On a beautiful morning in early spring, my hiking partner and I left to go hiking at Hockley Valley Provincial Park. The bright sun and there was barely a cloud in the sky on this unusually hot Saturday. The journey there was devoid of cars and the landscape prepared the land for a large walk.
Hockley Valley Provincial Park
The Hockley Valley provincial park is located 45 minutes north of Toronto, just outside Orangeville. Located more than 375 hectares, Hockley Valley is part of the Niagara escarpment. This park is home to more than 400 species of vascular plants, many of which are rare. Some include; The cuckoo flower,
Hockley Valley Provincial Park hike
We arrived in the parking lot just after 8 am and we were delighted to have only a few cars. The main path starts just west of the parking lot. The initial path is an abrupt staircase supported by the hill. And my boy, it never makes you move from the start. By continuing and around a turn, you are a picturesque wooden bench. It is the ideal place to catch your breath or soak up the panoramic view of Hockley Valley. Here we saw our first bird, a red belly peak. First of all, we heard a strange and strident “chirr” call followed by the typical exercise of a tree. After the noise, we spotted the peak at the top of a large naked tree.
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There is a handful of trails in the provincial park of Hockley Valley. And during our first hike through the park, we opted for the 5.6 -kilometer loop trail that takes you along the main Bruce Trail And back via the Tom East Side trail. Interestingly, the Tom East Side Trail is named after the President of Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club, and he later became the president of the Bruce Trail Conservancy.
The path continues in the valley where you will find yourself surrounded by high thin trees. And in the spring, before the foliage began to fill the forest, the sun radiated through the trees giving the impression that they were giants who watch over us. A bunch of blue metal was sitting on the side of the path with the earth that surrounded it slowly. What was once a classic car has now become a strange and picturesque reminder of past days.
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Nearby, we have heard the exercise of a peak again. Looking around us, we realized that we were surrounded by them. At least half a dozen peaks perched low on trees. The males, soft and shiny, made a show. With strange calls and a short floating dance, they competed for a little spring love.
The path led to a raging river. The trees have closed around us, closing the light blue sky. It was as if the twilight descended on us. We followed the river, running quickly due to the cast iron. Some wooden bridges and walks crossed the winding river. Nothing like bridges on troubled water to make the hike more enchanting.
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We took the Tom East Side trail to retreat. The path winds along a section of the river for a little, then heads up and out of the valley. Encouraging in front of the meadows and the farm fields, our backward hike was relaxed and quiet. The path then returns with Bruce’s main path just before going down the stairs to the road.
With so many trails that take you through variable habitats, hiking in Hockley Valley Provincial Park will make you come back again and again.
Do not forget to make sure that everything has been packaged for a successful hike! Here is a list of Hike in Haves To make packaging for a day’s hike!
Trails
Tom East Side Trail 2.5 km
Cam Snell Side Trail 2.2 km
Glen Cross Side Trail 3.2 km
Parking
Located off Hockley Road. And parking is free.
Difficulty level – moderate
Where to eat after Hockley Valley hike
You are limited to the options for the places to eat after hiking at the Hockley Valley provincial park. But an excellent option is the General Hockley store. This general store restaurant is perfect if you are looking for bakery products and fresh treats to bring a picnic during your hike. Or you can dine after your hike. They have a delicious range of soups, sandwiches, salads and tons of treats.
The General Store in Hockley is less than 10 minutes by car from the Hockley Valley provincial park and is located at the end of Hockley RD.
Nearby trails
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