Permitted Uses

In Spring, Summer, and Autumn no motorized uses are permitted with the exception of Class 1 & 3 electric bikes and  assistive devices such as motorized wheelchairs.  Permitted uses include walking/hiking, running, cycling, and horseback riding (no carts allowed).  Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a 2 metre or less leash.

In the winter permitted uses include snowmobiling (with an OFSC permit), nordic skiing and all other permitted summer uses.

No ATV’s are allowed at any time, winter or summer.  There are a number of reasons why motorized vehicles other than snowmobiles are banned from the trail.

 

  • When the trail was created agreements were reached with adjacent land-owners to only allow snowmobiles as the sole motorized vehicles in winter on the trail. This is particularly critical as the trail crosses privately-owned sections where owner agreement is essential.
  • The trail is constructed to support people, bicycles and horses but is not engineered to support other wheeled equipment other than maintenance vehicles. The cost of building and maintaining a trail to support motorized vehicles is far beyond what is feasible.
  • Snowmobiles are permitted as they are much easier on the trails and, most importantly, the snowmobile clubs strongly support the trail both financially and their maintenance efforts.
  • Safety is a key concern when mixing a variety of users on one trail. The speed and size of ATV’s and similar is a major safety risk.
  • Most trail users are out to enjoy the peace and serenity of nature. The inevitable noise from motorized vehicles is highly detrimental to their enjoyment of the trail.

E-bikes that can be propelled with pedals are allowed.  Electric scooters are not.

Trail Rules

Guidelines for the use of the Cataraqui Trail:

  • Respect the privacy of people living beside the trail.
  • Hunting on trail property is prohibited.
  • Respect and obey all trail signs.
  • Keep dogs on a leash at all times.
  • Don’t litter, and do clean up after pets and horses.
  • Take nothing but photographs.
  • Leave plants and flowers for others to enjoy.
  • Protect and do not disturb wildlife.
  • Because people use the trail both on foot and on wheels, alert slower-moving users to your presence, slow down, and proceed with caution as you pass them (usually on the left).
  • Cross-country skiers should yield the track and snowmobilers should pass them at low speed.

The administration and management of the Trail by the CTMB will conform as closely as possible to the CRCA Policy and the Regulations filed as R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 99: CONSERVATION AREAS – CATARAQUI REGION on December 18, 1998 (or as subsequently amended), as made under Section 29 of the Conservation Authorities Act; this also recognizes, and commits to upholding, the offences for Conservation Areas that are proscribed under the set fines Schedule 2 of the Provincial Offences Act.