by Donna Baylis | May 18, 2017 | Reference
Dufferin Grey ATV Club’s (DGATV) southern trail starts in Orangeville running 110km north to just beyond Chatsworth. The main backbone of the trail is the former CP rail line, known as the CP Trail, which travels through Dufferin County in the south and Grey County in the north. There are many offshoot loops particularly in the north where trails have been longer established.
Orangeville Parking (2019)
The rail trail starts at County Road 16 just above Broadway. You will see signs saying DGATV/OFATV maintained trail. It is unfortunate that DGATV does not have a parking area in Orangeville at this time.
Where Jim Brown Trucking (JBT) had provided us with the use of a corner of their property in the past, circumstances have changed and the property is no longer available. Please respect our arrangement with the company because we appreciated their participation in the past and the future is as yet unwritten. If you know of a land owner/property in the area that may be good for parking, please inform DGATV’s Executive. We’d be happy to come to an arrangement.
A permit is required for all DGATV trails as a member associated with the Ontario Federation of ATV Clubs (OFATV). The rail line is limited to straddled ATVs; no side-by-sides at this time as per land owner (Dufferin County in the south, Grey County in the north) policies.
See also:
Parking
Maps
FAQs
by Donna Baylis | May 17, 2017 | Reference
Are You New to the Sport of ATVing?
Without a doubt, ATVing in Ontario is a confusing recreation. Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act leaves it up to the municipalities to establish where and when an ATV can be operated. In other words, each Township must pass a by-law before ATVs are allowed to use the roads. Melancthon Township, near Shelburne, has allowed ATVs access to the roads. As well, the Township of Chatsworth, Municipality of Grey Highlands, Township of Southgate and the Municipality of West Grey have ATV by-laws allowing some form of road access. However, to be absolutely sure, off-trail riders should check the by-laws of the area in which they are going to ride. With the internet these days, this research is fairly easily done. (See Other Links.)
Dufferin Grey ATV Club’s (DGATV) mandate is to bring safe recreational family-oriented ATV riding to the counties of Dufferin and Grey with a view to benefiting both riders and our local communities. DGATV promotes environmental awareness, protecting the natural resources that we all want to enjoy, and promotes tourism, providing our riders with places of interest to visit and our communities with the economic benefits that result. Our club is responsible for organizing social riding events, lobbying for ATV access within local municipalities, building and maintaining trails, and educating riders about safety, environmental consideration and trail etiquette. Benefits of becoming a club member.
DGATV is organized entirely by Volunteers and a Board of Directors that meet monthly.
For the most part DGATV marked trails are suitable for new riders. You can drive around the more difficult spots. (MAPS / PARKING)
A few things to remember:
- Ride with a friend just in case you get in to trouble
- Let someone know where you are going
- Wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet and appropriate clothing
- Know where you are and how to contact help — in rural areas you are not always in cell phone range
- OFATV & DGATV have zero tolerance alcohol policies.
ATVing is an inherently risky venture. You will be crossing roads and rough terrain so be careful. ATVs are not toys.
Don’t ride with a passenger until you get a feel for the 2-up bike. Be safe and enjoy!
Oh, and if you want someone to ride with checkout DGATV’s facebook group. Simply search “Dufferin Grey ATV Club (Group)” in facebook and ask to join.
What Do I Wear?
Your helmet is mandatory and must be approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). If your helmet is old or has ever been dropped, then it is time for a new one.
A full helmet or dust mask is more comfortable when the weather is hot and dusty, especially along the rail trail.
Other recommended equipment includes googles, gloves, and boots.
As for “appropriate” clothing, well, that depends on the weather and the route. Some people wear running shoes, shorts and a T-shirt but for the most part that attire is unsuitable.
Dress to protect yourself from branches, stones, dust, bugs, wind, sun, rain; from just simply being outdoors.
Dress comfortably because you will likely be straddling a bike for hours.
Dress in layers for the weather and the terrain — add a few items when you’re cold or its raining, take off a few when you’re hot.
Riding an ATV in single digit temperatures becomes extremely cold, similar to riding a snowmobile. Dress accordingly.
Also it is good to have extra fuel, drinking water, snack, rain gear, bug spray, basic repair tools, band-aids, compass, map and cell phone on hand. Note that there may not be cell service in all areas.
ATVing is a lot of fun. You get to go to places that you have never been before, travelling through some very beautiful areas. Enjoy your time in the great outdoors. Stay safe and have a good ride!
See also:
Membership
Maps
Parking
Side by Sides
Young Riders
Events
FAQs
by Donna Baylis | May 7, 2017 | Events
August Update: Note that the red trail is closed, but the rest of Walters Falls tract is open.
Please note that Walters Falls tract is closed until further notice.
The land is too wet and deemed unsafe by our club and the landowners. Please honour our agreements and respect our landowners.
Stay tuned. Once the property dries up (a little) we’ll let you know!
The recent rains have left many waterways and creeks flowing fast and deep. Small puddles are now lakes. Use extreme caution near flooded and overflowing areas. If you don’t know an area … Don’t Go!
See also:
More about Walters Falls
FAQs
by Donna Baylis | Apr 30, 2017 | Events
Good news! DGATV’s trails are open as of May 1st although Sideroad 10B (east of Harkaway Forest heading toward Beaver Valley) will remain closed due to flooding.
Harkaway Forest does not open until June 20th.
Specific Grey County roads are also open May 1st, check www.grey.ca for road information.
The City of Owen Sound’s by-law allows ATV use on specific roadway, opening April 15th. Check www.owensound.ca for further information.
Maps can be found here.
CP rail trail access extends from Veteran’s Way (Orangeville) to Sunny Valley Road (above Chatsworth) for ATVs only.
Please note that UTVs and ROVs (aka side-by-sides) are not allowed on the CP rail trail or in Harkaway Forest. Results of a Grey County trails study due in the autumn will determine if side-by-sides will be approved.
Have a safe and enjoyable season. On your mark, get set, go!
by Donna Baylis | Apr 27, 2017 | Events, Wardens
Warden training is planned for Saturday, April 29, 2017. The session starts at 10am and runs until lunch time. Afterwards, a ride and field training so feel free to bring your bike.
Another training session is planned for Sunday, May 7, 2017 if more convenient.
Location: Markdale Agricultural Services Centre, 206 Toronto Street, Markdale, ON (back of building)
Pre-registration: Contact Dan Liedtke, Chief Warden, at 519.266.3559 (extension 5)
Becoming a Warden is a great way to Volunteer. You can help monitor the trails, answer visiting riders’ questions and represent DGATV on the trail. It’s also a great excuse to meet fellow riding enthusiasts and to get out for a ride!
Click here to learn more about DGATV Warden responsibilities.
