The Dundas Valley is one of southern Ontario’s most spectacular natural treasures. Highlights of the 1,200-hectare conservation area include lush Carolinian forests, colourful meadows, cold-water streams, stunning geological formations and an array of rare plants, birds and wildlife.
The 40-kilometre trail system developed and maintained by the HCA and the Bruce Trail provides access to almost every part of the Dundas Valley. Organized along three major trails: the Main Loop Trail including several secondary trails branching from it; the Bruce Trail; plus Canada’s first inter-urban rail trail – 32-kilometre Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail- which is one of the region’s most important walking, cycling and equestrian routes (it’s also part of the Trans Canada Trail). Links to Cambridge and Paris extend this trail another 80 kms.
A replica of a Victorian train station, the Dundas Valley Trail Centre is the hub of the valley’s trail network.
The Hermitage Ruins, located just off the Main Loop Trail, is a popular spot to visit while in the area.The Ruins are a beautiful and picturesque place to stop while on a hike.
Main Loop – 3.4 km loop
The Main Loop Trail is a journey through a mature deciduous forest, hemlock groves, stream valleys, an old apple orchard and open meadow. Points of interest also include the Trail Centre, Hermitage Ruins, Sulphur Spring and Hermitage Cascade. Allow 90 minutes
Monarch Trail – 5.1 km one way
Branching off the Main Loop Trail at the top of the Merrick orchard, this trail leads through mature deciduous forests, meadows, and rolling hills. The top of Groundhog Hill provides a panoramic view of the Valley. Allow 3.5hours
McCormack Trail – 7.5 km one way
Heads north from the Trail Centre through reforested areas and meadows among the rolling hills of the valley. The trails continues northward to join the Bruce Trail, and after crossing Governor’s Road wanders through pasture lands and woodlots. This trail offers magnificent views of the Escarpment, town of Dundas, City of Hamilton and Lake Ontario. Allow 2.5 hours
Headwaters Trail – 10.5 km
The largest section of trail in the Dundas Valley, the trail leaves the Main Loop Trail between the Gatehouse Museum parking lot and Hermitage Ruins. Along the way, you will pass the historic Griffin House Museum, rolling hills, forests, meadows, deeply cut valleys and sparkling streams. Crossing Martin Road, the trail leads through a pine plantation and a mature deciduous forest to Paddy Green Road where the trail loops. Allow 4.5hours
Spring Creek Trail – 3.3 km one way
Beginning at the Trail Centre, this trail crosses Sanctuary Park before ending in the town of Dundas at Warren Park. Allow 90 minutes.
Heritage Trail – 1.8 km one way
Leads from the Main Loop Trail to Ontario Street in Ancaster. Passing through lush mixed forests and climbing through the Niagara Escarpment, this trail was once used by early settlers as an alternate transportation route in the spring when wet and muddy conditions rendered Sulphur Springs Road impassable. It is also thought that nomadic aboriginals used this route as part of their network of trails. Allow 60 minutes.
Link to brochure and trail maps: https://conservationhamilton.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Dundas-Valley-Brochure-2020-for-web.pdf
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): HamiltonNearby towns and cities: Ancaster | Dundas | Hamilton
Trail feature tags: Waterfall
DUNDAS VALLEY CONSERVATION AREA characteristics
Length: 40 km. Trail system.Difficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking, Cross-country skiing, Snowshoeing, Cycling, and Equestrian
Accessibility Notes: Accessibility not known
Fees: Entrance Fees
Flora & Fauna:
Not yet reported
Amenities: Washrooms, picnic area
Attractions: waterfalls
Contact:
nature@conservationhamilton.ca
Hamilton Conservation Authority 838 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster, Ontario 905-525-2181
Find it: 650 Governors Road, Dundas
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 43.2554710
Longitude: -79.9937880