HIke #29 Guelph Line to Mount Nemo Conservation Area

 

Hike #29: Guelph Line to Mount Nemo Conservation Area, Burlington

Today we decided to cover a good distance on the Bruce so we took two cars.  We left one of our vehicles at Mount Nemo Conservation Area. Fees and reservations are required to park at the conservation area. We parked our second vehicle on Guelph Line (roadside parking) where we began today's hike. This section of the Bruce Trail runs parallel to Guelph Line for a brief stint before turning East alongside a meadow.


Section of the Bruce along Guelph Line (view north-westward)



Section of the Bruce Trail heading North-East 



In the photo below you can see the Bruce Trail heading eastward with a meadow to the south and woods to the north.






Once you arrive at #1 Side Road you will be on the road for about a 2km stretch. The road is quite busy with a very narrow shoulder so walk opposing traffic and be careful!


View North-East down #1 Side Road





At Walkers Line, the Bruce Trail takes a left turn (north-west) and heads towards Mount Nemo Conservation Area. This road section is likely a result of the residents not wanting hikers on their property thus requiring the trail to take an L shaped detour around the massive gated properties. 





One of the gated properties with Mount Nemo viewed in the distance



Despite the busy road, we did enjoy the walk past sprawling mansions and horse farms. 

Gated mansion on Walkers Line

Farm on Walkers Line

Just before you get to Mount Nemo Conservation Area you will come to a T-junction  (# 2 Sideroad). Before turning left onto #2 Sideroad you will come upon an old cemetery. 





Salem United Church Cemetery


#2 Sideroad parking lot for Mount Nemo Conservation area has space for 25 cars with self-pay parking fees in effect. Mount Nemo Conservation also allows Rock Climbing. 




Don't let the serene pine tree lined forest fool you as you enter the conservation area from #2 Side Road parking. Once you reach the base of Mount Nemo you are in for quite a climb! 

Trail south-west from Mount Nemo Parking lot 





From the base of Mount Nemo to the plateau is quite challenging, especially given the icy terrain.  Even our spikes were not enough to stop us from butt sliding back down what we had climbed. There were also warning signs posted that it is slippery and dangerous when wet. 


Ladders and chains in the rocks were definitely helpful when traversing this section. 




One of the chains in the boulder 


Once you reach the top you will be rewarded with stunning views of Burlington and benches provided by the Iroquoa Bruce Trail Club. Great spot for a picnic. 


Lookout at the top of Mount Nemo


As you look out you can see #2 Side Road that we were just walking along as part of the Bruce Trail.

View of #2 Side Road and Burlington from the lookout (north-east)


During the winter it's best to stay on the trail as there are a lot of crevices on either side. Some are covered with snow and could pose a hazard. In the summer this is a popular spot for spelunking. 












The Mount Nemo Side Trail forms a 3km loop with the Bruce Trail. It can also be taken as short cut back to the main conservation parking lot (700 m vs 2kms on the Bruce Trail). Despite being tired we decided to continue along the Bruce Trail to reach our car. 







Washroom facilities at Mount Nemo









Hike #29

Date:                      February 27th, 2022

Start:                      Guelph Line, Burlington

Finish:                     Mount Nemo Conservation Area

Distance:                11.12 kms 

Time:                       2 hour 55 minutes

Difficulty:               Moderate with Difficult sections

Trail Use:                Hiking Only on trail/multi use on roads

Total kms hiked:   175.3 kms

Kms remaining:    736.6 kms


Points of Interest in the Area: Ireland House Museum, Mapleview Mall, Decathlon (a sports store with a huge section of hiking shoes, boots, clothing, and supplies...definitely worth a visit!)

Hotels a few kilometres from the trail (Guelph Line and QEW): Best Western, Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Quality Inn (Walkers Line)











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