I was asked the other day if I knew of any good hiking spots around here. When I replied saying that I would put together a list I had a few messages from people asking if I would share that. So I figured why not publish it here? These are absolutely in no particular order. I’m just going to link to my instagram photos since I’ve got all my old hiking shots posted there.
Webster’s Falls
43.276171,-79.980976 (entrance fee)
I think my favorite place especially in the fall, would have to be Webster’s Falls. Dundas Peak is extraordinary when the leaves are turning red. It’s a decent hike; not too hard not too easy. But the view is spectacular.
https://www.instagram.com/p/wZ5u-jvjao/
Valens Conservation Area
43.379635,-80.141818 (entrance fee)
This area I discovered through geocaching.com. Sometimes when I’ve got nothing to do I will look on the geocaching map and find an area that seems to have geocaches on the trails. This area did not disappoint. It has a lovely lake with a boardwalk, lots of trails surrounding it and lots of geocaches where you can spend the day on your own personal scavenger hunt.
Walter Bean Grand River Trail
43.376339,-80.339716
This is another place I found filled with a lot of geocaches. Is has a lot of winding trails. Really nice views next to the water. And a nice long hike should you decide to go through the whole thing. The area is closed a certain time of year so you should check before you go.
I thought this was a cool find!
Glenn Morris Abandoned Mill
Trail parking:43.276508,-80.345548
I absolutely love checking out abandoned places. There’s an old rail trail that leads from Glen Morris down to an old abandoned Mill. There are rumors that it’s haunted. I won’t get into details about what I heard while I was down there but I don’t think I’ll be visiting at night time anytime soon.
Wilke’s dam
43.149580,-80.294239
This one is always nice when I don’t really have time to get out of the city. There’s lots of little spots to sit by the water (❤) Sometimes you’ll see people fishing, but it’s generally not too crowded.
Sudden tract
43.308499,-80.368087
This has to be an all time favorite of mine. I used to frequent the place quite often years ago. It’s lovely for all levels of hikers. The flat main trails are well maintained and easy, but there are bike trails all over if you go off the main trail into the hilly woods. There’s lots to see out there. And of course, if you’re into geocaching, there’s plenty to keep you occupied all day. I used to walk on the abandoned boardwalk, but I have a feeling it’s been restored, so there may be even more area you can cover out there.
Many hills to climb if you’re so inclined.
I know I’ve got a ton more but I’ll leave it at that for now. That should be a good start! Really though… Any hike that leads to ice cream is a good hike. 😆
If you’re interested in finding a really cool spot to hike wherever you might live, I really can’t stress enough that you should check out geocaching.com. Because of geocaching, I’ve found so many cool places. And typically the geocaches take you off the main trail to explore something that you never would have seen if you were just out for a regular walk. Give it a try! What do you have to lose?
Where is your favorite hiking trail? Have you ever tried geocaching? Do you have a favorite? (That might be another blog post for me.)
Go Outside 
What a great post. This summer we’ve been hiking mostly on the Bruce Trail in and around the southern Georgian Bay area and at Lions Head. We’ve also hiked a fair bit in the Muskoka’s and Algonquin Park. One of our favourite places we’ve hiked at is the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve near Bala. After reading your post, makes me want to spend some time thinking about and compiling my own list.
Again, great post
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Thank you! I’ve been meaning to make a list for ages! Every time I get asked, I always draw a blank. I’ll have to check out those areas! I haven’t been. Even rattlesnake. I can’t believe I haven’t gone there yet!
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Wonderful locations. Recently hiked a day around Rattlesnake point. I’m usually in the east end of the GTA hiking the Rouge Valley and Don river on day hikes. But the west end has many many things to offer.
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There seems to be so many places I haven’t discovered yet!
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I’d suggest venturing out eastwards if you ever get a chance. As I should venture more westwards myself
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I hope to one of these days! There’s a few geocaches out that way I’d like to get before the cold weather hits!
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Glad you mentioned geocashing, it’s something that’s peaked my interest but I’ve yet to figure it out. Are there any free appstore you know off that are easy to use? I’ve downloaded a few but did not find them too useful.
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Try searching for c:geo
I have an android phone so I know it works on those. If you’re an iPhone person, I’ll have to ask around for ya!
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I’m on a droid now. Well a blackberry android, so same. I’ll look into it. I’ve tried a few others and they did nothing more then act as a compass, except never pointed to where I needed to go
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Hmm! They’re used to be a really good official one, but I think it’s gone now. Do you have a gps? You can also load them from the website onto those
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I use osmAnd app on my phone for hiking and route. I know I can load up info onto it for hikes not sure if it’s the same
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Nope. I have a garmin that I use for caching. But it’s not worth it to get one unless you get SERIOUSLY addicted. Which I should warn you, you might!
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