Hockley Valley Thursday Fast Hike

When:

Thursday May 14, 2026

NOTE: this hike will be rescheduled in the event of rain, in which case registrants will be emailed the night before.

Hiking Time:

10:00 am - 12:30 pm approx.

Trailhead parking:

Hockley Valley Bruce Trail parking lot on the North Side of Hockley Valley Rd (on Hockley Valley Rd, across from Black Birch Restaurant). Please use this area and refrain from parking on Hockley Rd. shoulders.

Parking is free; please arrive at trail head parking lot at 9:50.

GPS location: 43.972857°, 80.056330°

Carpool option:

Leaving at 8:50 am from the Covered Bridge in Guelph 43.539059°, 80.241950°

Please let one of the hike leaders know if you are going to join the hike at the Hockley Valley Bruce Trail parking lot

Distance:

Approximately 11.3 km

Pace:

Brisk to fast--4.5-5.0 km/hour

Terrain:

Strenuous: Hilly with steep climbs and some poor footing

Please Note:

This is an arduous hike and requires a high level of fitness due to the combination of difficult terrain, fast pace, and the length of the hike. This hike is intended for experienced hikers. Please be honest to your capability for this hike (distance, pace, and terrain). If you are unsure whether this hike is right for you, please contact one of the hike leaders.

Trail:

The Hockley Valley Trails provide magnificent scenery as well as a workout (many hills to climb). From the parking lot, we will walk westward along Hockley Valley Road for about 500 m to access this section of the Bruce Trail.  We will complete 2 of the 3 main side trail loops (counter clockwise), passing the famous blue car on the last return loop leg.

Required:

2 L water, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, health card, personal first aid kit, snacks; dress for the weather.

Recommended:

Hiking poles, hat, mitts, sunscreen. insect repellent (DEET) for tick deterrent highly recommended.

Lunch option:

The Black Birch Restaurant, across from trail parking lot

Hike Leaders:

Mira Soni: e-mail: mirasoni1964@gmail.com; cell (for morning of hike): 519-763-6113

Claude Balthazard:  claudebalthazard1@gmail.com