Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Halton Hill Conservation Area

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 and West)

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