The Millennium Trail: Everything You Need to Know🚲
The Millennium Trail is a 40+-km multi-use trail perfect for hiking, biking or even horseback riding. Stretching from Carrying Place to Picton, backing onto farmers’ fields and vineyards, it’s a great way to experience the tranquility of The County.
The linear park, as it’s referred to, has more than 30 places where you can hop on and off, and is close to many of The County’s wineries, breweries, restaurants and shops. So, if you plan your Millennium Trail trek accordingly, you could reward yourself with refreshing beverage and noshing stops along the way! (See: How to do a Millennium Trail Pub Crawl.)
For summer 2020, the trail has been fully refurbished, including a section that glides past Slab Creek wetlands, a small jaunt from Stanner’s Vineyards, which is arguably the most beautiful part of the path: teeming with chirping birds of every flock and feather, toads and turtles, an occasional snake, and yes, even, beavers. It’s home to four herons nests and a vibrant, yet peaceful part of the trail.
Trail users can track their distance using new kilometre markers and information/safety signage. Weary walkers or riders can also take a rest stop at West Street in Wellington, where a sort of “train station” acts as a rest stop, complete with benches for weary bike butts, a bike repair station, and a history of both the Canadian National Railway and the First Nations in Prince Edward County.
Photo Courtesy: @MillenniumTrail-PrinceEdwardCounty
So, lace up your hiking boots, hop on your bike, jump on your ATV – whatever your preferred mode of leisure travel is – and get out there and see The County from a truly unique vantage point. Happy trails!
WHO CAN USE THE TRAIL?
- Walkers, hikers, joggers, cyclists, ATV riders, dirt bikers (licensed & insured), horses and riders, mobility devices, snowmobiles, skiers, snowshoers, pets. Out of that long list of users, it’s horses that have the right of way.
- Looking to cycle but don’t have your own wheels? You can rent from the friendly folks at Ideal Bike, Bloomfield Bicycle Company, East Lake Electric Bike Rentals, PEDEGO, Closson Road Cycles, or County Bike Rentals.
- No cars or trucks are allowed; however, emergency and service utility vehicles, as well as farm tractors from adjacent properties, do have access.
WHAT CAN YOU SEE ON THE TRAIL?
- Quite a diversity of beautiful landscapes, from rural to urban, from farms to forests, from streams to lakes, from wetlands to golf courses.
- A variety of animals, from dogs walking their owners to farm animals grazing in pastures to birds and beavers and chipmunks. Turtles are quite active around wetland areas; watch for holes that signify their nesting ground. Oh, yes, beware the many chipmunk holes scattered all along the path – you never know when one is going to poke its head up and cause you to swerve quickly!
- Golf balls. Along with pop-up-chipmunks, beware the odd, wayward golf ball as the trail runs along both the Picton Golf & Country Club and the Wellington on the Lake Golf Course.
- Old rusty railway treasures, mainly in the form of old spikes half-buried in the dirt.
- Messages in bottles. All along the trail are small, water-proof containers (geocaches!) hidden among shrubs, or in the crook of a tree with messages, and sometimes even a fish ring! Feel free to add to the containers or messages, but please do put them back where you find them.
SO, EXACTLY HOW LONG IS THE TRAIL?
- There is some debate as to how long the trail is. While, the consensus seems to be 46 km, its length has also been cited as anywhere from 45 to 51 km … it all depends on who you ask, and where you measure from.
- According to Google Maps, the trail extends 51 km from its starting point in the east at County Road 49 – directly across the road from Parsons Brewery Company – to its western end at Carrying Place Road (33) near Trenton. Caution, if you start at Parsons, you may never actually hit the trail!
- Solely within The County, Google Maps pegs the trail at about 45.5 km from County Road 49 in the east to County Road 64 in the west, including a 600-metre offshoot from the County Farm Centre to Agrarian Market.
- According to Google Maps, it would take approximately two hours and twenty minutes to cycle the entire trail, or just a smidge over nine hours to walk it. And that’s with no lollygagging, bathroom breaks or stops to check out the scenery! Google uses an approximate cycling rate of three minutes per kilometre, and 12 minutes for walking.
WHAT’S THE HISTORY OF THE TRAIL?
- Once upon 140 years ago, the Millennium Trail was the Prince Edward County Railway (PECR). Beginning in 1879, it serviced 10 stops: Picton, Bloomfield, Hallowell, Wellington, Niles’ Corner, Hillier, Consecon, Weller’s Bay, Canal and Trenton.
- The County purchased the original PECR line in 1997 and began transforming it into the multi-purpose trail it is today. However, it’s thanks to a dedicated and tireless group of volunteers and advocates that the project was finally completed.
- The original Picton station is now the home to C.F. Evans Lumber Company.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE TRAIL?
- Speed limits: the current bylaw restricts speeds to 20 km/h “within any town, village or hamlet.” The rest of the trail has a 50 km/h max.
- The trail is open for use from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., and since it does pass through neighbourhoods and backyards, do refrain from inviting yourself into a family BBQ.
- There is no official parking at any of the trail entrances. Street parking is fine at most entrances to the trail (check for signage, park safely and avoid parking on busy highways). There are municipal parking lots within a few hundred meters of the trail: In Wellington, the lots for the arena (on Belleville St/Cty Rd #2) or the ball parks (Niles St.) are great spots to park, a short walk to multiple trail entrances. In Bloomfield, park in the Brick St. lot for the Millpond Park and find the trail entrance on Stanley Street.
- The trail cuts across some very busy roads, so please be patient and careful when crossing roads, especially anywhere on Hwy 33, County Rd. 1 and County Rd. 49.
THE INS AND OUTS OF USING THE MILLENNIUM TRAIL.
In this section, we tell you where to get off … and on … the trail. We also let you know how long each section is, so that you don’t get stuck in the middle not knowing whether to turn back or keep going forward.
We’ve even given you an estimate of how long it might take to walk or cycle each section – and what cool things are nearby to explore and experience.
All length and time estimates are from Google Maps … so if something’s off ya know who to blame!
SECTION 1: County Road 49 to Johnson Street/County Road 5 [Picton]
Length: 2.4 km Walk: 0:29 mins Cycle: 0:07 mins
- The start of the trail in the east is directly across from Parsons Brewery Company, about halfway between County Road 6 and White Chapel Road.
- The trail entrance off Johnson Street/County Road 5 is just north of McDonald Drive.
- BE CAREFUL as County Road 49 is a major road.
- Nice, smooth section that runs southwest/northeast, parallel to 49 (sort of), and past farm fields, brush and the Hydro building.
- Part of the section runs between the Picton Golf & Country Club, so be wary of golfers who slice and hook!
What’s Near 49 Entrance
What’s Near Johnson Street Entrance
- Prince Eddy’s Brewing Company, The Lunch Box.
- Go southeast on Johnson and north on Picton Main Street for to get to the Crystal Palace, Picton Fairgrounds, Beer Store, Angry Bird’s Rotisserie Chicken.
- Go southeast on Johnson and south on Picton Main Street to explore Picton’s many cool restaurants and shops.
SECTION 2: Johnson Street/County Road 5 to Talbot Street/County Road 4 [Picton]
Length: 1.3 km Walk: 0:15 mins Cycle: 0:04 mins
- The trail entrance off Johnson Street/County Road 5 is just north of McDonald Drive.
- Trail entrance off Talbot Street is just north of Picton Farm Supply.
- Characterized by heavy brush/trees on both sides, this short, smooth section runs southwest/northeast.
What’s Near Johnson Street Entrance
- Prince Eddy’s Brewing Company, The Lunch Box.
- Go southeast on Johnson and north on Picton Main Street to get to the Crystal Palace, Picton Fairgrounds, Beer Store, Angry Bird’s Rotisserie Chicken.
- Go southeast on Johnson and south on Picton Main Street to explore Picton’s many cool restaurants and shops.
What’s Near Talbot Street Entrance
- Picton Farm Supply, LCBO, Lamb’s Quarters Farm.
SECTION 3: Talbot Street/County Road 4 to Loyalist Parkway (33) [Picton]
Length: 0.9 km Walk: 0:12 mins Cycle: 0:03 mins
- Trail entrance off Talbot Street is just north of Picton Farm Supply.
- The trail entrance off 33 is across from the Canadian Tire.
- No official parking available at either entrance to this section.
- A very short section that runs primarily north/south with mainly farmland on either side.
What’s Near Talbot Street Entrance
- Picton Farm Supply, LCBO.
What’s Near Loyalist Parkway (33) Entrance
- Canadian Tire, No Frills, Black Prince Winery.
SECTION 4: Loyalist Parkway (33) to Sandy Hook Road [Picton/Bloomfield]
Length: 1.0 km Walk: 0:12 mins Cycle: 0:03 mins
- Trail entrance off Hwy 33 is in front of the Canadian Tire.
- Trail entrance off Sandy Hook Road is just beside Lockyer’s Country Gardens.
- A very short section with backyards, farmland and fields.
- Runs southwest/northeast.
What’s Near Loyalist Parkway (33) Entrance
- Canadian Tire, No Frills, Black Prince Winery.
What’s Near Sandy Hook Road Entrance
- Lockyer’s Country Gardens, The Waring House Restaurant & Inn, Barley Room Pub.
- Go up Sandy Hook road to Hwy 33 for: Hagerman Farms and Farmhouse Eats, Barley Days Brewery, Crimson Cider Company.
- Go south on Sandy Hook road for Bailey’s Casual Dining.
SECTION 5: Sandy Hook Road to Lake Street [Bloomfield/Picton]
Length: 2.1 km Walk: 0:25 mins Cycle: 0:06 mins
- Trail entrance off Sandy Hook Road is just beside Lockyer’s Country Gardens.
- Trail entrance off Lake Street is on the south side of Agrarian Market.
- There’s a third entrance to this section at the start of Upper Lake Street.
- You can also access Canadian Tire, No Frills and Prince Edward Fitness & Aquatic Centre from the trail.
- There is parking available at the Lake Street entrance.
- This section runs mainly parallel to, and south of, 33 in a northeast/southwest direction.
What’s Near Sandy Hook Road Entrance
- Lockyer’s Country Gardens, The Waring House Restaurant & Inn, Barley Room Pub.
- Go up Sandy Hook road to 33 for: Hagerman Farms and Farmhouse Eats, Barley Days Brewery, Crimson Cider Company.
- Go south on Sandy Hook road for Bailey’s Casual Dining.
What’s Near Lake Street Entrance
- Agrarian Market, LCBO, Scott’s General Store.
SECTION 6: Sandy Hook Road to County Road 32 [Bloomfield]
Length: 2.9 km Walk: 0:35 mins Cycle: 0:08 mins
- Trail entrance off Sandy Hook Road is just beside Lockyer’s Country Gardens.
- Trail entrance off County Road 32 is about 350 metres south of 33.
- You can access the Waring House Restaurant & Inn and Barley Room Pub from the trail.
- This section runs mainly parallel to, and south of, 33 in a slightly northeast/southwest direction, with mainly farm fields on both sides.
What’s Near Sandy Hook Road Entrance
- Lockyer’s Country Gardens, The Waring House Restaurant & Inn, Barley Room Pub.
- Go up Sandy Hook road to 33 for: Hagerman Farms and Farmhouse Eats, Barley Days Brewery, Crimson Cider Company.
- Go south on Sandy Hook road for Bailey’s Casual Dining.
What’s Near County Road 32 Entrance
SECTION 7: County Road 32 to Stanley Street/County Road 12 [Bloomfield]
Length: 1.4 km Walk: 0:17 mins Cycle: 0:04 mins
- Trail entrance off County Road 32 is about 350 metres south of 33.
- Trail entrance off Stanley Street is near Pedego Electric Bikes.
- Runs mainly parallel to, and south of, 33 in a slight northeast/southwest direction.
- Mainly farm fields on both sides, with backyards as you near Stanley Street.
What’s Near County Road 32 Entrance
- Go north and make a left on Bloomfield Public House Market, Saylor Cafe, Flame + Smith Kitchen + Bar.
What’s Near Sandy Stanley Street/County Road 12 Entrance
- Pedego Electric Bikes, Van Grootheest Farm Stand, County Traders Second Hand Store, Baxter Arts Centre, Hatch Gallery.
- Go up Mill Street to Main Street to explore Bloomfield’s many quaint restaurants and shops.
SECTION 8: Stanley Street/County Road 12 to Wesley Acres Road [Bloomfield]
Length: 1.5 km Walk: 0:18 mins Cycle: 0:04 mins
- Trail entrance off Stanley Street is across the street from Pedego Electric Bikes.
- Trail entrance off Wesley Acres Road is about 350 metres south of 33.
- Runs mainly parallel to, and south of 33 in an east/west direction, through farm fields on both sides.
What’s Near Sandy Stanley Street/County Road 12 Entrance
- Pedego Electric Bikes, Van Grootheest Farm Stand, County Traders Second Hand Store, Baxter Arts Centre, Hatch Gallery.
- Go up Mill Street to Main Street to explore Bloomfield’s many quaint restaurants and shops.
What’s Near Wesley Acres Road Entrance
- Go north and make a right on 33 for Bullfrog’s Eatery.
What’s Near Barker Lane Entrance
- The trail cuts through Barker Lane which houses one of The County’s newest breweries just south of the trail, Matron Fine Beer.
SECTION 9: Wesley Acres Road to Loyalist Parkway/33 [Bloomfield/Wellington]
Length: 3.8 km Walk: 0:46 mins Cycle: 0:11 mins
- Trail entrance off Wesley Acres Road is about 350 metres south of 33.
- Trail entrance off Loyalist Parkway is about 1.1 km southwest of Slaven Road.
- This is the longest section of the trail between two entrances.
- Runs mainly parallel to, and south of 33 in an southeast/northwest direction.
- Mainly farm fields north of the trail, and marshes on the south, with a couple of bridges over small creeks.
What’s Near Wesley Acres Road Entrance
- Go north and make a right on 33 for Bullfrog’s Eatery.
What’s Near Loyalist Parkway (33) Entrance
- No retail.
SECTION 10: Loyalist Parkway (33) to Conley Road [Wellington]
Length: 2.6 km Walk: 0:32 mins Cycle: 0:08 mins
- Trail entrance off Loyalist Parkway is about 1.1 km southwest of Slaven Road.
- Trail entrance off Conley Road is about 300 metres north of 33.
- The trail becomes rougher through this stretch, with pebbles and small rocks the size of loose change – including loonies/toonies, but it’s still rideable.
- Runs parallel to, and north of 33 in an east/west direction.
- Marshland on the north to start, that changes to farm fields on both sides.
- You can catch glimpses of West Lake from certain spots.
What’s Near Loyalist Parkway (33) Entrance
- No retail.
What’s Near Conley Road Entrance
- No retail.
SECTION 11: Conley Road to Belleville Street/County Road 2 [Wellington]
Length: 2.0 km Walk: 0:24 mins Cycle: 0:06 mins
- Trail entrance off Conley Road is about 300 metres north of 33.
- Trail entrance off Belleville Street is just north of Lehigh Arena.
- The trail continues to be rough, but navigable.
- Runs parallel to, and north of 33 in an east/west direction, through mainly farmland.
- You can catch glimpses of West Lake from certain spots.
What’s Near Conley Road Entrance
- No retail.
What’s Near Belleville Street (2) Entrance
- Go south on Belleville Street to get to GOOD Place and North Docks.
SECTION 12: Belleville Street/County Road 2 to Consecon Street [Wellington]
Length: 1.2 km Walk: 0:14 mins Cycle: 0:04 mins
- Trail entrance off Belleville Street is just north of Lehigh Arena.
- Trail entrance off Consecon Street is just north of 2 Avenue.
- There are two other access points on this stretch, at Wharf Street and West Street.
- The only rest station on the trail is located at the end of West Street.
- The trail smooths out again during this stretch, travelling north of Wellington in a northeast/southwest direction.
- Mainly farms to the north, and backyards along the south.
What’s Near Belleville Street Entrance
- Go south on Belleville Street to get to GOOD Place and North Docks.
What’s Near Wharf Street Entrance
- Head south to get to Midtown Brewing, East & Main Bistro, Drake Devonshire.
What’s Near West Street Entrance
- Head south to get to La Condesa.
What’s Near Consecon Street Entrance
SECTION 13: Consecon Street to Greer Road [Wellington]
Length: 3.2 km Walk: 0:39 mins Cycle: 0:10 mins
- Trail entrance off Consecon Street is just north of 2 Avenue.
- Trail entrance off Greer Road is just south of Danforth Road.
- There are two other access points on this stretch, at Cleminson Street and Prince Edward Drive.
- Plus, there is another spur that heads directly up to Hubbs Creek Vineyard and Karlo Estates.
- The trail starts off heading southwest in Wellington, before making a sharp turn north towards Greer Road.
- This part of the trail passes through the western part of the town, several holes of Wellington on the Lake Golf Course – watch for golfers, carts and errant balls – and then farm fields.
What’s Near Consecon Street Entrance
What’s Near Greer Road Entrance
- No retail.
What’s Near Cleminson Street Entrance
- Royal Canadian Legion.
What’s Near Prince Edward Drive Entrance
- Wellington on the Lake Golf Course, Saigon Restaurant.
What’s Off the Trail Heading North
SECTION 14: Greer Road to Danforth Road [Hillier]
Length: 1.0 km Walk: 0:12 mins Cycle: 0:03 mins
- Trail entrance off Greer Road is just south of Danforth Road.
- Trail entrance off Danforth Road is 500 metres west of Settlers Cider Company.
- The trail heads northwest/southeast through vineyards and farm fields.
What’s Near Greer Road Entrance
- No retail.
What’s Near Danforth Road Entrance
SECTION 15: Danforth Road to Benway Road [Hillier]
Length: 1.9 km Walk: 0:22 mins Cycle: 0:05 mins
- Trail entrance off Danforth Road is 500 metres west of Loch Mor Cider Company.
- Trail entrance off Benway Road, which is a dirt road, is about 300 metres south of Trumpour Road.
- The trail heads northwest/southeast through vineyards and farm fields.
What’s Near Danforth Road Entrance
What’s Near Benway Road Entrance
SECTION 16: Benway Road to Closson Road [Hillier]
Length: 1.0 km Walk: 0:12 mins Cycle: 0:03 mins
- Trail entrance off Benway Road, which is a dirt road, is about 300 metres south of Trumpour Road.
- Trail entrance off Closson Road is about 600 metres north of Danforth Road.
- The part of the trail will be getting an upgrade in 2019.
- The trail heads roughly east/west past farm fields and vineyards.
What’s Near Benway Road Entrance
What’s Near Closson Road Entrance
- Hinterland Wine Company and Traynor Family Vineyard are both 1-2 km away.
SECTION 17: Closson Road to Station Road [Hillier]
Length: 1.7 km Walk: 0:20 mins Cycle: 0:05 mins
- Trail entrance off Closson Road is about 600 metres north of Danforth Road.
- Trail entrance off Station Road is about 700 metres north of Loyalist Parkway/33.
- This is arguably the most beautiful part of the Millennium Trail as it passes through Slab Creek, a provincially-designated wetland.
What’s Near Closson Road Entrance
- Hinterland Wine Company and Traynor Family Vineyard are both 1-2 km away.
What’s Near Station Road Entrance
SECTION 18: Station Road to Palmer Burris Road [Hillier]
Length: 2.3 km Walk: 0:28 mins Cycle: 0:07 mins
- Trail entrance off Station Road is about 700 metres north of Loyalist Parkway/33.
- Trail entrance off Palmer Burris Road is about half-way between Loyalist Parkway to the south and County Road 1 to the north.
- This part of the trail heads northwest/southeast through farm fields and forested areas.
What’s Near Station Road Entrance
What’s Near Palmer Burris Road Entrance
- Head south for about 1.5 km to get to Harwood Estate Vineyards and Hillier Creek Estates Winery.
SECTION 19: Palmer Burris Road to County Road 1 [Hillier]
Length: 1.7 km Walk: 0:21 mins Cycle: 0:05 mins
- Trail entrance off Palmer Burris Road is about half-way between Loyalist Parkway to the south and County Road 1 to the north.
- Trail entrance off County Road 1 is just west of Palmer Burris Road.
- This part of the trail heads veers sharply north towards Consecon Lake.
- It is scheduled to be upgraded in 2019.
What’s Near Palmer Burris Road Entrance
- Head south for about 1.5 km to get to Harwood Estate Vineyards and Hillier Creek Estates Winery.
What’s Near County Road 1 Entrance
- No retail.
SECTION 20: County Road 1 to Lakeside Drive [Consecon]
Length: 1.8 km Walk: 0:21 mins Cycle: 0:05 mins
- Trail entrance off County Road 1 is just west of Palmer Burris Road.
- Trail entrance off Lakeside Drive is about 1.5 km east of Loyalist Parkway.
- This part of the trail goes through the marshlands of Lake Consecon.
- It is scheduled to be upgraded in 2019.
What’s Near County Road 1 Entrance
- No retail.
What’s Near Lakeside Drive Entrance
- A bit of a detour lands you at Terra Estate Winery with stunning views of Consecon Lake.
SECTION 21: Lakeside Drive to Loyalist Parkway (33) [Consecon]
Length: 2.1 km Walk: 0:25 mins Cycle: 0:06 mins
- Trail entrance off Lakeside Drive is about 1.5 km east of Loyalist Parkway.
- Trail entrance off Loyalist Parkway is just northwest of Salem Road.
- This part of the trail goes through fields and forests.
- It is scheduled to be upgraded in 2019.
What’s Near Lakeside Drive Entrance
- Terra Estate Winery (2.3km east along Lakeside Drive)
What’s Near Loyalist Parkway Entrance
- The timeliness village of Consecon is just about 1 km south. Take a short-cut there by hopping off the trail at Salem Road going west towards Hwy 33, then south into Consecon.
- Fill up on poutine and jerk chicken with Tabersnack (20261 Loyalist Parkway.)
SECTION 21: Loyalist Parkway (33) to Blakely Road [Consecon]
Length: 2.0 km Walk: 0:24 mins Cycle: 0:06 mins
- Trail entrance off Loyalist Parkway is just northwest of Salem Road.
- Trail entrance off Blakely Road is about 1 km southwest Loyalist Parkway.
- This section runs parallel to Weller’s Bay, through marshes and past homes.
- It is scheduled to be upgraded in 2019.
What’s Near Loyalist Parkway Entrance
- The beautiful village of Consecon is just about 1 km south.
- Tabersnack
What’s Near Blakely Road Entrance
- No retail.
SECTION 22: Blakely Road to Smokes Point Road [Gardenville]
Length: 2.5 km Walk: 0:30 mins Cycle: 0:07 mins
- Trail entrance off Blakely Road is about 1 km southwest Loyalist Parkway.
- Trail entrance off Smokes Point Road is almost 2 km southwest of Loyalist Parkway.
- This section runs through marshes and fields.
- It is scheduled to be upgraded in 2019.
What’s Near Blakely Road Entrance
- No retail.
What’s Near Smokes Point Road Entrance
- Farm fresh organic veggies, preserves and other tasty treats at the Thyme Again Gardens farm stand just west of the trail on Smoke’s Point Road.
SECTION 23: Smokes Point Road to County Road 64 [Carrying Place]
Length: 2.7 km Walk: 0:33 mins Cycle: 0:08 mins
- Trail entrance off Smokes Point Road is almost 2 km southwest of Loyalist Parkway.
- Trail entrance off County Road 64 is just past Fort Kente Road – which happens to be the oldest road in Ontario!
- This section runs primarily through marshland near Weller’s Bay.
- The trail crosses two other roads along this stretch, Harbard Road and Fort Kente Road.
- It is scheduled to be upgraded in 2019.
What’s Near Smokes Point Road Entrance
- Thyme Again Gardens farm stand.
What’s Near County Road 64 Entrance
- Detour 1.5km north-east from the trail along Fort Kente Road (which turns into County Road 64) to the municipal boundaries of Prince Edward County and Quinte West to refuel at Hoss’s Diner, or peruse antiques at The Memory Factory.
Blog & Photography by: George Amaro
