Halton Hill Conservation area is in the Escarpment Area near Milton. There is a slight climb up into the escarpment and then most of the trail is at that level. Points of interest include a water fall, the ruins of a mill and a beaver pond on 16 Mile Creek
Most of the trails are wide and smooth, however some areas are very rocky and caution needs to be exercised.
There is a fee to enter the Conservation Area so I recommend this as a day trip. Pack a lunch and plan about 3 or 4 hours of hiking. There are plenty of trails to keep you busy all day!
Location: Halton Hills / near the intersection of Appleby Line and Campbellville Rd
Directions: from Toronto take 401 west take exit 320 toward Halton Hills Merge onto Route 25 north turn left (west) on 5 Sideroad 5 Silderoad becomes Campbellville Rd pass Appleby Line about 200 Meters Halton Hills Conservation area is on the right
Parking: at the bend in the road is the gate where you pay and beyond that there is plenty of parking
Equipment: Hiking boots recommended (thick soles) as there are lots of rocks and rough patches where the extra cushioning is welcome.
I would have been happier if I had my hiking stick especially for some parts of the Beaver Dam Trail
Humber Bay Park East is right on the Toronto waterfront. As you walk here you can see Lake Ontario, the mouth of the Mimico Creek, and views to the city.
Humber Bay Park West is located across the bridge over the Mimico Creek. This is where the boat launches are as well as the historic lighthouse
East Park - The trails are either paved or gravel but there are some narrow earth trails allow you to take exploratory side trips to get even closer to nature. West Park - the trails are mostly the make your own kind as you stoll along the grassy picnic areas.
Directions: Lakeshore Rd and Parklawn Rd East Park turn south onto Marine Parade Dr. and look for entrance to Park on the right West Park return to Lakeshore and drive east over the bridge then turn into the park Parking: East Park: street parking along Marine Dr there is also pay parking in the park. West Park: Pay parking during the summer months
Malton Greenway follows the Mimico Creek in the Malton area. This trail follows a narrow greenzone through the centre of a built up residential and commercial area. I think the idea of the trail is great and it is promoted...but the love stops there. Lots of litter along the way even though there are lots of garbage bins along the length of the path. The overhanding branches and waterside grasses of the creek are littered with tangled remains of bags and other debris. The last entry on the "greenway cleanup site" is Aug 2009....which says it all.
Most of the trail is a paved bike path. There are the rare narrow dirt trails to get closs to the creek.
South of Derry Road, into Wildwood Park, is a wide mown grass trail. This is where Wildwood Park Trail begins and his section of the trail is much more pleasant.
The trail runs mainly north south along the creek and the map provided is quite good
Location: Malton Directions: Derry Road East and Goreway Dr turn south on Goreway Dr turn right into Wildwood Park Parking: right at the entrance to the Park
Rattray Marsh Conservation Area is located between Lakeshore Rd and the waterfront. As you walk here you can see the Sheridan River, woodlands marshes and Lake Ontario with views toward the skyline of Toronto
The gravel trails are wide and smooth, the wet areas have well maintained boardwalk paths.
You can easily access the pebble beach and walk along the edge of the lake.
There are extensive trails through beautiful scenery so it becomes a delightful stroll or power walk hike depending on your desire. My first visit I spent over 2 hours just walking, looking and enjoying.
Directions: Lakeshore Rd and Meadow Wood Rd turn south onto Meadow Wood Rd. As you come to the small bridge look on the left for the sign to the Conservation area with parking for 3 cars. There is a stone arch to enter the trail and large sign with a trail map.
Colonel Samuel Smith Park is right on the waterfront. As you walk here you can see Lake Ontario, the waves crashing on the shore and the Toronto city skyline.
The gravel trails are wide and smooth, and the narrow earth trails allow you to take exploratory side trips to get even closer to nature.
There is an extensive system of trails so it becomes easy to add variety to your route.
Directions: Lakeshore Rd and Kipling Ave turn south onto Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr drive past Humber College drive past the Yacht Club Parking: at the very end of the road there is parking on the left
Halton Hill Conservation area is in the Escarpment Area near Milton. There is a slight climb up into the escarpment and then most of the trail is at that level. Points of interest include a water fall, the ruins of a mill and a beaver pond on 16 Mile Creek
