Hike #46: 5th Line EHS to 2nd Line EHS, Hockley Valley, Mono


Hike #46: 5th Line EHS to 2nd Line EHS, Hockley Valley, Mono

Today we took two vehicles, leaving one at our destination at Hockley Rd (just east of 2nd Line EHS).  This parking lot accommodates 100 cars.  We then drove east down Hockley Rd to the 5th Line EHS parking lot located just south of Hockley Rd.  This parking lot is located on the Hemlock Ridge Side Trail and accommodates 10 cars.  We took the southern loop of the Hemlock Ridge Side Trail to access the Bruce Trail where we had ended our hike last time.  This section of the Hemlock Ridge Side Trail consisted of a steady, steep incline with several switch-backs.  The views were wonderful.  Needless to say, we were a bit winded after reaching the end of this trail where it meets the Bruce at the top of the escarpment.  From here, the trail continued south and west, paralleling Hockley Valley Rd in the distance.  






At the top of the escarpment, we reached the junction between the Hemlock Ridge Side Trail and the Bruce Trail at Sally's Pinnacle.

Sally's Pinnacle



Highest point in the Hemlock Ridges Nature Reserve

There are hand carved signs on this section of the trail that feature the names of two individuals that have made a significant contribution to the BTC.  Prior to crossing 5th Line EHS, we encountered the Glacier Valley side trail which forms a loop with the main trail.  We encountered the eastern entrance of this side trail on our last hike.  This side trail runs through a valley at the base of the escarpment, while the main trail sticks to the heights of the escarpment.


As we approached the east side of 5th Line EHS the trail descended towards the road, only to ascend the escarpment on the west side.  On the east side of 5th Line EHS the forest was dominated by Common Scouring Rush (Horsetail), which we have encountered on our earlier hikes.  Between 5th and 4th Line EHS, the trail passes through an abandoned ski area and eventually enters deep wooded ravines.  Needless to say, this section of the Bruce Trail featured many ups and downs, circuitous routes around large ravines, and several switch-backs.






Ravine encountered on the trail.

The same ravine as above (Peter and Chloe to provide perspective)

One of several ascents / descents encountered on the trail.

Another wooded ravine

A lonely bench we encountered on the way provides a welcome respite from the constant ascends & descents.



Stile at 4th Line EHS (east side).

4th Line EHS.  The trail runs south on this road for 70 meters.

Head of trail on west side of 4th Line EHS.

Between 4th and 3rd Line EHS the trail was no less intense.  Many ups and downs.  In fact, after crossing 4th Line EHS, the trail descended sharply into a wooded ravine.  At the bottom we encountered the Griffith Ravine Side trail, which creates a short cut with the main trail.  As purists, we stuck to the main trail.  Not to disappoint, the trail immediately began to ascend wooded hills as it approached a curve in 4th Line EHS which ran nearby.  This is where we encountered the Peter Beecham side trail (25 meters) which connects to roadside parking (5 cars) on 4th Line EHS.  The trail descends from here to a level plateau, then descends further to the bottom of a valley containing a creek.



One of the few plateaus encountered on the trail.





Trail descending a ravine containing a creek

Creek visible beside trail (steady descent)


View back up the of trail that we descended from the base of the ravine.


After crossing the creek at the base of the ravine, the trail climbs the opposite side of the ravine and continues to wind through forested areas.  The trail then connects with the western end of the Griffith Ravine Side Trail, and immediately turns left.  The trail crosses a bridge and boardwalk before exiting on 3rd Line EHS.

Bridge at base of ravine




Section of boardwalk



3rd Line EHS

The trail turns right on 3rd Line EHS for 15 meters, then turns left (east) down a service road for the Hockley Valley Resort - a ski area.  We passed several sheds on the property.  The snow-making machines were in full operation today.  The trail passed through the property, beginning at the top of a ski hill, only to wind its way down to the base of the ski hill.  Along the way, the trail intersected several cart tracts, bike tracks, and ski tracts.  Once at the bottom of the ski hill the trail (you guessed it) climbs several rolling hills that are part of the resort.  The trail then turns sharply left (south) to follow the edge of a farmers field.  This section of the trail was dominated by rolling hills.  We had to contend with stiff winds and with deep snow drifts.  The trail then enters a wooded area fulls of ascents / descents, twists and turns where the Vineyard View Side Trial can be accessed.  Needless to say, this part of the trek was gruelling.  





View east from top of ski hill



Example of trails criss-crossing Hockley Valley Resort

Rolling hills at edge of farmer's field (view southward)


At the Vineyard View Side trail, the Bruce turns sharply right (west) to exit the woods and passes between two open farmer's fields dominated by rolling hills.  At the eastern edge of 2nd Line EHS, the trail turns sharply left (south) to enter a copse of pines, only to quickly switch-back before exiting on 2n Line EHS.  The trail then follows the road north to its intersection with Hockley Valley Rd.  Just before this intersection, 2nd Line EHS crosses the Nattawasaga River which flows through Hockley Valley.  The trail then crosses Hockley Valley Road.  At this point, we took the Hockley Road Side Trail (250 meters) to get to the parking lot on Hockley Valley Road, where we had parked our second car.


Westward trek though farmer's fields


Copse of pines on eastern side of 2nd Line (southward view).


Exit to 2nd Line EHS.

View (north) on 2nd Line EHS


View (eastward) of Nattawasaga River





 Hike #46

Date:                           November 20th, 2022
Start:                           5th Line at Hockley
Finish:                         Hockley Rd Parking
Time:                           3:25 hours
Distance:                    11.79 kms 
Difficulty:                   Moderate: Inclines
Trail Use:                    Hiking Only               
Total kms hiked:       316.7
Kms remaining:        595.2 

Points of Interest in the Area: We had a fantastic lunch at Black Birch Restaurant. This restaurant is adjacent to the Bruce Trail parking lot on Hockley Road. The Bruce Trail also goes through Hockley Valley Resort (downhill skiing and mountain biking trails)




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