The Norfolk Sunrise Trail is a walking & cycling trail that runs through Simcoe and follows the historical Lake Erie and Northern Railway line north to the 13th Concession of Townsend. Constructed in 2009 by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, with financial assistance from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and many other sources, this trail filled the missing link in Norfolk County’s trail network and now connects the Lynn Valley Trail, running south to Port Dover, and the Waterford Heritage Trail, running north into Brant County. On the Trans-Canada Trail, users can enter Norfolk County via the Waterford Heritage Trail and Norfolk Sunrise Trail coming from Brantford, and now can continue west from Simcoe on the Delhi Rail Trail.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise leases the rail line property from Norfolk County. Norfolk’s Community Services Division has been very instrumental during construction and as an on-going partner.
One very distinctive feature of the Norfolk Sunrise Trail is the Queensway Underpass where trail users can pass under the very busy Highway 3. An alternate route crosses the Lynn River at Argyle Street and follows through Simcoe’s renowned park system, reconnecting the main trail at the Queensway Underpass. The journey through Simcoe via Wellington and Clifton Parks, under the highway, and continuing through the enchanting tree canopied section to Davis Street is absolutely delightful.
Rail Trail Network
Norfolk County has 45km of converted rail trails. Starting at the trail access point at Lions Park on Davis Street in Simcoe, it is:
- 1.7 km to downtown Simcoe on the Norfolk Sunrise Trail
Increasing Accessibility
A number of features increase accessibility for trail users.
- The entire trail is paved from downtown’s Argyle Street to the north end of Simcoe’s Concession 13.
- Steep slope to access Queensway bridge underpass. Cyclists dismount. For alternate route use sidewalk to cross at traffic lights.
- Gate openings: 1 metre minimum to allow room for wheelchairs, bike trailers, etc. to pass through.
- Average grade: 2% maximum
- Cross slope: 2% maximum
- Minimum surface width: 2.5 metres
Trailheads and Access Points [throughout Simcoe]
- Concession 13 Townsend
- Fourteenth Street East
- Davis Street
- Queensway East
- McCall Street
- Wilson Street
- Argyle Street
Parking
Parking for the Norfolk Sunrise Trail is available at:
- Alligator Tug Park on Argyle Street near the business core of Simcoe
- Lions Park on Davis Street at the north end of town
Argyle Street
