Uxbridge Trails Bring About Winter Time Activities

SAM ODROWSKI The Standard

UXBRIDGE: Uxbridge is the 'trail capital of Canada' and in the winter time, the snow-covered trails bring about many user groups, for recreational activities.
Cold temperatures and heavy snow falls are enough to keep some people indoors, but many hikers, dog walkers, snowshoers, horseback riders, and cross country skiers enjoy using the trails this time of the year.

“The trails are extremely well used, the parking lot at the Countryside Preserve is always full,” said Trails Committee Coordinator, Don Cook.

The Countryside Preserve is located just south of downtown Uxbridge and is the most commonly used trail during the winter season, and has 140 acres of rolling meadowlands, woodlands, wetlands, and ponds, with six kilometres of marked trails.

When describing the trail, Don said, “It’s beautiful, its tranquil, and everybody has a smile on their face when there in there.”

While enjoying the snow covered trails, it is important to exercise caution, safety, and common sense. Before visiting a trail, ensure you are wearing proper footwear that has traction to avoid slipping and dress adequately for weather conditions.

“With the extreme cold that we have had, people need to make sure they are dressed properly and have the appropriate shoes on to make sure they aren’t getting frost bitten,” Don said.

Be sure to always stay on marked trails and do not take shortcuts. Always stay to the right when using a trail and pass on the left. Be courteous to fellow trail users and remove any litter, to keep the trails as clean or cleaner than you found them.

The Trails Committee encourages everyone living in and around Uxbridge to visit the Countryside Preserve. “For anyone living outside of Uxbridge, please come and visit, we love having you, there is lots to see and do here,” Don said. “Don’t hesitate to come out, it’s easy to maneuver inside the countryside preserve, and everything is well marked.”

The Trails Committee will continue to work at improving and maintaining the trails inside Uxbridge throughout 2018.

Anyone looking to volunteer with the trails committee can email Don, at Dcook@town.uxbridge.on.ca or info@town.uxbridge.on.ca , to find out more.