Hike #45: Glen Haffy to Hockley Valley

Hike #45 Glen Haffy to Hockley Valley


Today we had to change our plans a couple of times on account of being unable to get an Uber. We went to our intended end destination, Bruce Trail Parking 44, and attempted to get an Uber back to Coolihans Side Road. No one picked up the route so we decided to drive to Coolihans Side Road and get started on our hike with the hope of being able to get an Uber in the afternoon once our hike was completed. Of course, we called my mom to see if they'd be able to pick us up if we couldn't get a ride back to our car. Fast forward to the afternoon, and still no Uber. So with our ride an hour and a half away we continued on to the next parking spot. 

Coolihans Side Road at Glen Haffy Road (Parking for 10 cars)


This was such a beautiful section of the Bruce Trail. After several long stretches on the road during our previous hikes it was nice to be in the woods for the majority of todays hike. The trail immediately enters into Glen Haffy Conservation Area.

Trail head at Coolihans Side Road




As you climb down through mature woods there were a couple of picnic spots and open meadows. 

Picnic Spot


Picnic Spot in large open field

Western edge of field before entering the woods





Patch of Coarse Horsetail blanketing the forest floor





We continued to descend into the valley along the edge of the escarpment. 



The Bruce Trail continues alongside Highway #9. 
 


After following Highway #9 for about a hundred metres, the trail continues on the south shoulder of #9 for another 750m in order to cross safely at the stoplight. The trail then doubles back on the north side of #9 before continuing in the woods. Highway #9 is four lanes of traffic and can be quite busy so walking to the light is the safest option. Traffic was not busy so we decided to skip the 1.5 km detour up to the light and back, crossing directly to continue onto the trail on the other side.


The trail reentering the woods on the Northside of #9

The trail reenters the woods on the Northside of Highway #9 and then descends through cedars to a private reservoir. 






Bridge over tributary of Humber River


Private Reservoir


We did a little trespassing in order to get a photo from the private reservoir.

View from the dam at east end of the reservoir

From the reservoir the Bruce Trail gradually climbs up a wide path to the top of the escarpment.



No cars in the woods today, just a spare tire.



After a steady climb up the escarpment we were rewarded with a picnic spot. The table was a little wobbly and low to the ground but it was nice to have a rest and a bit of lunch.








Once you reach the top of the escarpment you will be rewarded with views of the Humber Valley to the east through which the Glen Haffy Side Trail winds.


View of Humber Valley

The trail follows 7th Line North for about 600 metres before reentering the woods to the west. This is a quiet country road.




View of 7th Line in Mono



Tractor on private residence

There is no parking on this section of 7th line; however, there is a parking lot for 15 cars at the south end of 7th line and Airport Road. 



After a brief flat section on open trails through meadows and some short windy rolling sections, we emerged at Bruce Trail Parking 44 on 5 Sideroad.




Rest stop at the top of the escarpment before descent to 5 Sideroad



When we reached Bruce Trail Parking 44  we tried again, unsuccessfully, to get an Uber so we called mom for a ride. 

View of Bruce Trail Parking 44


We had a brief pit stop at Bruce Trail Parking 44 . We had initially intended to end our hike here today but decided to continue hiking while we waited for our ride. 




Ample Parking at Bruce Trail Parking 44

The next few kilometres towards Hockley Road Parking is full of ups and downs as you skirt ravines through mature woods. The Bruce Trail switchbacks as you ascend and descend ridges on tight trails at the edge of the escarpment. 

Pine Plantation

There are several side trails off the Bruce in this section including an overnight rest stop.




The Bruce Trail runs through a Maple Sugar Bush. I'm not sure of the name of this Sugar Bush or if it's open to the public. Please post in the comments if you have any information. 


Wooden Gazebo adjacent to the Sugar Bush




There are several private landowners in the area who have their own private trail accesses. Please stay on the main trail or one of the blue marked side trails. 



Stiles crossing over fences into private land

Semi open woodland






The trail emerges onto Airport Road and follows it south for a short stretch before crossing and reentering the woods on the north side. Be careful crossing Airport Road as traffic is fast moving. Across the road the trail climbs to the crest of a hill and across an open field to the edge of a red pine plantation before following a grassy trail to the west.

Airport Road

Grassy Section at the top of the hill crest

Red Pine Plantation

After we pass through the Red Pine Plantation we begin our descent by way of switchbacks along a ridge down into Glacier Valley. 






From where the Glaciar Valley Side Trail intercepts the Bruce Trail we begin a steady ascent up and out of the valley.



s

We then took the second branch of the Hockley Heights Side Trail to where our ride was meeting us. The Hockley Side Trail is a steep, switchback, descending down natural steps towards the parking area. As serendipity would have it, we arrived at exactly the same time as our ride.







My dad through the trees meeting us at our final destination



 Hike #45

Date:                           October 23rd, 2022
Start:                           Coolihans Side Road
Finish:                          5th Line at Hockley
Time:                           4 hours 56 minutes
Distance:                    18.49 kms 
Difficulty:                   Moderate: Inclines
Trail Use:                     Hiking Only               
Total kms hiked:        272.2 kms
Kms remaining:         639.7 kms

Points of Interest in the Area: Cricket Creek Farm, Tamarac Estates Winery

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