The railways that built these towns didn’t die — they became trails. Three systems matter on the corridor, and knowing which is which is half the local knowledge: the Trans Canada Trail runs east–west on the old CP line, roughly paralleling Highway 7 itself from Glen Tay near Perth all the way west toward Havelock. The K&P Trail (Kingston & Pembroke — “the Kick and Push,” as the railway was lovingly mocked) runs north–south and crosses it at Sharbot Lake. And at the west end, the Hastings Heritage Trail runs north–south through Madoc and Marmora country. Cyclists and hikers own them in summer (the K&P’s southern half especially), ATVs ride them with permits, and in winter they belong to the snowmobiles. Here’s the network, east to west.
Glen Tay (Perth) — km 85
The eastern trailhead of the corridor trail. From Glen Tay, just west of Perth, the old CP grade runs west through the lake country to Sharbot Lake and beyond — which means a cyclist can leave Perth’s stone downtown and be on a hundred-plus kilometres of rail trail within minutes.
Sharbot Lake — km 120
The crossroads of the whole network, and the single best place on the corridor to start any trail day. The K&P arrives from the south — 75 finished kilometres of stone dust from downtown Kingston through Harrowsmith, Verona, Godfrey and Tichborne, a genuinely excellent cycling surface — and continues north toward Snow Road and Calabogie (note: a stretch south of the Mississippi up there is still rough and undeveloped). The Trans Canada Trail crosses it east–west at the village. Old rail grade in four compass directions, with the beach, food, and free parking at the trailhead.
The Arden country — km 130–150
Between Sharbot Lake and Kaladar, the classic back-country riding route swings through Arden and Mountain Grove — Shield rock, cedar, lake glimpses, and the reason this stretch is a favourite for ATV touring. Pairs with Long Lake and Arden beaches for the swim stops.
Kaladar — km 150
Directly on the Trans Canada Trail: rail grade east to Sharbot Lake, west to Tweed, fuel and snacks at the junction. For long-haul riders Kaladar is the reliable mid-run waypoint — and the Dark Sky Viewing Area is eleven kilometres south for anyone making an evening of it.
Tweed — via Actinolite, km 165
A proper trail town. The corridor trail comes through from Kaladar, and the popular Tweed-to-Bancroft loop starts here — past Stoco Lake and north through the Hastings highlands, one of Eastern Ontario’s signature ATV runs. Main street, butter tarts, and a beach for the return leg.
Madoc — km 190
Gateway to the Hastings Heritage Trail: 150-plus kilometres of old rail line from Glen Ross north to Lake St. Peter, the west end’s great north–south artery. The scenic Centre Hastings loop — alongside Madoc, Marmora and Stirling — is the manageable day-ride version, with bakery and diner stops built in.
Marmora — km 205
On the Hastings network and the Bancroft loop both — and the mine lookout is a signature stop on the ride, the kind of view you don’t expect to earn from a rail grade. Crowe River and Lake handle the swim.
Havelock — km 230
The western anchor. The corridor trail reaches Havelock from Tweed and Kaladar, making the village the natural start or finish line for a full east–west run — fuel, food, and the Kawartha Highlands waiting to the north.
Know before you ride
Permits: walking and cycling are free everywhere; motorized use isn’t. ATVs need trail permits (the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance covers most of this network; the Frontenac K&P has its own permit rules), and winter sledding runs on OFSC permits. Seasons: trails soften in spring thaw and sections close — respect the signs, ruts last for years. Shared grade: cyclists, horses, ATVs and hikers share most of these trails; slow down for everyone slower than you. Cell coverage is spotty off the highway — tell someone your route. And as everywhere on this site: conditions on the day overrule anything written here.
Route details from county and trail-organization sources, July 2026 — trailhead-by-trailhead field notes (parking, surfaces, signage) are the next upgrade. Ride these trails? Tell us what we got wrong.