Trail Rules

Our trails are multi-use public trails. That means they won’t serve any one use perfectly. Cyclists, walkers, joggers etc. must share the trail. The multi-use nature of the trails means we must all compromise a bit and consider others.

Pets

Clean up after pets and keep them on a short leash.

  • $200 fine for not picking up your dog’s waste
  • $300 fine for off-leash dog. (If your dog injures someone, you could be subject to legal action and liable for larger financial costs.)

Leave Nothing Behind

Waste containers are located at most trail gateways. There are no containers on the trails themselves. Do not leave waste of any kind on the trail or surroundings. Do not post signs of any kind on the trail/trees/signposts.

General Rules for all Trail Users

  • Do not take any vegetation/tree branches/flowers from the trail.
  • No motorized vehicles.
  • Be courteous to other trail users.
  • Always stay to the right side of the trail.
  • Give an audible warning and use caution when passing other trail users.
  • Move off the trail surface when stopped, to allow others to pass.

Cyclists and Skaters Rules

  • Wear an MTO approved helmet and appropriate safety gear.
  • Stay to the right except when passing.
  • Slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking another trail user.
  • Announce your presence with a bell or quiet greeting and pass slowly. Don’t assume your bell was heard, if the other person is wearing headphones.
  • Avoid harsh skids and any braking action that will damage the trail surface.

Trail Safety Tips

  • Bring a cellphone with you in case you need to summon help.
  • We recommend using the trail between dawn and dusk only. If it’s dark, carry a flashlight. If cycling in the dark, have a strong headlight and taillight on the bike.
  • Walk single file on the right when being passed.

New Look for Website

Welcome to our refreshed website, designed for easier use with mobile devices. We will be making small adjustments here and there for a couple weeks to get everything just right.

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Howard Watson Trail connects to Lambton College

Sarnia Council, at it\’s sept. 9/19 meeting, approved a side-extension of the Howard Watson Trail that passes across Finch Drive and lead directly into the campus of Lambton College. The Committee is funding 20% of the $278,000 cost, with another $30,000 coming from Lambton College and a provincial grant covering the rest. Cope Construction did

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Ecological Significance of the Howard Watson Nature Trail

The Howard Watson Nature Trail (HWNT) is a remnant prairie, a habitat-type that at one time covered much of southern Ontario. Temperate grasslands and savannahs are among the most endangered ecosystems worldwide. In Ontario, less than 0.5% of the historic prairie and savannah areas remain. Because these ecosystems are so rare, many of the species

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Resurfacing the Howard Watson Trail (watch video)

Watch a 2-minute video showing the resurfacing in action! Click on link below:   (above) The city, in concert with the Bluewater Trails Committee, is working to widen and smoothen portions of the Howard Watson trail. Here, just west of the Blackwell Road gateway, a work crew painstakingly applies fine screenings onto the trail. This

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