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!
A good description of the area and a trail map can be found at http://www.haltonhikes.ca/haltonO6hiltonfalls.html
They also sell maps at the park store.
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.
there is a great map of the area at http://www.waterfronttrail.org/maps/wt-2_10.pdf
and taking a copy with you is a good idea if you are not familiar with the area.
web site with more information on the park
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humber_Bay_Park
Location: Toronto / south at the waterfront
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
Web site for map http://www.trca.on.ca/dotAsset/38548.pdf
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.
web site with more information on the area
http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/enjoy-the-outdoors/conservation-areas/rattray-marsh-conservation-area/
Location: Mississauga / south of the Lakeshore
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.
The foot of Bexhill Road is another entrance
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.
web site with more information on the park
http://kidsenergyburner.com/playgrounds/parks/colonel-samuel-smith-park-toronto-ontario
Location: Toronto / south Etobicoke
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
I know walking is a good fitness program but walking the same circuit in my neighbourhood is so boring!
I have a short attention span!
I get bored very quickly.
I want to hike different trails often!
Do any of these phrases strike a resonance with you?
Then join me as I explore my home city to find alternate places to walk for fitness.
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
