Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail (Milton)

If you are driving along highway 401 through Milton, between Guelph and Mississauga, you may notice a bridge up in the escarpment. It took me years to discover that there is a trail that leads to it! This is known as the Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail.

The Bridge

This hike is quite long and will require more attention to the routes and paths that you take. Make sure to enter at the Hilton Falls Side Trail and stay along the Bruce Trail, marked with white trail blazes. This walk features a forest path with rocky cave areas to explore (as does many of the trails in this area). Once you reach the bridge you will have a scenic view of the active Dufferin Quarry, town of Milton and some of the near by golf courses. The only flaw of this trail is that you will have to walk 2 km on the side of the road, however this might be an easy stroll as it is a flat walk!

View of Dufferin Quarry

Note: There will be a small fee for parking at the Hilton Falls Side Trail parking lot. 

Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site (St. Catharines)

 For my first post I would like to offer something close to home. As a recent Brock University grad and a current Niagara College student, the Glenridge Quarry (located directly across the street from Brock University) is a perfect example of something often ignored by local Brock students. If you are looking for a great place to jog, take the dog for a walk, or simply take a brief study break to get some fresh air, visit the Glenridge Quarry.

Environmental Initiative:

The Glenridge Quarry Naturalization site was one of Ontario’s first comprehensive “Green Sites”. It was once a municipal landfill site that has been covered up and turned into a wildlife habitat and environmental education and recreation site. 

About the Trails:

Large Clay Borrow Pit Pond

There are 7 loops up to 2 km long. If you are looking for something with more terrain, walk to the Summit Overlook to get a nice view of St. Catharines. The Large Clay Borrow Pit Pond includes a beautiful boardwalk. There is also a Children’s Science and Nature Area with games and a small playground and a picnic area with picnic tables. 

Leaving Footprints: Lets get hiking

I currently live in Niagara Falls Ont., Canada, and when I meet people from other places or speak to old friends in British Columbia, they are fascinated that I live so close to the world renowned Niagara Falls. However, I find that many people who live here don't really appreciate the beauty of their own backyard. This blog will feature hiking trails and walking paths in Southern Ontario. For my fellow GTA and Niagara residents, I hope to inspire you to get out and explore some of these beauties that are probably closer to you than you think!

It is a passion of mine to get out and explore the great outdoors. This past summer I was fortunate to hike in Bavaria Germany and parts of the Swiss Alps. Upon returning to Ontario, I made an effort to continue leaving footprints on nearby trails and discover what my backyard has to offer. 

 Bavaria Germany

Grindelwald Switzerland