HATVA is a locally based, not for profit organization with a membership of more than 800. HATVA insures our members’ usage of private and public land and maintains more than 3,000 kms of trails in the Haliburton area. Our website is www.haliburtonatv.com.

There is a trail in Haliburton, which permits travellers a beautiful route between Haliburton village south to the county line just north of Kinmount, and continues as the Victoria Rail Trail south through Lindsay and terminates at Bethany. It is the Haliburton Rail Trail.

A few years ago the owner of the Haliburton rail trail, Haliburton County, determined through a study, that the best way to utilize the rail trail, was to make it available to multi users. Now people who enjoy riding horses, walking, hiking, riding bicycles and ATVs have a place to travel, that was not only very scenic but it got them away from road vehicles making it safer. The county and HATVA came to an agreement which was valid for one year, to allow ATVs to use the trail, provided HATVA insure and warden the trail, use calcium for dust control and many other items. It was at that time, that the county made it mandatory that ATVs had to have a permit to use the trail. That one year agreement has continued successfully for many years. In addition, we did work above and beyond the agreement. By having HATVA patrol the trail, it was a significant cost saving to the tax payers.

The Haliburton Rail Trail has significant historical value, since rail travel was a major link to other areas and markets. HATVA hands out a brochure which explains about points of interest along the trail. Some of the former structures are not clearly evident today. The brochure makes reference to locations along the trail, relative to kilometre signs.

HATVA schedules a group of volunteer trail wardens to cover the length of the rail trail from April 1 to November 30. Our trail wardens are clearly visible by wearing a black vest with TRAIL WARDEN in white print on a blue background on the front and back of the vests. Trail wardens are a significant asset to users of the trail. By patrolling the trail, they can check on and do sign maintenance, make sure the trail is safe, help walkers and cyclists with directions and give them water on hot days, locate points of interest, clean up litter, check and report on the condition of the rail trail and bridges, as well as stop and check that ATVers have a permit and that they obey the 30 kph speed limit. Should a trail user have a medical problem, the trail wardens can assist emergency crews with the location of the patient.

ATVs are not permitted on the rail trail from December 1 to May 31. The county bylaw officer who is authorized to lay charges, also rides with trail wardens.

Often the trails we use are shared with other groups such as snowmobile clubs and we financially support maintenance, such as re-decking bridges. Members of our club donate their labour to projects, such is the case with the two bridges on the rail trail, where we provided labour.

Enjoy the rail trail. Please carry out, that which you carried in.

Good thing you posted this, I read somewhere that the trail opens on May 1st.
What time do the regular trails open?

Its May 1st from Kinmount "South bound only", or to put it another way from Kinmount to Lindsay.

Sting

Ohh so maybe I read that on the KATVA site. Thanks Sting

it is a shame that Lindsay council decided to pave the rail trail goign throuhg Lindsay. ATV's and motorized vehicles are prohibited, just so a few people can stroll along and have their dog take a dump without having to pick it up. Lindasy ruined a great opportunity to have constant traffic and increase tourism.

Agreed!

Snowmobiles aren't even allowed around Lindsay, so ATV's would naturally be out. It's just a strange, strange place.