RAINBOW HIKE: Fall Colours – Felkers & Devil’s Punch Bowl

Hosting Club: Iroquoia
Category: Rainbow Hike
Location (Google Maps): Red Hill Valley South Parking Lot, Mud Street

Hike Leader(s): Doug O'Neill Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium - 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Easy - Mostly flat and usually good footing, Moderate - Some hills and/or some poor footing, Strenuous - Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing
Distance: 11-12 km (approx)

Description

Due to the forecasts of risk of thunderstorms, we'll need to reschedule this Oct. 11 hike.

Join this 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly Rainbow hike smack dab in the middle of fall foliage season!

UPDATED ROUTE:
Everyone will meet at the Red Hill South Parking Lot (at Mud & Pritchard) no later than 8:45 a.m. for a 9 a.m. departure (sharp). We'll quickly divide ourselves into 4 or 5 vehicles for the 15-minute shuttle to Devil's Punchbowl, where we'll start the hike and end back at Mud & Pritchard. (We'll be hiking westward from Devil's Punchbowl instead of eastward as per earlier listing.)

Why this route: You get to explore Devil's Punchbowl, a geological treasure formed in the last Ice Age, after which we'll hike through significant stands of deciduous trees (lots of maple—which we hope will be at their peak of fall colours), and at least three waterfalls.

Terrain: Expect a few hills, some paved (unused) roadway, and dirt paths along the Bruce Trail (main trail) overlooking the east branch of Red Hill Creek.

"THE WONDERS OF DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL IN 10"
Upon arrival at Devil's Punchbowl, fellow Hike Leader Ann Grindall will draw on her geology expertise to unravel some of the mysteries of this amazing 37-metre "ribbon waterfall" formation:

• Learn how this massive amphitheatre-shaped gorge was carved into the Niagara Escarpment, exposing over 40 million years of geological history
• The visible rock strata: why it looks like a natural "layer cake" of shale, dolostone, sandstone, and limestone
• How it's two waterfalls, not one—both formed in the last Ice Age
• Ann will be pleased to answer any questions!

Parking: Free at Red Hill South Parking Lot (at Mud & Pritchard); $8.50 per vehicle at Devil's Punchbowl. Two of us will use our Hamilton Conservation Authority memberships to cover admission of two large vehicles. A few volunteers have offered to shuttle the rest of the group. Those few cars will need to pay the $8.50 admission at Devil's Punchbowl: Passengers in those cars (not the driver) should chip in to pay the parking fee ($2 or $3 bucks each).

To reach Mud & Pritchard starting point by public transit: The 21 Heritage Greene Terminal bus stops right at Mud and Pritchard. Meet in the parking lot across the road.

The Scoop on Washroom Facilities: There will be opportunities for bio breaks in the woods. There are no washroom facilities at the starting point or along the hiking route. Recommendation: If you're starting the day with a grande java, visit a Tim Horton's or other public washroom before you arrive at Mud & Pritchard.

Bring at least 1 litre of water, a proper lunch, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Hiking boots or sturdy footwear are essential. To avoid ticks, wear long pants.

Complimentary Bruce Trail Rainbow badges and/or stickers to all participants! Optional: a post-hike LGBTQ-friendly cafe/bar/ice-cream venue for those interested.

PLEASE CANCEL your registration if you change your mind: This is especially important if the hike has a waitlist, since your cancellation opens a spot for someone else.

Online

1. Log in to the Bruce Trail hike site with the same account you used to register.
2, Go to “My Hikes” (under your profile menu).
3, You’ll see a list of the hikes you’re registered for.
4. Click “Cancel” beside the hike you want to withdraw from.
5. You should receive a confirmation email showing your spot has been released.

If you can’t log in simply use the (above) “Contact the hike leader” link. Similarly, use that link if you have any questions whatsoever about our Rainbow hikes.