Hike #25: Old Guelph Road to Mill Street, Waterdown

 

Old Guelph Road, Dundas to Smokey Hollow Falls, Waterdown


Today we parked our car on Union Street in Waterdown as the Smokey Hollow Waterfall Parking lot was full. This parking lot is usually full and this cold Saturday morning was no exception. We then drove to Old Guelph Road to start our hike (roadside parking).  There are no facilities at either location. From Old Guelph Road, head down the staircase and proceed through a tunnel under highway #6.


Selfie at entrance to tunnel under highway #6


Staircase and tunnel under highway #6


As soon as you enter the trail on the east side of highway #6 you will pass an abandoned rock ruins. If anyone knows the history of this building please post it in the comments.  





After about 2 kms you will come to a reservoir behind an industrial section of Waterdown. There are trails around and through this reservoir that is home to waterfowl. 



There are several unmarked trail loops that are used by mountain bikers as you leave the reservoir and enter Clappison Woods. 




Interestingly shaped ice formation


















Snake road is the approximate halfway point between our starting and ending points. There is roadside parking here if you are looking for a shorter hike. 




Roadside Parking on Snake Road



I tried out my new Woods carbon fibre trekking poles (Canadian Tire) and found them quite useful on the slippery/hilly terrain. I also recently purchased new hiking shoes from Decathlon, a sporting goods store in Mapleview Mall, for $100. I found them comfortable, supportive, and light. The treads have really good grip. I like them a lot better than my Saucony Excursion Trail Shoe as they had better grip and more support. 





Decathlon Hiking Shoes










We have previously hiked Norman Pearson Side Trail. It is a switchback climb up the escarpment and continues to climb once it crosses Waterdown Road before looping around to the Smokey Hollow Waterfall parking lot. 



There are several sets of short staircases as you climb up the escarpment towards Waterdown Road. 




The Bruce Trail follows Grindstone Creek as it heads towards Smokey Hollow Falls. 

Grindstone Creek








View of Grindstone Creek from viewing platform

View of Smokey Hollow Falls from viewing platform

Smokey Hollow Falls from viewing platform


Steps down to viewing platform



Smokey Hollow Falls

We had a short walk up Mill Street (North) to get to where we left our car on Union Street. There is no left turn onto Union Street from Mill Street so we had to turn left onto Highway 5. There are only a few spots available for parking on the boulevard. 





Hike #25

Date:                      January 8th, 2022

Start:                      Old Guelph Road

Finish:                    Smokey Hollow

Distance:                8.83 km 

Time:                       2 hours 46 minutes

Difficulty:               Moderate with gentle rolling hills and gradual climb

Trail Use:                Some sections are multi-purpose/some hiking only

Total kms hiked:     155.5 kms

Kms remaining:      756.4 kms


Points of Interest in the Area: Waterdown Shopping District, True North Gallery



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