Why You Should Go Hiking Hilton Falls In Winter: A Winter Wonderland
Hilton Falls in winter is a magical place. It’s snow-covered, still and for the most part very quiet. This is especially true early in the mornings on weekends, when few people have ventured out of their homes.
At the beginning of January 2010, my husband, Frank, and I had our first hiking date at Hilton Falls. It was a chilly, sunny day with snow-covered trails and woods. It was MAGIC!
We fondly remember me ensuring his ears were warm by pulling up his hood. He helped me with my frozen toes with an extra pair of socks he had in his backpack. And he accidentally got goosing from a tree branch when trying to help me out with the socks.
Our recent visit had a similar atmosphere – a crisp, slightly windy day, lots of snow and sunshine. The difference was, this time I was wearing proper snow boots with thick, warm lining!
Hilton Falls In Winter
Visiting Hilton Falls in winter is best early in the morning after a good snow fall. The landscape is visually appealing and the ground pristine. You may see some animal tracks here and there in the snow.
Taking a moment to stop walking and just listen to the birds, the sound of creaking trees and the whistle of the wind among the pines is something we normally don’t do.
At one point of our hike through the snow, Frank stopped me and said “Listen.” I took a deep breath and enjoyed the silence.
The destination – Hilton Falls – is worth the effort of trudging through snow. Hilton Falls in winter are often frozen after a few days of sub-zero temperature.
The sun hitting the falls will cause a few drips here and there, but overall, it’s a frozen landscape.
At the Falls, stop by the constantly lit fire to warm up, take a rest and have something to drink. If you bring your thermos of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, this is the perfect spot to enjoy it.
Bring birdseed with you to feed the nuthatches that come to have a nibble from people’s outstretched hands.
How Best To Enjoy Hilton Falls In Winter
A few tips for enjoying a walk through Hilton Falls Conservation Area in the winter:
- Get there as early as possible – later in the morning it can get busy on the trails with families, people walking their dogs, cross-country skiers and snowshoeing enthusiasts.
- Ensure you have proper footwear that has good treads and warm lining. The walk to the falls is about 4 km, so you want to be dressed warmly and with good traction on the snow covered trails.
- Do bring some hot chocolate and snacks to enjoy by the fire that’s located at the Hilton Falls. Remember – what you bring in you must bring out with you. There are no garbage cans for your refuse and littering just ruins the landscape and environment.
The conservation area is one of many in the area with great winter hiking trails close to Toronto. It takes about one hour’s drive on a weekend morning from downtown Toronto to the Conservation Halton parks.
Side trails from the Bruce Trail cut through Hilton Falls Conservation Area, offering more to explore.
How To Get To Hilton Falls Conservation Area
Hilton Falls Conservation Area is located at 4985 Campbellville Sideroad, Milton, ON, about one hour drive from downtown Toronto.
PLEASE NOTE: Since the pandemic, Halton Conversation has installed an online reservation system due to “overcrowding”. You will most likely find that most of the time it’s not actually that busy. We don’t agree with having to share information online to enjoy a natural space, which is partly funded by our taxpayer dollars.
Great shots! I haven’t been to Hilton Falls in years – and never in the winter. You’ve inspired me to get there in 2013!
Thanks Gayle – my good deed for the day has been done (aka inspiring you!). Winter is a great time to visit. Wait until the falls completely freeze over. It’s a sight to see!
We’re looking forward to snowshoeing there this year!
We’re in Mont Tremblant … lots of great snow for snowshoeing!
wonderful pictures. How long is the hike to the falls?
Chickadees at the bird feeder.