Looking to take in a long view this fall? Well you’re certainly in the right place. Deciduous trees are in abundance in our neck of the woods, which makes for a riot of fall colours. And while an autumn hike through a densely wooded trail is unquestionably delightful, there’s nothing like getting a bit of elevation and exposure to really capture fall in all its glory. This is where the Escarpment comes in—we breakdown 11 amazing (and brief) hikes that boast the best vantage points for incredible fall foliage views.
Story by Zak Erb. Photography by Zak Erb and Clay Dolan
SKINNER’S BLUFF TRAIL
LOCATION : 483165-483121 COLPOYS RANGE RD, WIARTON
LENGTH 1.5 – 3 KILOMETRES
DIFFICULTY : EASY, BUT MIND THE GAP
This is one of the area’s most popular lookouts for three good reasons; the view is unbelievable; the hike is short, sweet, and simple; the view is unbelievable. From the roadside parking area, follow the main Bruce Trail north. The bluff, jutting straight out above marsh and woodland below, reveals itself after just a few hundred metres. Be sure of your footing as you cross the gap onto the bluff, then collect your best selfie of the season. Extend your hike by continuing along the trail before taking the Chris Walker Side Trail south back to parking.
METCALFE ROCK SIDE TRAIL LOOP
LOCATION : 415400 10TH LINE, RAVENNA
LENGTH 1.5 – 3 KILOMETRES
DIFFICULTY : MODERATE
Metcalfe Rock has it all; a nice hike through mixed terrain with elevation gain; incredible rock features including crevices and caves; and a massive west facing view from atop the Escarpment. From parking on the 10th Line follow the access trail to connect with the main Bruce Trail. A switchback brings you up the Escarpment and the lookout is just ahead. As always, mind your footing near the edge. Take in the view then explore the crevice below, or continue on for a short loop (bear to the right at trail branches) back to parking.
PRETTY RIVER VALLEY PROVINCIAL PARK
LOCATION : SOUTH EAST OF COLLINGWOOD, ACCESS POINTS ON PRETTY RIVER ROAD AND SIDEROAD 6
LENGTH: 5 KILOMETRES PLUS
DIFFICULTY: EASY TO MODERATE
Boasting the highest point on the Bruce Trail, Pretty River Valley Provincial Park is well worth your hiking time. To visit the highest point, make use of the parking area on 2nd Line, just north of the park off Sideroad 6. Then follow the John Haigh Side Trail south for just over 2 kilometres. There is no lookout from the highest point, but it serves as a hub which opens up the rest of the park. Complete the side trail and head south if you’d like a long hike, or follow the main Bruce Trail east 1.7 kilometres where you’ll find a lookout area, before looping back via the Russ McConnell Side Trail—about 8.5 kilometres total.
INGLIS FALLS CONSERVATION AREA
LOCATION : 237785 INGLIS FALLS ROAD, OWEN SOUND
LENGTH: 0-50 METRES (YES, METRES)
DIFFICULTY NIL
If maximum payoff with minimal effort is the name of your game, or if you’re not up to much of a hike, then Inglis Falls is the right choice. Pay for parking, exit your vehicle and you’re there, the view is impossible to miss. The Sydenham River opens up the woods before you as trees ablaze with orange and red roll into the horizon. It is unreal. Of course, there is the view of the falls to enjoy as well, with elevated viewing areas on either side of the falls, just steps from parking.
JONES FALLS & POTTAWATOMI CONSERVATION AREA
LOCATION: 717875 HIGHWAY 6, OWEN SOUND
LENGTH: 3 -5 KILOMETRES
DIFFICULTY: EASY TO MODERATE
The falls are not the only payoff in this 116- hectare gem. Those who hike past the falls are presented with a series of lookout points atop the Escarpment with east facing views toward Owen Sound. From the parking area, follow the river to the falls, then continue on the main Bruce Trail along the top of the Escarpment. Keep trekking until you’ve had your fill of stunning views then turn back, or descend to the Memorial Forest Side Trail to loop back to the falls.
NOTTAWASAGA LOOKOUT PROVINCIAL NATURE RESERVE
LOCATION: CORNER OF OSPREY CLEARVIEW TOWNLINE AND EAGLE CRESCENT (OFF OF GREY RD 31)
LENGTH: 300-METRES – 2 KILOMETRES PLUS
DIFFICULTY: EASY TO MODERATE
Perched along the southern wall of the Pretty River Valley, the Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve offers fleeting glimpses of the valley below. Further to the northeast Collingwood and Georgian Bay come into view. A quick 300-metre hike along the main tract of the Bruce Trail brings you to steep limestone face at the edge of the Escarpment. For the more adventurous a few short-unmarked offshoot trails offer the best views, but the terrain is treacherous with deep crevasses and towering cliffs.
SCENIC CAVES NATURE ADVENTURES
LOCA TION: 260 SCENIC CAVES ROAD, BLUE MOUNTAINS
LENGTH: 1-15 KILOMETRES
DIFFICULTY: EASY TO ADVANCED
Scenic Caves is absolutely worth the price of admission ($28.75 for an adult). Besides boasting a fascinating network of caves and crevices, Scenic offers 15 kilometres of trails through a hardwood forest on the Escarpment. Find an amazing lookout on the approachable Caves/Lookout Trail, or to really blow your mind, head south from the gate on the Suspension Bridge Loop. This quick 1 kilometre loop takes you over Southern Ontario’s longest suspension bridge with views of the forest floor more than 80 feet below.
BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT
LOCATION: 190 GORD CANNING DR, THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
LENGTH: 100 – 300 KILOMETRES PLUS
DIFFICULTY: EASY TO MODERATE
Enjoy scenic views of the Escarpment from Blue Mountain Village, or head up the Open-Air Gondola for panoramic vistas overlooking Collingwood and Georgian Bay. A wide range of terrain, difficulty levels, and vertical gains suit beginner to advanced hikers of all ages. Your “Explore All Day Pass” gives you unlimited access to the Open-Air Gondola and 30 kilometres of hiking trails. Ski-season pass holders also have unlimited access to the 24 hiking trails.
MILLENNIUM OVERLOOK PARK
LOCATION: 45 HERITAGE DRIVE, COLLINGWOOD
LENGTH: <1 KILOMETRE DIFFICULTY NIL
This little park, tucked in behind the famed grain terminals at the Collingwood Harbour, is a hidden gem. Visitors are presented with a massive panorama including Georgian Bay, the Town of Collingwood, and the rolling mass of the Niagara Escarpment towering over it all to the west. Find Millennium Overlook by parking at the nearby Harbourlands Park on Heritage Drive and walking past the Collingwood Terminals, you can’t miss it!
OLD BALDY CONSERVATION AREA
LOCATION: 117 OLD BALDY ACCESS ROAD, KIMBERLEY
LENGTH: 2 PLUS KILOMETRES
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
Old Baldy is the jewel in the autumn crown of the Beaver Valley, which is saying something as the entire valley positively lights up this time of year. From the busy parking area off Sideroad 7B follow the trail south until you reach the Mac Kirk Side Trail. If parking is full when you arrive, do not park on the roadside, instead, try the parking area on Grey Road 13—it’s a longer hike, and you climb the whole way. The work you put in on the ascent pays off dramatically once you find yourself 150 metres above the valley floor looking out over the beautiful town of Kimberley and beyond.
MEAFORD BRUCE TRAIL
LOCATION: EUPHRASIA – ST. VINCENT TOWNLINE BETWEEN GREY ROAD 7 & 7TH LINE
LENGTH: 2.5 KILOMETRES (5 KM ROUND TRIP)
DIFFICULTY: EASY
This meandering stretch of Bruce Trail highlights the timeless beauty of rural Ontario. From the parking area on Euphrasia–St. Vincent Townline, follow the Bruce Trail as it climbs up through the colorful deciduous canopy. The trail darts in and out of the forest until you are treated to classic autumn views across rolling farm fields overlooking Meaford and Georgian Bay.
THESE SHORT HIKES AND LOOKOUT AREAS ARE SOME OF THE FINEST IN THE AREA. AS SUCH, MANY ARE WELL TRAFFICKED, EVEN AS TEMPERATURES START TO DROP. IF PARKING IS FULL, PLEASE TRY AN ALTERNATIVE HIKE AND COME BACK ANOTHER TIME. ALWAYS STAY ON MARKED TRAILS AND LEAVE NO TRACE. IF YOU HIKE IN WITH IT, BE SURE TO HIKE OUT WITH IT, AS THESE VIEWS ARE KEPT STUNNING ONLY THROUGH THE DILIGENCE AND RESPECT OF THOSE WHO VISIT.
