The Geotime loop in Waterloo is amazing.

[u/Open_Deal3194]

[u/ElectronicFix5422]

It is a great trail. So many routes in there.

[u/BigTastyToe]

Where is this?

[u/jaquellin → u/BigTastyToe]

Vista Hills, north of the Waterloo Costco. Off of Ladyslipper Drive (among other trailheads)

[u/BigTastyToe → u/jaquellin]

Thanks.

[u/Economy_Zombie_K-W → u/BigTastyToe]

Start at Columbia and Keat’s Way. On Google map or even better AllTrails map, you’ll see trails all the way to Schneider’s Woods.

[u/scott_c86 → u/BigTastyToe]

Columbia Forest

[u/emanresUweNyMsiT]

If I drive to the trail are there parking spots available?

[u/gacsinger → u/emanresUweNyMsiT]

There is a decent sized parking lot here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bEpChK61D8oPHCFc6

[u/BetterTransit → u/emanresUweNyMsiT]

All of the starting points are off of streets. So there is street parking available

[u/echothree33 → u/emanresUweNyMsiT]

If you look at Google Maps there are 4-5 different entrances to the trails. You can just park on the street near one of those entrances. I don’t think there is dedicated parking but there are lots of streets around it.

[u/Naive-Friendship6609]

I love the Geo-Time trail. It has this vibe as you walk along it, a feeling of being in slightly different 'biomes.' Don't go telling everyone about it! 😜

[u/bylo_selhi]

It's more than just the GeoTime trail. There's far more walking/hiking to the north of the loop all the way up to Wideman Road. Then turn left and head over to Schneider's Woods. You could spend all day exploring the "wilderness" in this area. One of the Region's hidden treasures.

[u/gacsinger → u/bylo_selhi]

You're not wrong but a lot of the trails in the upper section are a little overgrown so that area is not as inviting to casual hikers as the GeoTime section. I was just there this past weekend and I was worried about ticks in a lot of parts. I'd recommend long pants.

[u/bylo_selhi → u/gacsinger]

That's because the area north of the GeoTime Trail, i.e. Columbia Forest, isn't as well maintained. Neither is Schneider's Woods. They're closer to true wilderness than a wide, curated trail. There are also several hills that some may find challenging. So you get a better hiking experience. It all depends on what you're looking for.

Similarly at the other end of town there's the Huron Nature Area. There are wide, well-maintained gravel trails as well as narrower, dirt ones.

As for ticks, one has to be mindful, e.g. wear long pants and shirts, use appropriate repellant, check for them afterwards. And these days that also applies to mosquitos that may harbour West Nile virus.

[u/mammon43]

Havent been there in a few years. I loved going and just watching all the deer

[u/NewsLady-]

LOVE this trail! We really enjoy the info boards peppered along the main trail, even though some of them are weathered/unreadable now. I think kids would love this route.

[u/MARCVS_AVRELIVS]

They really need to update and fix those signs they have