Since I was the age of 13, I have hiked and enjoyed
Conservation Halton parks. They offer
many outdoor activities such as, boating, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking
and so much more. The best part is they are located just a short distance from
major population centers.
Conservation Halton owns and operates six conservation
areas, including Crawford Lake, Mountsberg, Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls,
Kelso and Mount Nemo.
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| Mount Nemo from Rattlesnake Point |
Crawford Lake
Conservation Area – 468 hectare park that has a meromictic lake and a 15th
century reconstructed Iroquoian village. My favourite hiking trail is the
Woodland and Nassagaweya Trail.
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| Reconstructed Iroquoian Village |
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| Crawford Lake |
Mountsberg
Conservation and Wildlife Center – 472 hectare park with over 16 kilometers
of nature trails, a 202 hectare water control reservoir and home to the
Mountsberg Raptor Centre. My favourite hiking trail is the Lakeshore Lookout Trail
and visiting the various birds of prey at the Raptor Centre.
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| Mountsberg Reservoir |
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| Owl at the Mountsberg Raptor Centre |
Kelso Conservation
Area – 980 acre park that includes a dam and reservoir that offers swimming
and boating. It has over 16 kilometres of hiking and biking trails. My
favourite hiking trail is the Escarpment Trail.
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| Kelso Conservation Area Lookout |
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| Kelso Escarpment Trail |
Rattlesnake Point
Conservation Area – 727 acre park that showcases the Niagara Escarpment sheer
cliffs, crevices, caves to name a few.
My favourite hiking trails are the Vista Adventure Trail and the Buffalo
Crag Trail.
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| Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area |
Hilton Falls
Conservation Area – 1592 acre park that has 33.5 kilometers of incredible
hiking and biking trails. A trip to Hilton Falls is very worthwhile. My
favourite hiking trails are the Red Oak Trail and Beaver Dam Trails.
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| Hilton Falls |
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| Limestone outcrop at Hilton Falls |
Mount Nemo
Conservation Area – is a great location to explore the edge of the Niagara
Escarpment for lookouts and the natural limestone ecosystems. My favourite
hiking trail is North Loop Trail. Don’t forget to visit Brock Harris Lookout.
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| Brock Harris Lookout - Mount Nemo |
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| Margaret beside Crawford Lake |
The next time you are trying to decide where to go for
outdoor activities, visit one of these great locations.
Some great resources check out:
