Hike Schedule

RESCHEDULED: Oak Ridges - Palgrave to Glen Haffy via the Dingle

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Caledon Hills, Map 17, Glen Haffy. Meet at roadside parking on Innis Lake Rd, just north-west of Finnerty Sideroad (Km 31.7), 1.6 km north-east of Airport Rd.

Hike Leader(s): Les Babbage, Julie Daley Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate, Slippery Sections Likely
Distance: 12 km

Description

We will car shuttle to the Palgrave Forest & Wildlife Area parking lot on Hwy 50, then hike west on the Oak Ridges Trail (formerly BTC Palgrave Side Trail) and the Dingle Trail to the Bruce Main Trail, then south-east to Innis Lake Road. The Oak Ridges trail passes through a gently rolling countryside of forests and fields, with short stretches on quiet roads. After visiting the historic Dingle community, the Glen Haffy Conservation Area section will offer us a few hills to the finish. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Icers may be required.

Crawford Lake - Rattlesnake Point

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Crawford Lake Conservation Area lower parking lot just after entrance gate. Conservation Halton online reservations required. 3115 Conservation Road
Milton, ON.

Hike Leader(s): Stuart Law

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Dependent on Conditions, Moderate, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: 15 kms

Description

Celebrate the arrival of Spring with a lovely walk in one of the jewels of the Conservation Halton parks system.  We will start at Crawford Lake then cross the ancient glacial spillway of the Nassagaweya Canyon over to Rattlesnake Point and then head back.  Lots of lookouts and classic Bruce Trail cliff-top scenery.  There are certainly some steep icy sections so icers and a sound heart are a must.  Online reservations are required at Halton Parks .  There are no staff at the gate so prepayment online essential.  Your money is going towards the conservation efforts we all believe in.  Please bring icers as mentioned, a warm drink, water, a snack, a lunch, an appreciation of nature and a smile.  Poles recommended.  Please arrive at 9:15 for a 9:30 start.

Migration Monitor Hike

Hosting Club: Peninsula

Location (Google Maps): Parking for all hikes start at km 109.7, 30th Ed Ref Manual. Park adjacent to Cape Chin Mail boxes on Cape Chin North Road
Hike1 (Mar 12, 26, Apr 9): Otter Lake/Cape Chin Loop – see details below
Hike 2 (Mar 19, Apr 2, Apr 16): Borchardt/Cotrill Lk Loop – see details below

Hike Leader(s): Tamara Wilson Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Difficult
Distance: Each hike ranges 10 to 12 km

Description

Join us as we look for clues of spring’s arrival on Cape Chin North. We will alternate two routes on a weekly basis, watching for seasonal changes along the wetlands, small inland lakes, woodlands and escarpment shoreline. We will stop, look and listen for the arrival of plants and flowers, birds and other harbingers of spring. Hikes are weather dependent and will be cancelled for treacherous local driving conditions (mud), rain, snow or very strong winds. Always check the road and weather conditions for the entire length of your trip up as local weather can be quite different. Some hikes may recommend snow shoe hikes  (I will let you know). Poles and crampons are recommended for navigating wet and slippery conditions typical of spring hikes. It is recommended to bring snacks and water for the hike. A dry set of  socks and shoes is a good idea for the trip home. A sweep, topic experts – all are welcome!

Alternating hikes:

Hike1 (Mar 12, 26, Apr 9): From km 109.7 parking, Otter Lk ST (2.2 km), up Cape Chin N Rd (past Tagwerk) to Cape Chin Meadow ST (1km) to Cape Chin Driveway (2.5 km) to house, North along MT back to parked vehicles (3.6 km ) – Total 9.3 km approx

Hike 2: (Mar 19, Apr 2, Apr 16) – From km 109.7 parking, MT North through Cape Chin Woods to Borchardt Parking (2.3 km), Minhinnik ST (1.7km) to Lillie Parking Lot, Take Cotrill Lk ST (1.4km) to Anne and Clayton Robert’s St (turn right) back to Britain Lk Rd (1km).  At this point we will either a) follow Britain Lk Rd and reverse the route that we took (Minhinnik to Borchardt back along Borchardt to parking) – approx 12km OR b) if conditions are good, we will follow the Main Trail back along the escarpment to Borchardt PL and hike back to the vehicles along Borchardt.

Kemble Mountain Loop

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Snowshoe Hike
Location (Google Maps): The Owen Sound Galaxy Theatre parking lot. Meet at the tall “Galaxy Centre” sign next to the traffic lights.

Hike Leader(s): Danuta Valleau Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely: 3 km/h or less
Terrain: Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing
Distance: less than 3 km

Description

Nels Maher Side Trail winds through mixed hardwood forest before meeting the main trial. This section of the main trail follows the top of the escarpment in a loop back to the parking area. In late March, we may see the first signs of spring growth in the woods. This trail is excellent for snowshoes if there is enough snow cover. Walking poles or sticks are recommended if you have them. Map 34. If you are unable to register, please call or text the leader at 519-378-5630.

2:00 Merritt Island

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps): parking lot of Merritt Island at the west end of Cross st. Welland

Hike Leader(s): Heather Howkins Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 7k

Description

flat hike along paved trail along side Welland Canal.

9:00 Long Hike Rockway

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps):

Short Hills Wiley Road Entrance

Hike Leader(s): Alan Laver Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 10km

Description

Explore Rockway and Louth Conservation area Register for each hike

Bring Poles water, snack and Dress for the weather, Icers and layers/p>

9:15 Short hike - Rotary Park, St. Catharines

Hosting Club: Niagara

Location (Google Maps): Rotary Park, St Catharines

Hike Leader(s): janet davey Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 6 kms

Description

Hike the trails in Rotary Park.  Bring hiking boots, water and icers.

Port Credit to Rattray Marsh

Hosting Club: Caledon Hills
Category: Urban Walk
Location (Google Maps): Port Credit parking behind Snug Harbour Restaurant. From QEW take Hurontario St south to Lakeshore Rd. Turn right and go 500 meters to Stavebank Rd. Turn left and drive to parking behind Snug Harbour. My cell phone is 905-301-4091.

Hike Leader(s): Peter Leeney Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Moderate
Terrain: Flat
Distance: 12 km

Description

We will follow the Waterfront Trail west through several parks to Rattray Marsh and return by the same route.

Silver Creek- Great Esker side trail

Hosting Club: Dufferin Hi-Land
Category: Tuesday Hike
Location (Google Maps): Toronto Section, Map 13, Meet at intersection of 8th Line and 27th Sideroad, just north of Km 32.2

Hike Leader(s): Inge Eckerich, Les Babbage, Julie Daley, Tony Evangelista Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely
Terrain: Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: 6.0 km

Description

We will hike a loop on the Main trail and Great Esker side trail. Bring icers. Snowshoes may be required

Hart's NEW Triple Inferno ** Experienced hikers Only!

Hosting Club: Blue Mountains
Category: Experienced hikers ONLY/STRENUOUS
Location (Google Maps): Hike meets in the parking lot behind Tim Hortons on First St. in Collingwood.

Hike Leader(s): Hart Fischer Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous – Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 12km

Description

Three steep climbs makes for a very challenging hike. Footing is generally good but we may encounter some spots that are tricky along the way. Some road hiking. Terrain includes shale and sandstone. We will include Russ McConnell Side Trail and John Haigh Side Trail and Pretty River Side Trail at some point along the way when you are least expecting it! It is always a strenuous and fulfilling adventure! Bring water and lunch.

Slough of Despond to Esther’s Bluff Loop

Hosting Club: Sydenham
Category: Snowshoe Hike
Location (Google Maps): The Owen Sound Galaxy Theatre parking lot. Meet at the tall “Galaxy Centre” sign next to the traffic lights.

Hike Leader(s): Maureen McFarland Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium: 3 to 4 km/h
Terrain: Moderate: Some hills and/or poor footing, There might be icy and slippery sections., There might be sections with water on the trail.
Distance: 6 kms

Description

We will hike north on the Slough of Despond Side Trail over fields to the top of the escarpment.  We hike along the escarpment edge with beautiful views of the slough and Esther’s Bluff.  We return via the President’s Path Side Trail and Slough of Despond Side Trail.  Hiking poles will be helpful. Map 34. If you are unable to register, please call or text the leader at 647-918-4180.