Grindstone Creek: From Lake Ontario to the top of the Niagara Escarpment

Our hike follows Grindstone Creek upstream from Lake Ontario to the top of the Niagara Escarpment.  We begin on the Grindstone Marsh trail, and walk creekside as Grindstone Creek narrows, clears and quickens.  We walk up Hidden Valley Road to an unmarked trail which continues along the stream and climbs the side of what becomes a canyon.  We join the Bruce Trail as it continues the climb up the Escarpment:  Grindstone Creek cascades below.  We reach Smokey Hollow Waterfall, at the edge of Waterdown, where there is a viewing platform.  We return via the same route.

Hike level:  Level 2.  Short stretches of Level 3 in Grindstone Creek Canyon and  Level 1 (boardwalk) on Grindstone Creek Marsh.

Total hiking distance:  18 km

We will meet at the Covered Bridge parking lot on Gordon Street in Guelph, and sort out transportation to:

Grindstone Marsh parking lot 1163 Spring Gardens Road Burlington

Suggestions:  sturdy footwear, lunch, snacks, water.  Trekking poles may be helpful.  Public washrooms available at mid-point of ascent and descent of Grindstone Creek Hike.

Hike Co-Leaders:  Michelle Lebon and Peter Goddard