Hike 44: Escarpment Side Road to Coolihans Side Road, Albion Hills

Hike #44 Escarpment Side Road to Coolihans Side Road, Albion HIills


We parked our car on Coolihans Side Road and took a taxi to Escarpment Side Road to continue our end to end. Our taxi driver tried to take us on a scenic route to our destination; however, we were familiar enough with the area to know we were heading the wrong way. After driving about 500 m in the wrong direction he finally listened and turned around. He did not reset the metre for his mistake. When we arrived at our destination the driver informed us that we had to pay an extra $20 over the price on the meter because we were out of town. We were not informed of this when we called the dispatch centre. We refused and said we were only willing to pay the amount on the meter (it was about $23). Legally, taxi drivers must inform you upfront if they would like to charge an amount different from the meter. We used AJ Taxi out of Orangeville as there were no Ubers available.

Trail head off Escarpment Side Road


After a brief stretch in the woods we emerged onto Coolihans Side Road (south of Mountainview Road) and walked north east until reaching Airport Road. The walk on Coolihans Side Road was pleasant as it is a country road with little to no traffic.
 
Coolihans Side Roads




Coolihans Side Road and Airport Road

A good portion of todays hike had us walking along Airport Road. While this was a busy stretch of road there was enough of a shoulder that it was still enjoyable.


Airport Road, northbound

Farm along Airport Road


Along Airport Road you will pass the Song Bird Side Trail. We decided to bypass this 1.85 km loop. There is no parking at this location so the trail is only really accessible when walking along the Bruce Trail.

Songbird Side Trail


View from Airport Road, private residence


Wat Lao Veluwanaram Buddhist Temple

From Airport Rd we turned right onto Finnerty Side Road. Through the trees we were able to see the Wat Lao Veluwanaram. The entrance to the Buddhist temple is off Finnerty Side Road.


Due to construction on Finnerty Side Road we were fortunate enough to come across a much needed porta-potty. There were no other facilities on this leg of our journey.

View north of porta-potty on Finnerty Side Road




The trail enters the woods for a brief stretch before intercepting Finnerty Side Road once more.



The trail exits the road at Innis Lake Road, south of Finnerty Side Road. 






Roadside Parking on Innis Lake Road (5 cars)

At the end of Innis Road, the Bruce Trail reenters the woods and descends gradually to a valley on a wide path.





Between Finnerty Side Road and Coolihans Side Road the Bruce Trail enters the Oak Ridges Moraine.






Once you reach the valley floor in Oak Ridges Moraine, the trail climbs gradually towards Coolihans Side Road parking.






Trail head at Coolihans Side Road


Hike #44
Date:                            October 9, 2022
Start:                            Escarpment Side Road
Finish:                          Coolihans Side Road
Time:                            2 hours 10 minutes
Distance:                     9.6 kms 
Difficulty:                    Easy, gradual inclines, road sections
Trail Use:                     Hiking                 
Total kms hiked:        264.4 kms
Kms remaining:         647 kms

Point of Interest in the area: We stopped at Awesome Blossom Organics. They had fresh produce and baked goods. We bought some potatoes and a butter tart. I highly recommend stopping if you're in the area. It is quite close to the section of the trail on Airport Road. We also stopped at Gabe's Country Bake Shop where bought some rolls for our Thanksgiving Dinner as well as Cabbage Rolls. The rolls were stale the next day and the Cabbage rolls were bland and had no meat (they were not labeled vegetarian). 





 

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