Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails (LET) Project
Vision of Project
The Laurentian Escarpment trails have a long history of local use by hikers, mountain bikers, downhill skiers, snowshoers and more recently, fat bikers. The goal of the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails Project is to preserve and protect a four-season network of sanctioned multi-use trails across the Laurentian Escarpment for now and future generations. Through partnership and active participation between local non-profits, private landowners and public agencies, we will create an asset not only for the community, but one that supports the local economy by attracting provincial and national events and celebrates North Bay’s legacy through its 100th anniversary.
The project is being led by a committee made up of representatives from Discovery Routes, North Bay Mountain Bike Association and community volunteers with support and participation from the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, City of North Bay, Department of National Defense and private landowners.
Project Map and Scope
Description of Project
Through the first phase of the project, public access and trail management rights have been secured for the network of recreational trails that span across properties owned and/ or managed by the North Bay – Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA), City of North Bay, Department of National Defence (DND) and two private land developers. Until recently, the only sanctioned trails were the 1.9km McNutt Family Trail within the Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area (LECA) and the 6.4km Richardson Ridge Trail that extends beyond the boundary of the NBMCA-owned lands.
With land rights secured, the committee was able to develop and implement the first phase of the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails Master Plan Update: Dec 2025
In the first phase of the project, implementation of the Master Plan Update included:
- Implementation of a Public Engagement Strategy
- Assessment of the network’s Trail Tourism Readiness
- Development and implementation of a Trail Signage Plan
- Trail Network Improvements such as improved access trailheads, altering and decommissioning degraded trails, improving trail connectivity, drainage improvements, and selecting preferred routes optimized for specific user groups (hikers and mountain bikers)
- Implementation of long term strategy with community trail partners for ongoing management of trail network
Other Outcomes of Phase 1
- Hosting the first ever Enduro Mountain Bike Race in 2025 celebrating the City of North Bay’s 100th anniversary
- North Bay Centennial Mural celebrating 100 years of volunteerism on our local trails
- Trail Tool Sharing Program supporting volunteer trail stewards
Project Updates
!!ALERT!! Temporary Detour around new Hemlock Haven Trail Segment Structure: See Details
Tourism Readiness Assessment: LET Tourism Readiness Assessment Aug 2024
Trail User Survey – Fall 2024: LET Trail User Survey Summary- Dec 2024
Project Updates:
LET Project Update – Spring 2025
LET Project Update – Summer 2025 and Sponsorship
LET Project Update – Fall 2025
Trail Improvement Planning Map – June 2025
Call for Artist – Vinyl Wrap Mural on tool storage container – closed October 10, 2025
Volunteers for trail improvements and event support are needed. Email projects@discoveryroutes.ca if you would like to lend a hand.
To receive project updates, send an email to projects@discoveryroutes.ca with “Mailing List” in subject line.
Help Preserve the Legacy of the Laurentian Escarpment
The project is not complete. We still have a long way to making a premier trail network. Be a part of the legacy:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Peak Sponsor – Give $5,000 or more and we’ll put your logo on our trailhead signs
Trailblazer – Give $2,500 or more and we’ll recognize you on the trailhead signs
Community Builder – Give $1,000 and we’ll mention you on the trailhead signs
Contact Jennifer McCourt at jennifer@discoveryroutes.ca to sponsor. You can also connect with any of our volunteer committee members to coordinate the sponsorship: Terry Parolin; Rod Bilz or Mike Ward. Or download this fillable PDF form with your sponsorship information: LET Sponsor and Donation Fillable Form
Donate to the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails
Discovery Routes is a registered charity #868861998 RR0001
Our mission is to provide support to local trail stewards who maintain our trail networks, providing a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, fostering a connection to nature , and promoting healthier, more active lifestyles. Donations made to Discovery Routes can be directed to the Laurentian Escarpment Community Trails project and will be issued a charitable donation receipt. There are a few ways to donate. Fill in the Donation portion of the LET Sponsor and Donation Fillable Form OR
Donate Now through Canada Helps
For More Information
Project Contact:
Mike Ward, Trail Project Coordinator, projects@discoveryroutes.ca
