Travel Along the Bruce Trail
Explore nature’s beauty. The park’s 1,086 acres will give you a taste of wilderness close to the city.
The park features the headwaters of Silver Creek, a small tributary of the Credit River, and a large Niagara Escarpment valley. Discover the riches of the land as you wander past babbling brooks, lush mature forests and escarpment rocks. Hike amongst the sights and sounds of nature along forest trails.
We strongly recommended having a copy of the Bruce Trail Reference or park map before heading out on the trails.
Activities
Trails
The Bennett Heritage Side Trail starts at Scotsdale Farm, an Ontario Heritage Trust property located off 27 Sideroad. A small section of this trail is located within Silver Creek. It passes through a variety of ecosystems.
Available Activities- Width
-
Average: 0.7 m
Minimum: 0.4 m - Grade
-
Average: 6%
Maximum: 35% - Cross Slope
-
Average: 4%
Maximum: 23%
- Hiking time
- Estimated hiking time is 25 minutes
This section of the Bruce Trail takes you through scenic escarpment vistas and mature forests. Explore steep valley walls and follow wooden bridge crossings over creeks. Between Eighth Line and Highway 7, walk along the top of an esker – a rare glacial ridge of sand and gravel formed by a meltwater river under ancient ice. The Bruce Trail has challenging terrain with long, steep climbs and unavoidable obstacles. Hiking experience required.
Available Activities- Width
-
Average: 0.8 m
Minimum: 0.3 m - Grade
-
Average: 8%
Maximum: 50% - Cross Slope
-
Average: 4%
Maximum: 27%
- Hiking time
- Estimated hiking time is 3 hours
This trail is accessed from the main Bruce Trail. It connects to Snows Creek Side Trail and Bennett Heritage Side Trail, which lead to Scotsdale Farm. The trail is named after Maureen Smith, a long-time volunteer with the Toronto Bruce Trail Club. Some sections have steep terrain, rocks and boulders. Hiking experience recommended.
Available Activities- Width
-
Average: 0.8 m
Minimum: 0.6 m - Grade
-
Average: 6%
Maximum: 33% - Cross Slope
-
Average: 3%
Maximum: 20%
- Hiking time
- Estimated hiking time is 30 minutes
This trail follows the old Irwin Quarry access road. It reconnects with the main Bruce Trail, making a loop. Although the area was replanted, you can still see exposed limestone. Hiking experience recommended.
Available Activities- Width
-
Average: 0.7 m
Minimum: 0.4 m - Grade
-
Average: 10%
Maximum: 53% - Cross Slope
-
Average: 4%
Maximum: 19%
- Hiking time
- Estimated hiking time is 30 minutes
You can access this trail from 9th Line. It goes through woods and includes pond views from a boardwalk before climbing the escarpment. It rejoins the main Bruce Trail at the edge of the Silver Creek Valley. The trail is named after Mr. and Mrs. George Roberts who maintained this section of Bruce Trail for many years.
Available Activities- Width
-
Average: 1.1 m
Minimum: 0.6 m - Grade
-
Average: 5%
Maximum: 21% - Cross Slope
-
Average: 3%
Maximum: 22%
- Hiking time
- Estimated hiking time is 30 minutes
This one-way trail follows the bottom of the Silver Creek Valley. Enjoy beautiful escarpment views and opportunities to see unique plant species, such as the walking fern. Rocks, exposed roots and downed trees make it a challenging and strenuous hike. Hiking experience recommended.
Available Activities- Width
-
Average: 0.6 m
Minimum: 0.5 m - Grade
-
Average: 11%
Maximum: 38% - Cross Slope
-
Average: 6%
Maximum: 33%
- Hiking time
- Estimated hiking time is 40 minutes (round trip)
This trail connects the main Bruce Trail with the Maureen Smith Side Trail. It passes over streams and through mature sugar maple and cedar tree stands. Some sections have steep terrain, rocks and boulders. Hiking experience recommended.
Available Activities- Width
-
Average: 0.7 m
Minimum: 0.3 m - Grade
-
Average: 8%
Maximum: 43% - Cross Slope
-
Average: 5%
Maximum: 21%
- Hiking time
- Estimated hiking time is 15 minutes
This access trail from Side Road 27 connects to the main Bruce Trail. The trail is named after an early Scottish crofter settlement in the area. The trail offers scenic views along the top of the Silver Creek Valley.
Available Activities- Width
-
Average: 1.5 m
Minimum: 0.6 m - Grade
-
Average: 5%
Maximum: 39% - Cross Slope
-
Average: 4%
Maximum: 21%
- Hiking time
- Estimated hiking time is 15 minutes
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