Hike Report: Dufferin Hi-Land 5 – Prince of Wales Road at Kilgorie Side Trail to 30th Sideroad/1st Line EHS

Section: Dufferin Hi-Land  5 – Prince of Wales Road  at Kilgorie Side Trail to 30th Sideroad/1st Line EHS Marker 36.9 km to 52.9 km

Hike Leader: John N

 Hikers: John G, , Bill, Anita and John N

 

 This was a south to north hike along the white trail. The weather was quite warm and sunny. The forecasted rain did not materialize during the entire hike. After walking along a short road section north of the Kilgorie Side Trail we entered a mixed forest area climbing to a lookout. We then descended back down to Prince of Wales Road.

 

 We continued up a steep climb passing through a mature hardwood forest then continued uphill to an open ridge where we had spectacular views over a valley and some of the richest farmland in Ontario. We were going over numerous stiles during this period. At this point we had a deer encounter and watched as it bounded off after seeing us. We passed by a farm that had two silos. 

 

 

 

  After that we entered a bush area and went through a rocky section for the first and only time during the day before crossing a picturesque bridge.  There was another steep climb down then up again, (this was proving to be a hilly hike!) After reaching another high point we had a wonderful view to the east across the Nottawasaga Lowlands to the hills of Essa Township. At County Road 21 we stopped and had a pleasant chat with a member of the Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail Club.

 

  It was time for a lunch stop which we had overlooking a hay field to a pine plantation. Thereafter we had a relatively easy walk along a road allowance to our stopping point. Pete’s Donuts beckoned. This was a rather hot, sticky, hilly hike but the views, farmlands and wooded areas made it all very gratifying.