S1.Ep8 "Hilton Falls Loop" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : A Journey Across Ontario

Season 1, Episode 8 : “Hilton Falls Loop”
I was on my own on this beautiful day in May – I wanted to complete a section of the Bruce Trail through Hilton Falls Conservation Area – but had no shuttle – so I embarked on an ambitious loop through Hilton Falls, and back up the Bruce Trail. This would turn out to be one of my longest hiking days yet – by the end my step counter read 37 km, completed over 10 hours.
I parked at 15 Sideroad and started down the Vanderleck Side trail, which eventually enters Hilton Falls Conservation Area, and merges into the Hilton Falls side trail. This route took me right to the falls, something you wouldn’t see if you stuck to the Bruce Trail. I hiked through the park and around the Hilton Reservoir where I found some cool caves to explore, eventually connecting to the Bruce Trail where I had left off on my last hike through Kelso.
The Bruce Trail portion is amazing here (as are the side trails) following the escarpment edge, with views of Kelso, the 401 passing through and the GTA. It included passing Dufferin Quarry – the “famous” gap in the escarpment that can be seen driving West on Highway 401. The quarry is fascinating and the bridge crossing the gap is a blessing.
I pushed through into Speyside and to the parking area on 17th sideroad where I exited the Bruce Trail and ventured back on the Vanderleck side trail, walking slowly and arduously back to my car to complete this epic day.
“I bit off more than I could chew” as the saying goes, but with a few days of recovery, all was well.
Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 11-12
Bruce Trail only distance : 13 km
Step Counter Distance for the day (Complete Hilton Falls Loop) : 37 km
Music from the Episode:
“Waves of Joy” from album Steve Welch 2019
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
Help Support Independent Music and Film
Available at : Steve Welch (stevewelchontario.com)
Other Social Media
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SteveWelchOntario
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/stevewelchontario/