Hike #64 Loree Forest to 18th Side Trail and 6th Line


East Loree Forest to 18th Side Trail and 6th Line

Today we started our hike at 21st Sideroad (paid roadside parking for 10 cars) and continued to 18th Side Trail and 6th Line (no parking). We left a bike locked up at 6th line and 18th sideroad to get back to the car. The distance by bike was only about 3.4 kms on gravel and paved roads as the Bruce Trail loops around not too far from where we started. There are two other lots in close proximity to where we ended. One on 18th side road and a small lot for six cars on 6th line. Side trails were required to access the Bruce Trail at both ends of our hike.

A local trail leads north from the parking lot where we started to join the Len Gertler Side trail.  We headed east on the Len Gertler side trail, then turned left onto the main trail.  The trail skirted the edge of the escarptment at the top of ski hills, traveling westward in a arc to reconnect with the western end of the Len Gertler side trail.  From here the trail travels south in a descent, to cross 21st sideroad and eventually reconnects with the Loree Side Trail.

Paid Roadside Parking on 21st Side Road ($5/hour)





The first 4 kms of our hike through Loree Forest was quite easy, as it it was flat and on a gravel path. This section could be hiked as a loop by using The Len Gertler Side Trail. About 4kms from the parking on 21st side road there is a long gradual decent into a deep valley to the creek below followed by an ascent which eventually crosses 21st side road reconnecting with the Loree Side Trail. This section of the trail winds to form an 'S' shape. At times we curved around to almost where we began. 

At or around km 6.1 there is supposed to be a lookout towards Nottawasaga Bay at the top of Georgean Peak Ski Club. It didn't appear to be accessible due to the platform being on private land with signs prohibiting entrance. 


Local trail from parking lot to Len Gertler Side Trail.




Heading east on the side trail.

Where Len Gertler connects with the main trail.


Meadow on top of the escarpment, north of Len Gertler.






Trail arcing around to hit the western end of the Len Gertler Side Trail.

Trail descending towards 21st Sideroad.

View of valley before reaching 21st Sideroad.


Bridge spanning brook in valley.


Climb back up towards 21st Sideroad.

Many wild apple trees in this area - the green ones were yummy.

View of 21st Sideroad from trail (facing south).



View of 21st Sideroad (facing east).

Where trail enters woods south of 21st Sideroad.



Brook encountered just south of 21st Sideroad.


Stile encountered at the edge of a farmers field.

Trail skirting farmers filed (heading east then south).



Trail entering woods again.


Entrance to Loree side trail

From the Loree Side Trail, the main trail continues south through farmer's fields and forests.  It then turns right (west) along 18th Sideroad.  From 18th Sideroad the trail turns left (south) at the head of the Margaret Paull side trail to enter a river valley.  The trail eventually turns west to reconnect with the southern end of the Margaret Paull Side Trail, which we took north towards 18th Sideroad, where our bicycle was waiting.

This reroute parallelled the original trail 5 feet to the side.


Trail begins to climb as we head south.

Stone steps climbing out of the deep valley


Trail continuing south adjacent to a farmers field.

While walking alongside the farmers field we encountered a wake of turkey vultures feeding on something on the path. They flew off when we approached. We carefully stepped around the "sleeping" racoon with his entrails strewn across the trail to allow the vultures to return to their afternoon snack.


Trail continuing south along 5th line.

Trail continues west down 18th Sideroad.

End of 'improved' section of 18th Sideroad.

Where the main trail heads south off of 18th Sideroad.  The Margaret Paull Side trail continues west.

Trail continuing south through forest.



Trail exits the woods and crosses a ridge between farmers fields.

Trail re-entering woods.






Rock reminiscent of the Flower Pots found in Tobermory...

Southern terminus of side trail.  We took this northward.




View northward on Margaret Paull Side Trail.






Date:     August 21st, 2025
Start:    21st Sideroad (roadside parking)

Time:    2 hours, 56 minutes
Distance:  10.44 kms including side trails
Difficulty:  Moderate, rolling hills, climbs, gravel path and dirt trail, meadows
Trail Use:    Hiking Only               
Total Bruce Trail kms hiked: 463.6 kms
Kms remaining: 448.3 kms






 
















































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