Fall weather in southern Ontario is perfect for biking. Everyone is back to school, which translates to less traffic on roads and paths, and trails are typically quieter. The cooler temperatures also make bike rides a breeze, and the best part about it are the changing leaves. From mid-September to late October, the shorter days and crisp nights trigger an amazing colour explosion along local trails; none prettier than the transformation on the TH&B rail trail.
From the D’Aubigny Creek Wetlands trail, north of Shellard Lane in Brantford, the opportunity to witness the beautiful hardwood trees as they change from a warm yellow to fiery orange and then a brilliant crimson is often a biking experience so vivid, you’re tempted to stop and take pictures… possibly defeating the purpose of taking your bike in the first place. But, when the entire canopy all around you is set off in the colours of fall, it’s definitely a unique experience.
There’s also no guesswork required in timing your ride to coincide with the peak leaf change. The often six-week window in which to witness these bold autumn colours can be viewed from the Ontario Parks’ Fall Colour Report, which offers weekly leaf changing updates across the province. The report features a map including current fall foliage colours for provincial parks and their surrounding areas, including percentage of leaf change, dominant colours, and amount of leaf fall. For our area specifically, the Bronte Creek, Turkey Point, and Long Point updates are most reflective of the season. That being said, planning a weekend or evening bike ride to simply see for yourself is also highly recommended.
D’Aubigny Creek Wetlands as well as the tree-lined, paved TH&B rail trail make for an incredibly scenic backdrop for any fall colour ride, and they connect to the local trail system seamlessly. If you’re not so inclined to make a short trip of your experience, linking up with the LE&N, touring Mount Pleasant, Brant County, and beyond can make for a full day-trip or (even better) a one-of-a-kind bikepacking experience! Any section along the route is sure to be stunning this time of year.
The views along the wetlands portion and then through the rolling fields on either side of the trail en route to Mount Pleasant are equally breathtaking. As the leaves change, striking colours shoulder the creek and farm accesses along the way, with an almost intoxicating allure. Honestly, any combination and permutation of trail, roadway, or path access along this route will lead to panoramic views of yellows, oranges, and reds that make for fall colour bike riding bliss. “Pick your passion,” so they say!
If you’re looking for a more intimate view of the changing leaves, a side trip to the Mount Pleasant Nature Park may be in order. Perfect for a casual bike ride, or for a family trip, the park has its own small trail network worth checking out, complete with front-row bench seating to its beautiful, stocked ponds. While here, avid bicyclists and leaf fans alike will appreciate not having to fight for prime viewing spots with leaf onlookers who do so from the comfort of their cars. This park isn’t on the map for bustling fall colour hotspots like the Algonquins of the world (thankfully.)
If, like me, you value quiet time to yourself or with a small group of close friends or loved ones while you enjoy the changing of the leaves in our area, a fall colour bike ride along the TH&B may be just right. Visit Discover Brantford for more trail information, maps, and trip guides.
Uncommonly Grand 