Hike #33: Crawford Lake to Rattlesnake Point, Milton

 

Crawford Lake to Rattlesnake Point, Milton

Today we started and ended our hike at Rattlesnake Point. Parking is definitely an issue in the Halton Region. There are few access points with parking, and reservations are required at most. We woke up Sunday morning and were unable to secure an online reservation at either of the parking lots in the area we intended to hike. The lot on Steeles, where we planned to park, was closed. We decided to risk it and see if the gate person would let us pass. We were in luck and he let us enter for the standard $22 cash payment (no debit/credit accepted at gate). Don't count on being able to enter without a reservation...I'm very persuasive.


Parking at Rattlesnake Point

We parked our car at the upper lot. Should you wish to park closer to the Bruce Trail, park at the lower lot. 


Once we got our grandson all snug in his Roots Backpack Hiker we embarked on the 2.6 km Rattlesnake Point Side Trail that links with the Bruce Trail. 



If you park at the lower lot (closer to the Bruce Trail) you will miss some of these beautiful lookout points along the Rattlesnake Point Side Trail. 








If you parked at the lower lot this is the point where you will be starting on the Rattlesnake Point Side trail. It knocks off about a kilometre off of your journey. 


There are a few rocky sections in Rattlesnake Point. This is the reason I marked this section of the trail as moderate. 


There are plenty of benches if you need a rest throughout Rattlesnake Point.  




Lookout at Rattlesnake Point


Should you be interested in learning to climb, Zen Climb Lessons  operates out of Rattlesnake Point. We passed a group getting prepared for their decent. 

Crevice, Rattlesnake Point

After our 2.6 km trek on the Rattlesnake Point Side Trail, we finally linked with the Bruce Trail as we began a gentle decent into Crawford Lake Conservation Area. 




Boardwalk, Crawford Lake

Bridge over Limestone Creek, Crawford Lake Conservation Area



Limstone Creek, Crawford Lake Conservation Area


After you cross the creek, the Bruce Trail intercepts with the point where we concluded our previous hike. Here, you can continue into Crawford Lake towards the visitor centre or follow the Bruce Trail to loop you back around and out of the canyon returning to Rattlesnake Point. 



The Bruce Trail follows alongside Limestone Creek before beginning a gentle ascent out of the canyon. 


Once we reached the Rattlesnake Point Side Trail, we decided to exit the trail at the lower parking lot and take a shortcut back to the upper lot. 
 



Wildflowers





Hike #33

Date:                      April 24th, 2022

Start:                       Rattlesnake Point

Finish:                     Rattlesnake Point

Distance:                9.54 kms (round trip to Crawford Lake)

Time:                       2 hours 22 minutes

Difficulty:               Moderate

Trail Use:                Hiking only on trail

Total kms hiked:   195.2 kms

Kms remaining:    716.7 kms


Points of Interest in the Area: Crawford Lake Longhouse Village or plan a visit to nearby Springridge Farms for lunch, hayrides, gift shop, kids activities, petting zoo. Dogs are not permitted on the property hence why we grabbed lunch and had a picnic on the grass by the parking lot where the sign read no picnics....I asked permission, I think they just don't want you picnicking with food you did not purchase.

Enjoying a Picnic Lunch at SpringRidge Farms

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