Harley skating trail opens
Skating through a winter wonderland at 2 km trail at Harley Farms
KEENE -- Farm owners in Keene have created a skating trail on their property that’s open to the public to this weekend.
The Harley family own Harley Farms on Heritage Line.
They raise pigs, cattle, chickens, and sheep in a free range, sustainable way. Harley Farms was the first farm in Ontario to be certified by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 2015.
Their picturesque property and natural farming methods also garnered the attention of Subaru, which filmed two commercials on site in 2015 and 2016.
This winter, the Harleys decided to try something new and fashion a two-kilometre cross-country skating trail.
Half the trail is through fields, and the other have runs through woodland.
The stretch through the woods is Emily Harley’s favourite part.
“It’s really calming and a winter wonderland in there,” Harley said.
The trail’s width varies along the way, from single-file sections to roomier jaunts that fit about three skaters across.
The family used a water tanker to develop the trail, though it took longer than they’d hoped to prepare. The ups and downs in weather made it harder to keep the ice from turning to slush.
It officially opened last weekend and will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the rest of the winter, weather permitting.
The trail will also be open Monday, for Family Day, under it’s regular hours.
Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for youth 5 to 14 and kids under 5 are free. A family rate for two adults and four kids is $30.
Depending on how this season goes, Harley said the trail is something her family would like to continue to do.
As someone who studied health and fitness in college, Harley is eager to encourage citizens to stay active during the winter and get outside.
“It’s been a big passion of mine to get people up and moving,” she said.
Not only is the trail a great way to get exercise, it’s also a fun way to tour through the woods, exploring what nature has to offer, Harley added. Skaters will get to see the Harley’s livestock, too, which will be out to pasture.
Since the skating trail needs Mother Nature’s co-operation, the Harleys suggest checking in ahead of time to make sure it’s open. Updates can be found on Harley Farms Facebook page or by calling 705-295-1925.
Helmets are recommended, but not mandatory.