://www.gvta.on.ca/Membership.