In our efforts to get outside, stay healthy, and remain socially distanced we've begun going on early morning hikes and exploring new trails. In terms of keeping kids attention what could be better than cliff side views, breathtaking lookouts, and, wait for it, WATERFALLS.
This week we headed to Grimsby to visit Beamer Conservation Area to hike the lookout trail (a 25 - 30 minute loop) along with a portion of the Bruce Trail tie in to visit Upper Beamer Falls.
The parking lot is currently open for free parking and the conservation site is open to enter the paths. With current COVID-19 rulings there are no washrooms here open. We left early enough in the morning that it took us less than an hour to get here.
This is the section of the Bruce Trail that leads to Beamer Falls. They are much prettier in person and with the low flow of water right now their beauty doesn't quite translate into photos.
Photo from the bottom of the falls. To access the falls you'll need to take the paths out to the road way following along the river bank and walk a small section of road before re-entering the path system to get to the waterfalls.
Travelling along the rocky path
Heading back from the falls we ended up climbing a rock face. it was steep enough that Chris and I had to hoist our dog Ted up to each other. There is a longer, easier route around. Lucky for us Ted trusted us enough to lift him over the steepest portion of our climb back up.
The lookout trail was breathtaking and I've already sent myself a calendar alert to come back here late September early October to check out the fall colours.
These views are amazing, particularly for such a short hike, but hikers be warned there are a lot of huge drops and cliffs that are not fenced in. If you're travelling as a family you need to make sure your kids will listen and not go too close to the edge.
Our hiking rule of single file travel on this trail with an adult in front and an adult behind was a great way to ensure safety. While we were on this trail we saw a couple of families with kids aged 3 to 5 who were just too young to understand the dangers. Both families seemed really stressed and had resorted to carrying their kids to avoid them wandering too close to the edges of the cliffs. I wouldn't have been comfortable here with Molly and Jack until they were about six years old.
This trail is rated moderate, mostly because of the climbs, cliff edges and rocky terrain.
This forest had many huge trees and some interesting fallen trees to check out. Don't forget your bug spray as this was the buggiest trail we've done to date in the 2020 hiking season.
We spotted this little guy on our way back. After a lengthy debate on whether he was a frog or a toad, we'll be implementing some reading for homeschooling next week to learn how to tell the difference. We also spotted a hawk soaring above one of the cliffs.
Our hike lasted for about an hour and a half to two hours including stops for snacks and water. Molly said her favourite part of the hike was the waterfall, while Jack loved exploring and seeing our friend the toad. By the time we left, mid-to-late morning the parking lot was packed with cars parked along the highway, so our early morning hikes have been a good way to get out and avoid others while on narrow trails. Stay safe and healthy. Happy Hiking Everyone!
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