End to End Hike #35: Kelso to Hilton Falls Conservation Area

Kelso to Hilton Falls, Milton



Today we parked our car at Hilton Falls Conservation Area (reservations are required - $19 for parking). We then took an Uber to Kelso Glen Eden, where we ended our last hike. Our Uber ride cost about $14 which is cheaper than the cost of parking a second car. We are now venturing far enough from home that we will be driving only one car. Both locations have washroom facilities. 
 

Hilton Falls Conservation Area


Kelso Glen Eden trail head at the parking lot 

The trail gets a bit confusing in Glen Eden, as for some reason it loops around some buildings. We actually lost sight of the trail and cut off a small section that leads you out towards the gatehouse at the park entrance before looping back around the buildings and heading in the opposite direction. If you want to bypass this rather useless and poorly marked section then head straight (northwest) towards the beach from the parking lot and turn left (southwest) out towards Appleby Line. 

Trail heading towards the Gatehouse at entrance to Kelso

Trailhead Sports at Kelso (open seasonally) 

Once you reach the exit out of Kelso and onto Appleby Line, you will be walking northwest on the road for quite a stretch (about one km). It is a busy road so make sure you walk facing traffic. 


Interesting house on Appleby Line


We crossed under the 401 then entered a copse of pine trees north of Appleby Line.  This forest marks the boundary where the Iroquoia Section of the Bruce Trail ends and the Toronto Section begins. I was disappointed that while there was a sign marking the end of the Iroquoia Section, there wasn't a sign marking the start of the Toronto Section. If you're expecting to see the CN tower in the distance at anytime, you won't. The Toronto section doesn't go anywhere near Toronto. We're actually in the outskirts of Milton for a good portion of this section. 

401 overpass at Appleby Line


Keep your eyes open for the Trailhead off Appleby Line. It is easy to miss, especially if you are walking opposing traffic. 

View of trail marker to re enter the woods off Appleby

Trail head off Appleby Line

As you can see, once you exit the road, the Bruce Trail doubles back towards the 401 we just passed under.
  

Into the Woods

There were quite a few garden snails amongst the spruce trees.

Snail


We expected to see a marker for the Toronto Section of the Bruce Trail as soon as we passed under the 401. Due to the backtracking, the sign marking the end of the Iroquoia Section is actually fairly close to the 401 overpass hence why the 401 is labelled as the start of the Toronto Section. There was no sign to mark the entrance to the Toronto Section.


Pedestrian bridge located just before trail crosses Campbellville Rd.


Stile on North side of Campbellville Rd.


While there was no sign to mark the start of the Toronto Section, there is a plaque commemorating the spot where the first white blaze was painted. 




The Philip Gosling Side Trail will take you from the Bruce Trail to Halton Falls Conservation Area Parking lot. We decided extend our hike by continuing on the Hilton Falls Side Trail. 


Wildflower

Meadow in southeast end of Hilton Falls Conservation Area

The Hilton Falls Side Trail is well worth the detour. It is a 13.1 km side trail that forms a loop with the Bruce Trail. We decided to hike in and out the 3 kms to Hilton Falls. We were not disappointed! The following pictures are from the Hilton Falls Side Trail. 


Butterfly

16 Mile Creek

When we heard the sound of rushing water, we thought we had reached the falls; however, we were at the spot where 16 Mile Creek tumbles into a reservoir. 
 
16 Mile Creek feeding in to Milton Reservoir at north end (view southwards)



16 Mile Creek feeding in to Milton Reservoir (view northwards)

White Trillium


Rest area on Milton Falls side trail

We were pleasantly surprised to find a fire going at the picnic spot at the top of Hilton Falls. Next time we plan a visit we'll be sure to bring something to cook on the fire.  Firewood is provided by the conservation authority (free).







Mill Ruins at the base of Hilton Falls


I definitely recommend viewing waterfalls during the winter or spring months. During the summer months water levels can be quite low. We've even seen some dry up completely. 

Hilton Falls






Today's Hike on the Bruce Trail 




Hike #35

Date:                       May 7th, 2022

Start:                       Kelso Conservation Area

Finish:                     Hilton Falls Conservation Area

Distance:                3.56 kms on the Bruce Trail; 6km side trail

Time:                       46 min on the Bruce Trail; 1 hour 20 side trail

Difficulty:               Easy 

Trail Use:                Hiking/Mountain Biking in some sections                   

Total kms hiked:   206.5 kms

Kms remaining:    705.4 kms


Hilton Falls Side Trail

Points of Interest in the Area: Kelso Conservation; Milton Velodrome, Hilton Falls Conservation Area



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