We left with a high goal. Eugenia hike fell to Hoggs Falls in the middle of an icy winter day in Ontario. But, we were excited, swollen on coffee, and perhaps a little confident.
My good friend and main hiking partner and I generally prefer hibernate during long gray days filled with snow from our Canadian winters. But after enjoying the spring hike in the fall, we were determined to continue to travel the trails in winter. We hoped that it would decrease the fear of the long winter.
Eugenia, Ontario, Canada is a Small town in OntarioCounty Gray. The county of Gray is fabulous for many reasons, one of which being all its incredible waterfalls. And even if I had already visited Eugenia and Hoggs Falls, I was impatient to see the two in their full winter glory. And, I thought what better way to do that to try the Hoggs Falls Eugenia Falls hike.
We left Barrie around 8 a.m. by a windy day with temperatures plunging at -10 degrees Celsius. But we were prepared. Or we thought. We had our hot winter boots, their snowshoes, our multiple diapers and our real Canadian blood.
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In the hills of the county of Gray, we faced our first obstacle. The winds of the Gale Force were blowing the snow directly from the open fields and on the other side of the road, near the conditions of Whiteout. But a little Snow will not make this real Canadian driver.
We arrived in Eugenia around 9 a.m. and found the parking lot of the Eugenia Falls Conservation area Closed. Something I was not aware of. Fortunately, a charming lady on the other side of the street, we are careful in front of Eugenia Falls Emporium. With the car set, we started to put on our winter equipment and we went to the path.
Eugenia hike falls in Hoggs Falls
Eugenia falls
We headed on the snow hill which was once an entrance to the car park in the conservation area and directly to Eugenia Falls. Feeding the Beaver river, Eugenia Falls is the highest of Gray County waterfallsat almost 100 feet. And in winter, it looks more spectacular than any other moment of the year. Solid ice creams covered the plunging water. But under this ice cream, I could see a hint of movement. The water was still flowing. And I couldn’t help but be seduced by Mother Nature and her ability to continue to move even through winter ice.
The descending dense snow blanket told us that we were not the only snowshoes. We started on the Bruce Trail. The region is full of hills and valleys, proving to be entertaining while we hit ourselves, then we slipped on the other side. And it was only half of the pleasure of hiking from the Eugenia Falls at Hoggs Falls in winter.
Almost halfway between Eugenia Falls and Hoggs Falls is a summit. This high hill is held in the cuckoo valley and offers a wonderful 360 -degree view from the whole region. Stop at the top, I tried to encourage the sun to get out of the hiding place and catch my breath from the ascent. It was here that we came across a group of rackets. With side jokes, they asked where we hike.
“We hike in Eugenia Falls in Hoggs Falls.”
“Does anyone bring you back to your car?” asked for a lady.
“No, we are going back.”
We were encountered with mumbles and wide eyes. Finally, one of the gentlemen says: “Well, this is a high goal today, good luck.” And they had gone.
My friend looked at me with these eyes that said, What have you brought to you?! I looked back as uncertainty descended between us. We rocked it and continued to determine.
The path goes out on a road where you have to continue for a getaway where the path turns into the forest. This part of the path was so picturesque, when it ends and rides a hill where the sun and the blue sky finally cast through the trees. But the idea of hiking from top to bottom of another hill, in snow and icy temperatures, was starting to arrive. We kill us. Doubtful thoughts have sank. How long? Would we have enough steam to come back and trace our hike once we arrived in Hoggs Falls? Should we just go back now?
The truth is that the life of the trails is not always glamorous. And, hiking / racket in winter is a brand new game.
I had an idea. Hoggs Falls is right next to Lower Valley Road, the road we have just released. It is an old country road with little traffic. What if we had just taken the road the rest of the path to the falls? It would save time and energy. It was just the boost we have to continue.
About half an hour later, I saw the path to the right leading to Hoggs Falls. I found another burst of energy and accelerated my step. With a kick in our step, we took the short path to the top of the falls, slipping there almost directly.
Related article: Best hikes in Ontario with impressive views
Hoggs falls
Of all the impressive Ontario waterfalls, such as the Niagara Falls and Kakabecka Falls, Hoggs Falls is my favorite. One of the smallest, at just over 22 feet, it can be small, but it’s powerful. You can easily hear its roar even before you even see it. Prove that the best things come from the size of a pint!
Just on the side, there is a repulsive rope installed so that you can go down to the foot of the falls. I did it last summer in the mud, and now I would do it in the snow and the ice. It is only a short drop at 10 feet, but it always fills me with adrenaline. But for all those who visit Hoggs Falls I highly recommend it. The view from below is simply spectacular. There were only a few ice creams at his corners. The water simply stopped the river, creating a rebounding thunderous roar on the walls. Even now I write it, I smile with goosebumps.
We did it! We had hiking, in cold winter, on snowy hills, Eugenia falls in Hoggs Falls. But wait. Now we were facing long backwards. Have we had the energy? The truth is that I didn’t think I had done it. I planned to ask for a couple we had seen in the falls if they could bring us back to the car. It would only be 5-10 minutes by car. But, instead, we dismissed discomfort, fatigue and decided to hold it.
With a lot of chatter of cheerleaders for encouragement, we went up to the path to the path leading to the Eugenia Falls conservation zone. Once back in the comfort of the forest, we had our second wind. We have had a good time. And back to Pinnacle hill, I found myself delimiting it to rejoice in the brilliant blue sky above. It was as if I knew we could do it throughout. And so I wanted to praise the gods of the hike and the mother mother for the strength.
When everything was said and done, and we were back to the car, I checked my fitbit. In five hours, we had hiking at two waterfalls, and BACKIn the cold and snow, and covered more than 12 kilometers. Not too shabby for two girls who used to hibernate in winter.
If there is one thing that the Hoggs Falls Falls Falls hike taught me, it is because you never know what you are capable of until you try. The hike has changed my life, and I personally, in many ways. And for each lesson I learn on the trails, I can transfer it to my daily life.
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What lessons have you learned on the trails?
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