David Erwin

I would give it 3.5, I'm sure others would rightly rate it higher based on activities but I only did the hanging bridges for which I found the price a little high for only a 3k walk but it is a well maintained and run park. Be prepared for a bumpy road if driving there, and be cautious if you car is low to the ground.

This is great little hike. It offers you more solitude when compared to the more popular trails around the bluffs and it gives several vantage points for great photos. If you pick the right time of day, you get the secluded stone beaches all to yourself. There are several other llittle beaches along this trail offering unique views of the bluffs and the lake.

You need good shoes for this trail and it is not friendly to people with mobility issue. There is one steep section and many areas of large lose stones - be careful in wet weather.

There is ample street parking near the trailhead. The trail begins right behind the yellow gate posts. You start by descending a steep hill. At the bottom of the hill, the main trail is on your left and to your right is a less travelled trail that goes down to quiet stone beaches - I save these beaches for the end of my hike.

So if you follow the main trail you will get a peaceful walk and if you willing to climb over some large stones, the trail will lead you into Bluffers park. I usually turnaround at Bluffers Park and head back for those secluded stone beaches near the start of the trail.

So when your back at hill by the trailhead you see a little trail to your right descending into the bush . Follow that trail to some of the quietest beaches in the city.

It is about 5k if you do both sections of the walk.

This is a great little oasis in the city, high a top a hill. The tennis courts are always humming, pick up basketball is just a jump shot away and a small grass area set aside for a unleashed dog area with fountain for thirsty friends. I usually make a stroll through Witchwood park and make my way to Hillcrest - it's a great evening walk.

June 2022
What a gorgeous if not a shorter one. As I said in my last post, this is the time to get out there - temps are moderate, enough breeze to keep the bugs down, and the forests are amazing.

We started off with 🥞 at the Hockley General Store (highly recommend, and just a short distance from the Shitz's Creek Motel) before hitting the Tom to Glen Side trail loop, part of the Bruce Trail system.

It was only 6k but what a hike. Lots of elevation changes as you go through a beautiful forest. So this is not an easy walk in the woods - except to climb and climb again.

A 4 star rating with many other trails nearby if you want a longer day. Parking lot is on side of highway just before the trailhead - about half click walk.

Hope you get to make it.

This is a great hike. The trail signs are confusing, I suggest you use All Trails app or download a trail map. You can hike anywhere from a 3km loop to a 6km to 8km or even 10. This is a moderate to advance hike. I would say some parts are challenging for small children and people with mobility issues - I would recommend the 3k for those groups.

There are a few spots for swimming and a napsack lunch. In bug season, you are going to get lots of hugs - bring repellent!

If there has been heavy rains, you will get lots of muddy sections and need good waterproof hikers or have good balance to walk across wet logs and stones.

It is very rare to see an undeveloped lake in this area, so any hiking challenge is worth it. I would suggest you try to go on off hours (early morning/late afternoon) or off season. This hike can get crowded. I have picked times when maybe I encountered a dozen other hikers on the trails and the peace and quiet of hike like that is worth the price of a week in a spa!

Enjoy and Google chip wagon near me if you want a guilty treat after burning off those hiking calories.