Radical views of the Georgian bay make my heart beat faster and give me star eyes for days. So, this is not a surprise that I like to hike in Ontario Gray County. The area is full of incredible hiking trails that will give you everything, from view of the cliff with breathtaking waterfalls. And although it does not have a waterfall, the Skinner’s Bluff’s hike has these views on the top of the cliff and much more.
Where is Skinner’s Bluff?
The path of the Bruce trail that takes you to Skinner’s Bluff can be found along Colloys Range Road in Gray County, Ontario. It is a long long and narrow dirt road, so be attentive. Skinner’s Bluff is 30 minutes north of Owen Sound and about 2.5 hours northwest of Toronto. Note, this is not the bluff skin in the Colpoy de Colpoy conservation area off Gray Road 1.
Skinner Bluff hike
On a beautiful spring day, accompanied by my eccentric father, I left for one of the Best places to hike in the Bruce peninsulaSkinner’s Bluff. After a long journey on a narrow dirt road, we arrived at the head of the path to the Skinner’s Bluff Trail. This hike has all the classic attributes of the Niagara escarpment. The path is rocky, full of root roots, and the landscape is strewn with crevices.
From the road, follow the blue flames of the side path of Chris Walker. This side path goes back to La Bruce to form a two -kilometer loop that takes you through the forest and along the edge of the cliff with several picturesque parts, including the Skinner bluff point of view.
Related article: Epic virtual hikes around the world
The Skinner’s Bluff is pure magic hike, especially in the spring, the rocks covered with foam, the ferns will come to life and a canopy of shiny green. And your soundtrack is supplied by the incredible bird song that resonates through the trees. I saw so many bird species during my hike in the spring; Pics of down, a scarlet hoist, vultures, a bigbeak and many others. Even the forest floor is covered with trilliums and other delicate flowers.
With Blue notes stealthily in front of you through the trees, you head to one of the first points of view is amazing sparkling waters of the Georgian bay. Below you are a forest that extends to the waters and on each side, you can see rocky outcrops, one of which you stand on.
After the path around, you will head to the spectacular Skinner bluff. Jutting in the sky is a giant rock slab. Standing on everything I could think was the pride of Lion King. That the “circle of life” – INGONYAMA NENGW ‘ENAMABALA (SE-TO-KWA!). This precipice gives you 180 -degree views of rural landscapes, the Georgian bay and even some of its islands, Griffith, White Cloud and Hay Islands.
Related article: Less known Ontario trails without the crowd
But be aware that there are steep drops from all sides as well as crevices around the area. Be aware of where you walk.
So, whether you are looking for an excellent trail in Ontario with epic views or an easy hike from the Bruce trail day, so plan to do Skinner’s Bluff. But before leaving, be sure to check my Hiking tips For a successful Skinner bluffing hike first!
Tips for Skinner’s Bluff
1. Better time to hike Skinner’s Bluff
You can visit Skinner’s Bluff from spring to fall because the road is not well maintained in winter. But the best time to hike Skinner’s Bluff is from the middle at the end of spring when all wild flowers are in bloom and migratory birds pass. Another great moment to go is in the fall when Ontario’s fall colors are at their peak.
2. Parking
There is no parking for Skinner’s Bluff. So, you will have to park on Colloys Range Road near the head of the trail. But be sure not to block the door or aisle of the farm. And there is no parking during winter until early spring.
3. What to bring
To make sure you have the best hike at Skinner’s Bluff, there are a few things that I recommend that you bring. Make sure you bring comfortable hiking shoes. I love my passionate hiking shoes! Wrap your reusable water bottletwins (to locate all birds), a good cameraAnd a good insect spray. Another thing I always bring is a backup electricity bank To load my phone in case. Some other great things to have, especially for one of Bruce Trail’s hikes is the Bruce Trail Guide or the Bruce Trail card. Here is a list of all my Hike in Haves For a day’s hike.
4. No service
There are no services at Skinner’s Bluff. This means that there is no parking, no toilet facilities, no garbage cans, nor any real signaling beyond the Bruce Trail flames and side trail plates. So be sure to follow the waste.
5. Where to eat nearby
Whether you enjoy an early morning or a hiking afternoon Skinner’s Bluff and you are looking for where to have lunch or dinner, there are a lot of good options. You can eat in Wiarton which is 15 minutes west of the head of the Skinner Bluff path. And two of my choices are Dockside Willie’s and Green door coffee. If you choose Green Door coffee, you may need to book your table in advance because they are always busy. Or you can head to Owen Sound which is 30 minutes south of the trail. And one of the major options for the places to eat at Owen Sound is the Mudtown Station Brewery & Restaurant.
Related article: Muskoka Randing Trails: Top places to hike in Muskoka
For those looking Things to do in Owen Sound Or Wiarton, I strongly recommend adding Skinner’s Bluff to your route!
More hiking trails near Skinner’s Bluff
Bruce caves conservation area
Spiritual rock conservation area
Indian fall conservation area
Pottawatomi conservation area
Owl conservation area
Have you ever done the Skinner’s Bluff hike?
Warning: This message contains affiliation links. By clicking on and buying via these links, I can do a small committee to help manage this blog.
Pin for subsequent reference !!
