Peninsula Blue Series: Scenic Loop Hike Through Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve

Hosting Club: Peninsula
Category: Peninsula Blue Series
Location (Google Maps):

Cemetery Road Parking (44.967285, -81.230603) in Lions Head

Hike Leader(s): Saabir Sohrab, Beige Mcintosh Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Difficult, Moderate
Distance: 17km

Description

This is a scenic loop hike covering several side trails in the Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve, starting at the Cemetery Road side trail. The hike will include:

• Cemetery Road Side Trail: A connector trail.
• Ilse Hanel Side Trail: Named after a Lion’s Head resident who was an active supporter of the Bruce Trail.
• Giant Cauldron Side Trail: A short trail leading to a pothole.
• Lion’s Head Pothole Side Trail: Another short trail leading to a pothole formed over 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.
• Inland Side Trail: This trail winds through a mixed forest, featuring diverse flora and navigating a series of ridges and gullies.
• Donna Baker Side Trail: Named in honor of Donna Baker, a key figure in revitalizing the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club and significantly contributing to its growth and operations.
• McKay's Harbour Side Trail: This trail leads to McKay's Harbour, offering scenic views of the harbor area.
• Geodetic Side Trail: Leads to the 45-degree Geodetic Benchmark.

The hike will include about 6.4 kilometers of the main trail and will return to the meeting point at Cemetery Road Parking.

The total distance is approximately 17 kilometers, which should take about 7 hours at a moderate pace of 3 km/h, including time for breaks and exploration. Expect rough terrain with ascents and descents, and be prepared to navigate rocks and tree roots along the path. Wear sturdy footwear and bring sunscreen and bug repellent.

All kilometer references are based on the Bruce Trail Guide Book, Edition 31, Map #38.