Headwaters
The Grand River begins life as a little stream crossing a farmer’s field just north of Dundalk. The Headwaters section of the Grand Trail travels along quiet rural roads between Dundalk and Belwood Lake, with a section of rail trail on the Upper Grand Trailway The trail crosses the Grand several times as it grows into a modest river. There are only 2 communities of any size: Dundalk, in the township of Southgate, in Grey County; and Grand Valley, in Dufferin County.
Dundalk
This thriving town serves the surrounding farm communities. It is a good place to find a casual restaurant or buy supplies. The CP Rail Trail passes through the town on its way from Orangeville to Owen Sound. Between here and Chatsworth the surface is rough, used by ATVs and snowmobiles, but can be hiked in the summer. Check out Main St Pizza and The Junction Family Restaurant.
Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area
(Photo by Dustin Garrick/Water Cycles Expeditions)
The Humble Beginnings of the Mighty Grand, North of Dundalk
Grand Valley
The small town of Grand Valley is the centre of an agricultural area. If you ride along the Upper Grand Trailway, take a detour into town and enjoy a meal featuring locally-sourced foods at the Grand River Chop House or relax with a pint of craft beer and some pub grub at Wrinkly Bear Brewing Company.
Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Luther Marsh is a large man-made wetland which is managed by the Grand River Conservation Authority. It is the first place on the Grand River where you can put your canoe into the water. There is also a viewing tower that provides an excellent view of the lake. The area is a birder’s paradise, especially during nesting and migrating season. Note that boats are not allowed in the water until July 1, to protect nesting birds. Motorized craft are not permitted until September 1. Hunting is permitted in the fall and winter on certain days. Consult the GRCA website for the dates in the fall that the area is closed to hunting and safe to access.
The Headwaters of the Grand River begin as a tiny creek in the Dundalk Highlands, just north of the little agricultural town of Dundalk. From Dundalk, the river flows into Luther Marsh, a man-made wetland, where you can put your canoe or kayak in the water. After the little town of Grand Valley, it empties into Belwood Lake. The Grand Trail begins in Dundalk and travels mainly on quiet gravel roads and the Upper Grand Trailway. The agricultural towns of Dundalk and Grand Valley have several restaurants where you can relax over local food and craft beer.
For an adventure in the Headwaters Section of the Grand Trail, start your day at Luther Marsh. Climb up the wildlife viewing tower at Luther Marsh and go on a paddle. (Check the Luther Marsh website for closures in the spring which protect nesting birds; and to avoid days in the fall and winter when hunting is permitted.) Then ride from Luther Marsh to Grand Valley along country roads and the Upper Grand Trailway. Take a break at one of the restaurants and pubs in Grand Valley before riding along quiet gravel roads back to the marsh. Download our detailed instructions for your self-guided Paddle and Bike Adventure in Headwaters.
