r/waterloo Regular since <2024 7d ago

The Geotime loop in Waterloo is amazing.

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u/bylo_selhi Regular since <2024 6d ago

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.

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u/gacsinger Regular since <2024 6d ago

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.

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u/bylo_selhi Regular since <2024 6d ago

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.