Fanshawe Lake Trail

The Fanshawe Lake Trail is a 20 km loop trail that goes around Fanshawe Reservoir. The trail is accessed at the main entrance to Fanshawe Conservation Area, 1424 Clarke Road (just north of Huron Street). 

The Lake Trail is open to cyclists and hikers from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. Night riding is prohibited.  Helmets are mandatory for cyclists.  Bike bells are recommended. Park admission fees are in effect.

• Round trip hike: 4 - 5 hours
• Round trip cycle: 1½ - 2 hours

Click on the links below to see the map and brochure text, or pick up a copy at the UTRCA administration office (at Fanshawe CA) or by , or calling 519-451-2800. 

• Lake Trail Map
• brochure text

Please note! Traveling on muddy trails can cause damage and erosion. Please be aware of trail conditions.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - BIKING DIRECTIONS!

In order to ensure trail safety for all users, people biking all the way around the reservoir must go the following directions, depending on the DATE:

• even numbered dates (e.g. May 2, 14, etc.) all bikers go clockwise around the lake
• odd numbered dates (e.g. May 5, 23, etc.) all bikers go counter-clockwise around the lake

All bikers unable to travel all the way around the lake must yield when biking against the flow of traffic.  ALL bikers are reminded to watch for pedestrians using the trail.  

The trail offers spectacular views, all kinds of wildlife and a variety of terrain. As you hike or bike your way around Fanshawe Reservoir, you will travel 20 km through mature forest, open meadows and along three stretches of roadway.

The trail covers flat and rugged terrain with areas of steep hills, exposed roots and rocks. Plan ahead, and know your abilities as well as the areas through which you are hiking or riding.

Trail Markings

Bikers - Blue squares and black diamonds along the Lake Trail indicate the level of difficulty. The entire Lake Trail is marked with blue squares. Bikers have the option of riding the tougher black diamond sections.

Hikers - The Lake Trail is also part of the Thames Valley Trail (TVT), which runs from the southern border of Middlesex County to the Town of St. Marys. The white markers on the west side of the lake indicate the main TVT route. The blue biking markers on the east side indicate the secondary TVT trail.

Please . . .

• Helmets are mandatory for cyclists
• Trail open dawn to dusk
• Night riding is prohibited
• Access the trail at the main park entrance
• Travel only on blazed trails and respect trail closures
• Slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking other trail users
• Do not disturb wildlife or pick or transplant flowers
• Do not climb fences
• Keep dogs on leash
• Keep the trail free of litter

Low Water Crossings

There are two low water crossings on the trail, one over Wye Creek and one just south of the Thorndale bridge on the west side of the Thames River. During periods of high water flow, these sections of the trail may be impassable, in which case you will be asked to double back. Provisional data on the Wye Creek crossing are available on line. Trail conditions are also posted at the trailhead in the day use area (#1 on the map).

For More Information: , or call 519-451-2800, ext. 298 (daytime Monday to Friday) or ext. 257 (evenings and weekends).

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