- HikeType Peninsula Blue Series
- PaceTypes ,Leisurely,Medium
- TerrainTypes ,Easy,Moderate
- PaidOuting No
Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Peninsula Blue Series
Location (Google Maps): Bruce Trail parking lot: Near the bend of the road at the junction of Malcolm Bluff Side Trail and Purple Valley Access Trails.
Hike Leader(s): Kathleen Stahlbaum Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)
Pace: Leisurely, Medium
Terrain: Easy, Moderate
Distance: 11.65 km
Description
Whether you’ve hiked the area or it’s your first time visiting, make the most of your visit to Malcolm Bluff by checking off not only a significant stretch of main trail, but also a couple side trails in the area!
During this hike, we’ll explore some main trail plus a few side trails along the top of Malcolm Bluff - the Purple Valley Access Trail, Bob Light Side Trail, and Malcolm Bluff Side Trail.
We’ll depart for our hike from the Bruce Trail Parking lot on Wright’s Crescent. Our hike will begin along the Purple Valley Side Trail which will bring us to the main trail that follows the top of the soaring cliffs of Malcolm Bluff. Malcolm Bluff, the top of the aptly named Malcolm Bluff Shores Nature Reserve offers panoramic views of Whitecloud Island, Griffith Island, and Hay Island with gorgeous views of the lush tree canopy below. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Blue Mountains of Collingwood!
We’ll hike just under 5 km of main trail before meeting the Bob Light Side Trail which is named after a long-serving Peninsula volunteer and donor. We’ll follow the blue blazes of the Bob Light Side Trail to the Malcolm Bluffs Side Trail, and walk through hardwood forest to eventually meet our final stretch along Wright’s Crescent, a gravel road that will bring us back to our vehicles.
The trail is rated easy, relatively flat with the usual roots and rocks the Bruce Trail is known for! Good balance and proper footwear are necessary, trekking poles are optional. Rain gear may come in handy. Pace will be leisurely to moderate and adjusted for slippery conditions, if needed. Bring plenty of water for hydration, plus a light lunch and a snack or two to keep you nourished throughout our ~5 hour adventure!