Tomifobia Nature Trail facts for kids
The Tomifobia Nature Trail (also known as Sentier Nature Tomifobia in French) is a fun 19-kilometer (about 12-mile) path in the beautiful Eastern Townships area of Quebec. This trail follows an old railway line that used to belong to the Canadian Pacific Railway. It stretches from Ayer's Cliff all the way to Stanstead. Along the way, it goes through places like Stanstead-Est, Stanstead Township, and Ogden.
The trail has a gravel surface, which is great for different activities. You can enjoy cycling, hiking, and even cross-country skiing here! The trail is usually closed for maintenance every two years, from mid-March to mid-May. A non-profit group called Sentiers Massawippi owns and takes care of the trail. They get money from donations, businesses, and nearby towns to keep it in good shape for everyone to enjoy.
The railway tracks were removed in 1992, and that's when the trail was fully turned into a place for visitors. However, people were already using parts of it for hiking about ten years before it officially opened. The very last freight train to use this line was on December 5, 1988.
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What Animals Live on the Tomifobia Trail?
The Tomifobia Nature Trail is home to many different kinds of animals and plants. When you visit, you might see some amazing wildlife!
Common Animals You Might See
Many travelers on the trail often spot animals like tortoises slowly moving along. You might also see graceful herons near the water or busy beavers building their homes. Look out for grass snakes sunning themselves and powerful falcons flying overhead. Deer are also common and can often be seen grazing peacefully.
Rare Animals on the Trail
Sometimes, depending on the time of year, you might get lucky and see some rarer animals. These can include large black bears, impressive moose, clever coyotes, and quick red foxes. Remember to always keep a safe distance from all wildlife.
Connecting to Other Trails
The Tomifobia Nature Trail is part of a larger network of paths. You can connect to other trails to explore even more of the region.
Trails to the Southwest
If you head southwest from the Tomifobia Trail, you can find a smaller path that follows Chemin de North Derby. This path ends right across the border from North Derby. Another trail starts in North Derby and goes all the way to Newport in the United States. To get to this trail, you will need to go through U.S. customs at either Route 247 or Route 143.
Trails to the Southeast
To the southeast, another gravel path can take cyclists to Stanstead and Stanstead Plain. This trail finishes at Rue Maple.
Trails to the North
Connecting to trails north of the Tomifobia Trail can be a bit tricky. You can use roads like Route 208, Route 143, Chemin du Lac, Chemin de Hatley, Chemin de Hatley Centre, Chemin Massawippi, and Rue Main. These roads lead to the Sentier Massawippi, which connects North Hatley to the Lennoxville area of Sherbrooke. Be careful on Route 143, as it does not have a paved shoulder and cars can drive up to 90 kilometers per hour (about 56 miles per hour). Another option is to reach Magog by taking Route 141, Chemin Benoit, and Route 108.
