Blue Mountains

Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve, Glen Cross/Cam Snell Loop Trails

Hosting Club: Blue Mountains
Category: Organized Hike
Location (Google Maps): The Glen Cross Side Trail parking lot on 3rd Line EHS, 1.1 km’s north of Hockley Rd.

Hike Leader(s): Gordon Sheppard Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hr. or less
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: 7km

Description

This hike is a bit further afield but is definitely worth the 1 hour drive to the trailhead. The Glen Cross and Cam Snell side trails are two loop trails located in the Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve. The Reserve was established to protect one of the most unique geological areas along the entire Niagara Escarpment. Here the Escarpment and the western end of the Oak Ridges Moraine meet, creating one of Ontario’s most scenic and ecologically important landscapes. The Reserve is also in the Headwaters area where the two river branches that are the source of the Nottawasaga River join on their journey north. This area is unique in the way it combines glacial topography, mature forests, hydrology, and biodiversity. That combination makes it one of the Niagara Escarpment’s most ecologically valuable and rewarding places to explore.

This will be a leisurely paced 2.5 hour hike to enjoy everything the area has to offer. There are some steep but short climbs and descents but footing is generally good. Although there could be some slippery areas if it’s been raining in which case hiking poles would be advised. Please make certain to bring water and snacks. For those that wish, we can organize an optional stop on the drive home at the Mono Centre Brewing Co. to slake our thirst.

Inglis Falls and Moreston Heritage Village

Hosting Club: Blue Mountains
Category: Organized Hike
Location (Google Maps): Tim Horton’s, First Street Collingwood

Hike Leader(s): Claire Pearson Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely – 3 km/hr. or less
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing
Distance: ~4.5km

Description

We will meet in the parking lot behind Tim Horton’s. From there we will carpool to Inglis Falls (just outside Owen Sound). It is paid parking ($10 + tax). 

We will hike a 4 km loop using the Bruce Trail, the Hub Trail, and Pine Loop Trail, taking a few sidetrail extensions to see the Sydenham River at various points and to check out some glacial potholes. When we have completed the loop, we will take in the majestic beauty of Inglis Falls (with lots of photo opportunities), eat the snack/lunch we have brought, and drive to Moreston Heritage Village.

From their website (Moreston Heritage Village), it states, “Moreston is a beautiful 10-acre living history site, home to more than a dozen historic buildings. Costumed interpreters and thousands of artefacts from our collection bring the Village to life, offering visitors a glimpse into Grey County life as it was. From the sight of a 19th century settler tending the garden beside her log cabin home, to the sound of a blacksmith hard at work in the forge – visitors to Moreston are immediately immersed in history.” We will spend ~1.5 hours here walking the grounds, seeing the demonstrations, and visiting the museum. The entry fee to the village for an adult is $12.50 + tax. (Bring your money on the day of the hike.)