Central Parks Board Rates 5 Walking Trails by Distance and Difficulty

The Central Parks Board released updated ratings for local walking trails on July 7, listing five routes by distance and difficulty after field assessments completed last month.

Interest in these trails has grown since the Central Active Living Program launched its spring campaign in May, when the city health department recorded a 22 percent rise in park visits compared with the same period in 2025.

Two routes stand out for different skill levels. The Central River Trail begins at the footbridge on River Street in the Riverside District and runs 3.2 kilometres along the water with a gentle grade suitable for beginners. The Summit Trail starts at the gate on North Hill Avenue near Oakwood Park and covers 12 kilometres with steep sections that reach a 15 percent incline at the halfway point.

Trail Ratings Breakdown

Board staff assigned each path a difficulty score based on elevation gain, surface type and total length. The Oakwood Loop at Oakwood Park measures 8.5 kilometres with moderate climbs and crushed-stone paths, while the shorter Meadow Edge route inside the same park spans 2.1 kilometres on flat ground. A city survey from June 2026 showed 4,200 residents joined the annual walking challenge that uses these marked routes.

Trail maps cost five dollars at the Riverside Community Center on Main Street or can be downloaded free through the city app. The Central Parks Board maintains the paths with weekly checks funded by the 2026 parks budget of 2.8 million dollars.

Planning a Visit

Walkers should check the city website for current trail conditions before heading out, especially after heavy rain. The board advises starting on the easier Central River Trail for those new to the system and progressing to longer routes once comfortable with the terrain. Residents can also join guided group walks scheduled every Saturday at 8 a.m. from Oakwood Park through the end of August.