trail maps & profiles  crawford lake mountsberg hilton falls limehouse
The trails and outdoor adventure sites shown here are presented in a user-friendly two-part format. The first part includes a brief summary of the trail while the second part has the map
The trail information includes these categories:
Location
Road name or general area and local municipality.
Distance/Time
Total kilometres per trail and the time required for the hike at a leisurely pace. Also included here is whether the trail is a loop, linear, or a series of interconnected paths.
Difficulty
[three levels of difficulty are noted]
Beginner – Generally flat, wide trails that are easy to walk. Intermediate – Includes some hilly terrain with areas of strenuous hiking.
Advanced – These trails could have steep hills, uneven rocky surfaces, with some climbing on stiles or ladders.
Trail Surface
Trail surfaces vary from hard-packed earth and rock to stone dust and asphalt.
Directions
For ease and consistency, directions to trails generally begin from Highway 401 or the QEW in Halton. Compass directions (east-west) are used rather than right and left for turns. Directions usually end at parking areas relatively close to the start of trails. |
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More Information
Includes the name, telephone number and website of the agency, municipality or organization that owns or manages the trail. Also indicates if the area has entrance fees.
Site Profile
Describes the features and size of the area along with more detail about the trail and the park. The site profile often includes natural and cultural information along with helpful wayfinding notes.
Most Famous Person to Have Used the Trail or Visited the Site
A fun note about some of the interesting people, some well known and others less so, who have used the trails.
Nature Calls
A brief note on some of the wildlife you could see on the trails along with their fascinating calls or sounds which are shown in italics.
Footsteps for Trees Count
Shows the number of average footsteps needed to hike the trail. This will vary from person to person along with the nature of the terrain and your speed. Even though this provides a general step count for the trails, hikers are encouraged to use the book’s Footsteps for Trees pedometer to log their own count.
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Trail Markers and Maps Halton Hikes includes trails which are located at conservation areas, municipal parks and walkways, provincial natural areas, along roads and waterways, public forests and on some private lands. There is a wide range of how the trails are marked. Some are very well marked while others are less so. However, most of the trails are well defined and in combination with the guidebook’s accurate maps and descriptions, hikers should be able to follow the trails with ease.
Trail maps include detailed legends with routes marked with green dashes. The Bruce Trail (main and side) are marked with green dashes on a white background. Trailheads are portrayed with a T symbol while parking is noted with a P symbol.
Following the Trails
Here are some of the primary trail markers that you will encounter
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| Many trails follow sections of the Bruce Trail which are marked with white blazes painted on trees (Main Trail) and blue blazes for Side Trails. Double blazes indicate turns or end points for some trail sections. |
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Many trails at conservation areas and provincial sites are colour-coded with markers attached to trees or posts. |
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Some trails have information kiosks or signs with maps at the start of trails. Kiosks can also be found at designated areas for some sections of longer trails. |
Trail Etiquette and Safety
Many trails in Halton exist because private landowners have generously consented to allow hikers to walk through their property. To respect these trail privileges and to minimize our impact on the environment, please observe the following trail etiquette.
- Hike only along marked routes, especially on farmland.
- Do not take shortcuts.
- Do not climb fences; use the stiles.
- Respect the privacy of people living along trails.
- Leave the trails cleaner than you found them; carry out all litter.
- Fires are not permitted along trails, except in approved campsites.
- Leave flowers and plants for others to enjoy.
- Do not damage trees by breaking branches or stripping bark.
- Keep dogs on a leash, especially on or near farmland.
- Leave only your thanks and take nothing but photographs.
Trail Safety
When hiking through a natural area there is always the potential for injury or becoming disoriented. Please consider the following safety tips to ensure that your hiking experience is a safe and enjoyable one.
Use caution when traveling all sections of a trail.
- Leave word of your route and expected time of return. This is especially important if hiking alone or in a small group.
- Do not venture off marked paths. If you believe that you’ve veered off course, retrace your steps back to the last trail marking.
- Do not push yourself too hard. Hiking is a great way to stay in shape but can become dangerous if you ignore the warning signs of fatigue.
- Practise safety around water. Supervise children at all times. Wear your Personal Flotation Device (PFD) if appropriate.
- Be aware of weather conditions.
- Give yourself enough time to be off the trail before dusk.
- Be careful near cliff edges. Trails can be very slippery when wet.
- Remain in one place if you become lost or separated from your group.
- Wear a helmet when cycling. Obey traffic laws.
- Watch for wildlife on roadways, especially at night.
- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
- Be aware of such dangers as poisonous plants, wildlife, falling rocks and tree branches or high winds.
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