Introducing the A2A Trail - A Pilgrimage for Nature
The A2A Trail - A Pilgrimage for Nature - will link Algonquin Park to the Adirondacks, creating a physical and symbolic connection between lands and people in support of the A2A’s broader regional goals. The trail has been identified as a priority initiative for A2A, and is inherently a long-term project, intended to exist in perpetuity and develop over time. Starting with the inspirational journey of Alice the Moose, whose route between the two great parks was tracked by a team of researchers, A2A began to imagine the possible ways the trip could be made by human travellers.
The Pilgrimage for Nature raises awareness of the A2A region’s unique place in conservation in eastern North America, as well as providing extensive new infrastructure for outdoor recreation and opportunities for stimulating local economies. The route links many existing trails, and exposes travellers to Eastern Ontario and upstate New York’s rich natural and cultural heritage and rural communities. Where existing trail infrastructure is not available, A2A will temporarily use back roads in place of trail. Cycling routes will be available and paddling versions are under consideration. The trail is inherently a long-term project, intended to develop over time and be based on strong partnerships with groups representing the diverse interests in the region. A2A will be looking them to help plan, manage, and promote the trail.
A2A is nurturing strong partnerships with groups and organizations that represent the diverse concerns of the region and who will help plan, manage, and promote the trail. This includes Indigenous partners, municipalities, trail associations, and conservation authorities. One of our newest partner is Mountain Equipment Coop, who have provided a community grant to help develop sections of the trail in Ontario.
We wish to recognize John Davis and John Allport and others who did a Reconnaissance Trek of the trail between Oct 1 - 15, 2017, which helped us to learn more about both the beauty and the challenges we need to address before the trail is officially opened. An online guide to the trail will be available by 2022, but in the meantime, you can see the route and options identified to date through Google Earth by accessing the KMZ file here.
Be in touch if your organization would like to be involved!
The Pilgrimage for Nature raises awareness of the A2A region’s unique place in conservation in eastern North America, as well as providing extensive new infrastructure for outdoor recreation and opportunities for stimulating local economies. The route links many existing trails, and exposes travellers to Eastern Ontario and upstate New York’s rich natural and cultural heritage and rural communities. Where existing trail infrastructure is not available, A2A will temporarily use back roads in place of trail. Cycling routes will be available and paddling versions are under consideration. The trail is inherently a long-term project, intended to develop over time and be based on strong partnerships with groups representing the diverse interests in the region. A2A will be looking them to help plan, manage, and promote the trail.
A2A is nurturing strong partnerships with groups and organizations that represent the diverse concerns of the region and who will help plan, manage, and promote the trail. This includes Indigenous partners, municipalities, trail associations, and conservation authorities. One of our newest partner is Mountain Equipment Coop, who have provided a community grant to help develop sections of the trail in Ontario.
We wish to recognize John Davis and John Allport and others who did a Reconnaissance Trek of the trail between Oct 1 - 15, 2017, which helped us to learn more about both the beauty and the challenges we need to address before the trail is officially opened. An online guide to the trail will be available by 2022, but in the meantime, you can see the route and options identified to date through Google Earth by accessing the KMZ file here.
Be in touch if your organization would like to be involved!
Proposed A2A Trail Route (last revised: November 2015)
Many thanks to our supporters:
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Paul McKay |
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