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DESCRIPTION of the SYDENHAM BRUCE TRAILThe Sydenham Section of the Bruce Trail winds its way along the Niagara Escarpment for about 170 kilometres between the now abandoned pioneer settlement of Blantyre, on Grey County Road 7 and Bluewater Park in downtown Wiarton. Along the way, it passes through hardwood forests and farms, past wetlands, small creeks and Turning north, the Trail soon arrives at the Bognor Marsh. This Management Area includes upland forests, three major marshes, natural regeneration areas, and several small springs feeding the marsh and stream system, which are home to a variety of waterfowl and other marsh-living animals, birds and plants. The Trail passes by an education shelter, and follows boardwalks with interpretive signs, and a viewing tower from which to enjoy the marsh and its inhabitants. The Trail then heads out to the Bayview Nature Escarpment Reserve, with broad, sweeping outlooks over the Meaford Tank Range, and beyond to Georgian Bay and as far as Collingwood. Returning toward Owen Sound, you hike through the Sydenham Forests, and soon arrive at the Centennial Tower, with its exceptional views of the Owen Sound re-entrant valley. From the Tower you head south again through some spectacular fern glens and then you follow community trails to spectacular Inglis Falls at Inglis Falls Conservation Area. Heading north from Inglis Falls the Trail reaches the "West Rocks" and past some great lookouts over the city. Heading north from Owen Sound the Trail enters the Pottawatomi Conservation Area where you can stand atop the lip of Jones Falls looking straight down as the water plunges over the Escarpment. Continuing north, you’ll hike thru the Lindenwood property, which was purchased by the BTC in 2009, with donations from many members and other conservation minded individuals, to preserve and protect a large tract of Escarpment land for perpetuity. Further north, you will climb an old road allowance over Kemble Mountain [Kemble Mountain Management Area] before coming out along a road section. The section from Kemble Mount to Dodd's Hill is filled with fissures and is another SBTC fern paradise - watch for walking ferns and much more.
Along here there are many spectacular lookouts over Colpoys Bay and many great spots for a picnic lunch (see picture to right) . Another 7 km past Bruce's Caves will bring you to Bluewater Park in Wiarton where we link up with the Peninsula section. Overnight camping areas are located at or near:
Open fires on the trail are not permitted, and any natural water source should be considered unsafe unless boiled. Many of the natural areas are noted for their varied plants, especially ferns, some of which are quite rare. There is ample opportunity for skiing or snow shoeing in areas like Massie Hills, Inglis Falls, above the Owen Sound's west rocks, and in 'The Glen'. There are several enjoyable side trails - consult your up-to-date Bruce Trail Reference for more information.
... page last updated 2010 FEBRUARY 11 Thursday |
features some beautiful lookouts over the Big Head valley.
After
passing by the 'Slough of Despond' you come to what is viewed by
many as the gem of the Sydenham Section - the 11 km stretch from
Skinner's Bluff to the Bruce's Cave parking lot. [Skinner
Bluff Management Area]
