Exploring Beaver Valley And Old Baldy Conservation Area

If you wake up very early – and I mean at 5:30 a.m. crack of dawn early – on a Saturday morning, and leave the house at about 6:10 a.m. you can make it up from Toronto to do some exploring of the Beaver Valley area, and Old Baldy Conservation Area by about 9:30 a.m. That’s if you are taking the side routes and taking your time as we did.

Hunting for signs of Falls colours, we decided to search north of our area of Burlington. Frank decided on heading out for a longer excursion, taking us all the way up to Kimberley, Ontario and the surrounding area.

Hoggs Falls In Fall: A Colourful, Idyllic Setting

Last spring we stopped by Hoggs Falls near Eugenia and Flesherton in Grey County, which is intersected by the Bruce Trail. Unfortunately, at that time, the view wasn’t overly interesting.

This time around, it was much more colourful, vibrant and scented with that wonderful musty smell that accompanies Autumn.

Boyne River by Hogg's Falls near Kimberly, Ontario

Exploring The Trail At Old Baldy Conservation Area

Old Baldy Conservation Area is one of the key highlights of the Beaver Valley area. The trail was covered with yellow and rust leaves.

The Boyne River, meandering along the trail that led from the parking lot to the falls had the occasional golden leaf floating.

Due to a summer of great rainfalls, the forest was lush and full of ferns and moss. The Falls – although not too high at 7 metres – were full of water, creating an awesome effect.

We continued on to Old Baldy Conservation Area (Grey Sauble Conservation), located atop the Niagara Escarpment. The Bruce Trail runs through the conservation area.

The trails at Old Baldy Conservation Area near Kimberly, Ontario. Exploring the Beaver Valley area, north of Toronto.

The main Bruce Trail takes you along the edge of the Escarpment, 152 metres above Beaver Valley. It offers beautiful views of the farms and woodland below as well as the village of Kimberley.

By fall, with the leaves on the ground and a bit of dampness, the hike is not overly easy. Roots and rocks litter the trail, and with a slippery leaf underfoot, you can easily twist your ankle.

Extra care needs to be taken along the edge of the Escarpment. You don’t want to take a tumble… even for that great photo.

During our visit, the leaves were just starting to turn yellow and rusty brown with the occasional red leaf.

Along the way, we saw the remnants of apple orchards, with many trees with bountiful but blighted/worm-infested harvests.

A birch tree covered in fungus at Old Baldy Conservation Area - driving around in the Beaver Valley, north of Toronto — You can see the ecosystem at work in the forest at Old Baldy Conservation Area

Frank braved picking a few and taking a few bites, while I watched on, not wanting to get an extra dose of protein. Our hike lasted about an hour and gave us a good deal of exercise after a summer of no hikes.

| Related: Top Day Trips From Toronto

Should you wish to explore this part of the Beaver Valley, to get there, head to Kimberley, which is northeast of Markdale, Ontario. Old Baldy is nearby on top of the escarpment.

Further north, you can explore the Owen Sound area with its Inglis Falls and the area around Collingwood and Meaford.

Difficulty Levels

Hogg’s Falls: 1/5

It’s an easy walk – little roots and all you need to do is park alongside the road to walk over to the falls.

Old Baldy Conservation Area: 3/5

There are areas with roots and rocks. It also has views from the Niagara Escarpment, so you need to be careful. Wear proper hiking gear. Bring a day pack with hiking and emergency essentials. | Related: Top 5 Fall Drives From Toronto

Locations

Hogg’s Falls

Old Baldy Conservation Area

For more inspiration check out the Beaver Valley Fall Driving Route from Grey County Tourism. It will make you want to hop in your car and do the drive!

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