About this hike: Classic Ten Hike, the second in this series. We'll hike side trails starting in Split Rock Narrows Nature Reserve and then into Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. (BT Edition 31 Reference, map 19). A 10 Km loop featuring a visit to Jacob's Ladder, McCarston's Lake and the lookout on Lookout side trail. Crevice caves formed by seasonal temperature changes and gravity are intriguing.
Hike leader: Ron Cherry
Contact: ronaldcherry002@gmail.com | 226-338-8969
About the leader: Ron began leading hikes with the Guelph Hiking Trail Club in 2016. He has been a member of the GVTA for over ten years and is excited to now be leading for the GVTA.
About this series of hikes: Ten classic hikes each between 9 and 11 kilometers long. What's a classic 10 Km hike you ask? A classic 10 Km hike in Ontario is one that blends scenic beauty, rugged terrain, and rich nature. Of course this description fits so many of the trails we hike around here, but how many of those are 10 Km? That's what I aim to find out. I know some that would qualify, but do I know 10? Check back here each month.
Where: The Bruce Trail Reference, Edition 31, Map 19.
Length: Approx. 10 km
Category: Loop.
Pace and duration: Moderate, 3.25 km/hr. About 3.5 hours. Pace will be set by the leader to match the slowest hiker's pace, (which could be me).
Hike level: Moderate. Some steep sections and uneven terrain. Tripping hazards - rocks and roots.
Parking and departure: Meet at 9:00 AM at Splitrock Narrows Nature Reserve 755437 2nd Line EHS, Shelburne, ON L9V 1B2 44.074939, -80.083658
If you need a ride from KW contact me. I can take up to four people.
Directions: Please use your favourite GPS app to obtain directions.
What to wear and bring: This being a fall hike the weather will most likely be cooler. Bring a hat and sunscreen, bug repellant. Wear good hiking boots. Bring rain gear. Hiking poles are optional if you like using them. Bring at least 2L of water, snacks and a
lunch. Lunch on trail.
With the increase in reported tick numbers this year, please do your own research into how to best avoid tick bites. It's important to at least wear long pants, (not shorts), and then to tuck your pants into your hiking boots, with your hiking socks over top of your pants.
Geological History:
Splitrock Narrows Nature Reserve, located in Mono, Ontario, is a site of significant geological interest, shaped by ancient seas and glacial activity. The area is a prime example of the unique landforms found along the Niagara Escarpment.
The underlying bedrock of the reserve is a type of limestone that formed approximately 420 million years ago, when the region was covered by a warm, tropical sea. This is evidenced by the presence of crinoid fossils, which can be found in the rock walls of the crevices.
The most distinctive feature of the reserve is the "narrows" or crevice system. These deep, moss-covered cracks were formed through a process called "cambering," which involves freeze-thaw cycles. Water seeped into existing cracks in the rock, froze and expanded, gradually widening the fissures over time.
In addition to the crevices, the landscape was further sculpted by the massive glaciers of the last ice age. The reserve contains rocky outcrops, steep cliffs, and a glacial spillway—features left behind as the ice sheets retreated, leaving a landscape carved by the powerful forces of glacial erosion and meltwater.
Sorry, no dogs on GVTA hikes with the exception of certified service dogs.
ALL ARE WELCOME ON OUR HIKES. Membership is encouraged as it helps to support our trails, $30 per household. To become a member please go to:
https://www.gvta.on.ca/Membership.
