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| Bike Routes in Yarmouth | |||||
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| Introduction Students working for TREPA in the summer of 2004 took on the task of trying to identify bike routes around town that offer interesting experiences and show off some of our community features. The routes use existing road for the most part but in some places there are unimproved connections. We tried, to the degree possible, to use less traveled roads to avoid automobile traffic. This was not always possible and normal bicycling safety cautions should be applied. We hope the descriptions and the map provide many hours of good riding for you. All rides start at the Tourist Bureau at the corner of Forest and Main Streets. House Tour Loop (blue on map) This is the shortest tour on the list. To take this interesting and informative ride pick up a copy of "A Walking Tour of Yarmouth" at the Tourist Bureau and use it as a guide. The brochure gives very good information about many of the historic homes and other features of our town. North Loop (maroon on map) This loop features quiet residential streets, a visit to the lovely Mountain Cemetery and our Broad Brook wetlands, experience on some undeveloped trails, a green park, and a nice ride back along the waterfront. The second half of the trip brings you in contact with commercial establishments for rest breaks and snacks. Beginning at the tourist bureau, bike east on Forest Street. This shady street has several lovely historic homes. 18 Forest Street is the Alfred Shaw House; 17 Forest Street is the Reverend John and Sarah Moody House. At the corner of Forest and Aberdeen Streets there is a large "special tree". Turn north on Park Street and then east on Cliff Street. Cliff is quieter than either Forest or Parade Streets and goes through a peaceful residential area. Turn north on Clements Ave and then east on Parade Street. Parade Street is home to Mountain Cemetery and also crosses Broad Brook. Continue east and turn into the cemetery. The cemetery has many fine old Beech trees. Explore the many old graves and admire the fountains and lily pond. The west portion of the cemetery borders Broad Brook. There is a path on the west side of the cemetery that leads to a gate at the north end. Once through the gate the path becomes Burton Avenue. From this point on we have a section that is roadless and the trail is not well developed. It is useable here by mountain bikes. To avoid the less developed trail area take Burton Street to Starr's Road, turn east to Pleasant Street. Take Pleasant Street south to reconnect with or description at that point. Be careful of the traffic on Starr's Road. Burton is home to one of many Frenchy's stores in Yarmouth. Stop in to see if you can find a bargain. There is a path just north of the bridge across Broad Brook on Burton Avenue. The trail, a little rough here, follows Broad Brook to the west. Stop to admire the roses, hawthorns, and lupines in the early summer. If you want to return to Parade Street at this point, look for a trail that follows the telephone lines south back to Clements Avenue. This scenic trail goes past large rocks, is very quiet, and feels quite secluded. To continue on to the north part of Water Street, take a short cut through the parking lot of the Red Knight to avoid Starr's Road. Turn south on Pleasant Street and turn west on the unimproved path that is beside the auto part shop and before King Street. This path, only a block long, has a lovely canopy of leaves overhead in the summer. From the path, turn north on Marsha Avenue which is a quiet, dead end street with newer homes. Turn west on James Street, south on Fairmont, and west on Prescott Street. Prescott Street is quiet and shady, and boasts homes with lovely yards. To the south of Prescott is Beacon Park which has a band stand and is across the street from the United Church. The park makes a good place to rest. Continue down Prescott to cross Main Street and go into the Tim Horto's and Wendy's parking lot. From the parking lot exit to the west on Water Street and enjoy the beautiful harbour view. Be sure to stop in the clock tower park to admire the scenery and read the exhibit panels. To return to the tourist bureau bike south on Water Street and turn east up Forest Street. South End Loop (orange on map) This loop takes you through one of the older sections of town with interesting buildings and byways. Its section along Main Street has shops and places to get a snack. The South East Street extension provides a visit to the Broad Brook wetland and its special flora and fauna. From the tourist bureau ride west on Forest Street and turn south on Water Street. Water Street has only moderate traffic and offers fantastic views of Yarmouth Harbour. Be sure to stop at some of the wharves to look at boats and fishing equipment. Turn east on Commercial Street. Commercial Street goes through a very quiet residential area. When Commercial Street ends jog north on William Street, which, further north, is home to the J. Murray Lawson House at 64 William Street, and the Holy Trinity Church, Hall and Rectory at 61, 63, and 65 William Street. This is an easy side trip. Turn east on Southeast Street which is mostly residential and has little traffic. Saint Ambrose Field is just to the left and visible across the field is the Saint Ambrose Cathedral, which is a Catholic church on Albert Street. Continuing east, the a ball park is located on the north side of the street, and just a little further along Broad Brook crosses under the road. The bog on the north side of the street is home to many beautiful plant species including yellow flags, c attails, purple fringed-orchids, and turtle-head. The bog is floating in areas so any exploration should be undertaken with caution. To complete the loop, turn around, travel west on Southeast Street and turn south on Green Street, a wide, sunny road. Turn east on Argyle, which is the main cross street in south Yarmouth. This is a busy street. Turn south on MacNeil Avenue, a peaceful residential street, which twists its way west to intersect with Green Street. Take Green Street north just a short distance and then turn onto Lewis Avenue. Lewis Avenue is a shady street with pretty trees. Turn south on Forbes Street and then west on Queen Street. To the east on Queen Street two large old homes can be seen. Queen Street is also home to Gateway Bowling Lanes. From Queen Street turn north on Main Street and then west on Hueston next to Ernie's Grill. From Hueston turn north on Water Street where a beautiful view of the harbour can be admired at length. Turn east on Forest to complete the loop. Chebogue Loop (red on map) The Chebogue loop is scenic, quiet and has little traffic. As a bike loop it has excellent potential for exploration. It features wonderful views over the ocean and the Chebogue River, a number of interesting side trips and good stopping and resting places. The entire ride takes around three to three and a half hours so it is a good idea to take along water and snacks. There are a few hills, especially during the first part of the trip, so it is suggested that cyclists be in moderate shape. From the tourist bureau ride west on Forest Street. Take Water Street south, turn east on Hueston, turn south on to Main Street, which is home to a host of historic houses. Look for 190, the George G. Sanderson House, the south end playground at the corner of Bernard Street, 111/113, the Old Yarmouth Academy, the historic fountain at the corner of Argyle Street, the site of the first inn and courthouse and the shipbuilding monument at the corner of Kempt Street, and the Ellery Scott house at 7 Main Street. Bunker Island Spur Turn west at the Bunker Island sign to get to Bunker Island. Bunker Island is very scenic. From on top of the hill there is a splendid view of the town, and on the other side of the island you can get very close to a lighthouse. This is an excellent location for a picnic. Continue south until Main Street turns into Chebogue Road where the numbers on the houses suddenly change direction. You will soon get to the Sand Beach spur. Sand Beach Spur This is a short spur off of the main road. It will bring you out to a beach with a nice view to Bunker Island and the harbour. This beach once had more sand than at present, hence its name. If you want to spend time at a sandy beach, ride along further to Sunday Point where there is a fine one. Continue south enjoying the views in both directions. To the right is the ocean; to the left are the Broad Brook wetlands. You will soon reach the Sunday Point spur. Sunday Point Spur It is but a short ride along this road to reach one of the best local beaches. It has good sand along a quiet shallow bay. There are extensive flats when the tide is out. This makes a nice place for a picnic. As you continue south you will pass the Windlass Restaurant, a nice place for a break. You can get light refreshments on the deck or have a full meal. This will be your only chance to visit a commercial establishment on this loop. Continue south to the Hilton Road spur. Hilton Road Spur This road heads out towards the ocean and provides a wonderful view from the top of the hill. It is good spot from which to see the ferry when it is coming in or leaving port. There is a fish processing plant at the end of the road. Your next landmark will be the Rockville United Baptist Church at 1379 Chebogue Road. This is just before the spur turn onto Chebogue Point Road. Chebogue Point Spur This is a great side trip to the end of Chebogue Point, about 2.5 km away. It offers wonderful views to the east across the Chebogue River marshes. It has some interesting old houses and farms along the route that is a bit hilly. You may see people out digging clams at low tide. On the left, half way down, is a dirt road to Shortliff Point. It is a nice side trip off of the paved road and has good views over the river from its end. At the end of the main road there is a dairy farm and a parking area. You can lock up your bikes and take a short or longer hike out along the beach. You can walk all the way to the Chebogue River along the beach edge and on the glacial drumlin cliffs if you wish. Continuing on along Chebogue Road you will pass houses and pastures and come to the Town Point Spur. Town Point Spur At the corner you will find the First Congregational Church of Chebogue. In the summer it is open for tours. The Town Point Cemetery is one of the oldest in town and has interesting monuments. You can walk out onto the wharf at the end of the road to get a good view over the river and see lobster boats up close. As you ride north on Chebogue Road you will be passing houses and pasture land . There are many beautiful views over the river. Anthony Park (look for the hedge and flag pole) is a nice rest stop. There is a short walk at the back that overlooks the river. If you want to return to town on all paved surfaces, use Wyman Road. You will now head north past the Central Chebogue Church at 796 Chebogue Road. After you pass the church there are many beautiful views of the Chebogue River to the east. You may want to turn in at the Aquatic Club to get a nice view of the river from the dock. Continue traveling north on Chebogue Road and then turn west on Logan Road. The old rail line crosses this road at the end of the street. Take the tracks going west (to the left). The first part of this section has been used a great deal by ATVs. The rail bed is in good condition for the most part, but as the trail is a work in progress it eventually grows more rugged. The rougher area is passable and is suitable for mountain bikers and those looking for a challenge. At Ellis Road (graded dirt) you have a choice. If you keep going west the track will get a bit more rough and unkempt. You can try it with another exit off at Regent Street if needed. It eventually comes out at Main Street near the Bunkers Island Spur. This is a suitable route for mountain bike riding if you don't mind getting dirty if there are puddles or mud. To exit the old rail bed early, take Ellis Road going north. From Ellis Road turn west on Havelock Drive which winds its way through a residential neighborhood. Turn west on Argyle Street and take the unimproved path north at Broad Brook to get to South East Street. From there follow South East Stret west. Turn south on William Street, west on Commercial Street, cross Main Street, go west on Porter's Lane, north on Water Street, and east on Forest Street to return to the tourist bureau. Report compiled by: Marsha Curry, Erwin Raine and Dan Earle | |||||