Best hikes, treks, tramps in the world.
The centerpiece of the construction is set to be a winding observation tower, topping out at about 150 feet (45 metres). The hourglass-like construction should rise in a luscious preserved forest an hour south of Copenhagen, in Glisselfeld Kloster, Haslev. It consists of a 2000 ft. (600m) internal ramp, which will take visitors from the forest floor, through the treetops culminating with a 360° view of the hilly landscape, characteristic for the region. …
by site editor Rick McCharles
I spent a week hiking some of the best sections of the 890 km (550 mi) Bruce Trail in Ontario. I called it research.
Wiarton to Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula is the best week long section, I reckon. That’s 165.7 km / 8-9 days averaging 16-20 km per day. Additional time is needed for recommended side trips.
I like the cliff top views over farmland and Georgian Bay.
September / early October looks to be the best time as mosquitoes have almost disappeared and accommodation is less booked up.
I’m planning to hike this section September 2018.
details – Wiarton to Tobermory
trip report by site editor Rick McCharles
This is the last of my hikes on The Bruce for 2017. I’m planning to return in 2018 to hike the Bruce Trail Peninsula section, a maximum of 8-9 days averaging 16-20 km per day.
A trail runner friend had recommended the Halton Region area close to Toronto.
I parked at Rattlesnake Point, one of best and most popular destinations on the Bruce.
People come on a nice day to enjoy views from atop the Niagara Escarpment.
It’s popular with rock climbers though I saw none the day I was there.
The trails are well signed. Some would argue there are too many signs.
Still … this sign maker managed to bungle Buffalo Crag.
Rattlesnake is on the Milton Outlier, a section of the Niagara Escarpment that has eroded away from the rest.
I took the Nassagaweya Canyon trail down and then back up to the Escarpment on the other side. I did this hike as a trail run. Boardwalk in the canyon much appreciated.
Arriving at the Crawford Lake Visitors Centre first I was immediately attacked to the Iroquoian village longhouses.
Circa the 13th – 17th centuries over 10,000 artefacts have been recovered from this location.
Artist Robbin Wenzoski has some impressive chain saw sculpture on the lake trail.
From here I decided spontaneously to make up a lollypop loop heading back towards Rattlesnake on Woodland and Escarpment trails.
More great views this time from the other side of Nassagaweya Canyon.
By connecting trails it’s to decide how far to hike based on the weather and how you feel. I did about 20kms altogether in a half day.
By the way, you’ll only find harmless garter snakes here. There are no Rattlers.
See my photos on Flickr.
related:
trip report by best hike editor Rick McCharles
I parked at Felker Falls trailhead based on a recommendation posted on the official Bruce Trail website.
Felker’s to Albion Falls promised 4 waterfalls over 10.3 km return.
Though Felker’s Falls was little more than a dribble, the hike started well.
Some lovely autumn colours.
But soon I found myself in residential housing.
Then crossing under a freeway.
Hamilton — a city of over a half million — has a lovely trail system. I’d cycle it extensively if I lived here.
It’s home to more than 100 waterfalls and cascades, most of which are on or near the Bruce Trail.
Albion Falls was the best I saw.
The most spectacular is Webster’s Falls. But it wasn’t on my itinerary.
I’d not recommend you make a special trip to Hamilton to hike the waterfalls. Many other sections of the Bruce are more appealing.
The Bruce Trail is more than 890 km (550 mi) long and there are over 400 km (250 mi) of associated side trails. I spent a week hiking some of the best sections.
related:
trip report by best hike editor Rick McCharles
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park along the Bruce Trail … is part of the Niagara Escarpment Parks System …
I wandered the very popular trail network (see map) for a couple of hours. Lookout Trail was one highlight.
This was the first section of cliffs I’d found where it was easy to hike both above and below.
Of all the weird mushrooms I’d seen on the Bruce, this was weirdest.
Bruce blazes are white. Those can be hard to see on birch bark. Here’s one solution I saw at Mono.
I’d recommend this area for relaxing forest trails and surprising wildflowers.
More information on Mono.
See my photos on Flickr.
related:
• 10 Best Hikes of the Bruce Trail
• Bruce Trail app | Bruce Trail Reference Guide – 29th Ed
trip report by best hike editor Rick McCharles
For no good reason other than it was the highest point on the Bruce Trail, I headed for the John Haigh Side Trail via Pretty River Valley Provincial Nature Reserve.
I stopped at tourist information in Collingwood and got a good map to find the trailhead.
There were several choices. Best looked to be Pretty River Access Trail. I could make a bit of loop with Pretty River Side Trail.
As a trail run, it was a pleasure. Lots of soft footing.
On the other hand, Pretty River Side Trail turned out to end in a bog. I had to backtrack uphill.
I was bitten by a small dog on a leash. (Actually it bit a hole in my running shorts, missing the skin.)
Later in the day I managed to lose my camera. Including the photos from this hike.
Rats. 😦
related:
trip report by best hike editor Rick McCharles
Parking at Jones Bluff Side Trail parking offers a 7.1 km loop most of which is on The Bruce.
It skirts the Niagara Escarpment looking down hundreds of feet to farmland.
This hike is a little more overgrown than the others I walked.
A long way down.
For the first time I notices autumn colours arriving. It was September 16th.
This hike is all good. I enjoyed every step. Carried no backpack.
Highly recommended.
See my photos on Flickr.
The Bruce Trail is more than 890 km (550 mi) long and there are over 400 km (250 mi) of associated side trails. I spent a week hiking some of the best sections.
Explore the Bruce – Jones Bluff Loop
related:
• 10 Best Hikes of the Bruce Trail
trip report by site editor Rick McCharles
A nice little day hike. Birders like this area. Hikers come for wild flowers in the Spring.
I’m happiest hiking in the autumn, however. Very few mosquitoes. The harvest done.
I put on the long pants in fear of Poison Ivy.
This was a peaceful and relaxing loop. I did see other hikers out enjoying it on a Saturday in good weather.
Amazing views off the Niagara Escarpment.
Geese are already on the move.
Lovely.
White blazes are The Bruce. Blue are Bruce side trails.
See my photos on Flickr.
The Bruce Trail is more than 890 km (550 mi) long and there are over 400 km (250 mi) of associated side trails. I spent a week hiking some of the best sections.
Explore the Bruce – Jackson’s Cove
related:
• 10 Best Hikes of the Bruce Trail
trip report by site editor Rick McCharles
I enjoyed my meal and fast wifi at Rachel’s Bakery and 50’s Diner. Too much.
Turned out I stayed too long.
To make it to McKay’s Harbour Overnight Rest Area I’d need to hike fast.
I parked at the Cemetery Road trailhead and dashed into the … apple trees.
The Bruce here is a gorgeous hike along the Niagara Escarpment with views out to Barrow Bay.
The footing is tricky. Especially approaching cliff edge.
It was getting dark far too quickly.
Finally I decided to wild camp rather than risk stumbling on in the dark. This spot was excellent, actually. (The cross pole on my tent broke, however. Design failure for the Hubba NX.)
Next morning — at the turnoff — the name changes to the Cotswold Way – Bruce Friendship Trail.
No rush this morning. I stopped to enjoy the views much more often than the previous evening.
The Lion’s Head is one of these jutting overhangs.
This is a pothole in a glacial erratic.
I took the Ilse Hanel to loop back to my vehicle. There are many options on the Lion’s Head. And it’s so well signed you never need to pull out your map.
Happy to be back at the trailhead after about 15km total. No damage done to the vehicle overnight.
See my photos on Flickr.
The Bruce Trail is more than 890 km (550 mi) long and there are over 400 km (250 mi) of associated side trails. I spent a week hiking some of the best sections.
Explore the Bruce – Lion’s Head
related:
• 10 Best Hikes of the Bruce Trail
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