Rainbow Routes Association in Sudbury unveils new trail guide

An updated trail map from the Rainbow Routes Association now charts over 40 routes, a significant increase from the previous 28.

Sudbury’s Rainbow Routes Association has unveiled details about its updated trail map.

The old map featured just 28 trails, while the new version charts more than 40 routes, including popular paths like the Gerry Montpellier Trail, the New Sudbury Historical Trail and the Big Nickel Trail.

The announcement was made at Tom Davies Square on Friday morning.

Bringing people together

“I think it’s going to bring people together and realizing, like, what have you completed? What have you done?” said Rachel Mantas, executive director of the Rainbow Routes Association.

“Really, (we are) just educating the community members to say you’re a stone’s throw away from your local trail.”

The new map will include information such as trail difficulty, parking details and washroom accessibility, making it easier for hikers to plan their next adventure.

Cindy Crocker, trail mapping lead, said the updated map introduces features that address common questions from trail users.

“We really wanted to show the community what trails were easier and what trails were harder, just so you could kind of plan your route,” Crocker said.

Parking a big concern

She said parking has been a frequent concern.

“A lot of our community members currently call now and say, ‘Like, how do we get to the trails and where can I park?’ Because the information just isn’t out there yet,” Crocker said.

Effort went into ensuring the new maps are inclusive.

Alicia Grace Chenier, an accessibility consultant for the project, was brought in to provide feedback.

“I live with low vision, and so, the Rainbow Routes really brought me in to walk some of the trails and talk about the accessibility for, you know, people with disabilities,” Chenier said.

Accessible trails

“So for me, I was able to bring that blind experience in and having a disability studies background, as well.”

She said a lot goes into making a trail accessible.

“I think people really when they think of accessible, they normally traditionally think of ramps or like flat surfaces, no stairs, but there’s so many more disabilities,” Chenier said.

“For me, using my white cane … when there’s different types of ground, it makes it harder for me to use my cane and tracking. And also for wheelchairs, as well. If there’s too much gravel, then the wheelchairs don’t work as well.”

The project was made possible by a $97,000 seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation last year.

The grant was part of 730 provided across the province to non-profits meeting specific community engagement and healthy living criteria.

“Community engagement as well as exercise and just being part of helping out the community and involving the community in different things ... Rainbow Routes filled all those criteria,” said Shawn Ouimet, volunteer and former chair of OTF’s Sudbury-Algoma District.

The new guides will be available digitally, in local libraries and at the entrance of trails by the end of this year or early 2026.

In the meantime, the Rainbow Routes Association is hosting its annual Oak Forest Guided Hike this Thanksgiving Monday. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. at 1127 Bancroft Drive.