WAYPOINT
INTERVAL

DISTANCE
km

WAYPOINT-TO-WAYPOINT TRAIL DESCRIPTION

001 - 002

0.84

The Nottawasaga to Devil's Glen hike begins at the Concession 10 and Sideroad 12 & 13 intersection where the trail follows the Concesion Road 10 road allowance north between fields to a stand of maple and birch trees. Here we meet the Nottawasaga Bluffs Lookout Side Trail that goes off to the right. Keep left on the Main Bruce Trail (002).

002 - 003

4.22

The trail exits the woods and slowly climbs to the edge of a corn field passing a large number of crabapple trees. The trail enters a very dark mature cedar forest and turns left along an overgrown logging trail following the white main trail markers. Continuing along the logging trail a bluejay can be heard overhead as the trails enters a young mixed hardwood forest. The trail enters a corridor between two dense rows of cedar and enters a more open field area. Circling around the field and passing a number of tractor paths, the trail head back into a cedar forest as it slowly descends into a very dark overgrown tree-limb strewn area. The trail passes in and out of these dark regions and then back into a more open sunlit area, before entering a moss-covered rocky and slippery area with mixed forest growth and a lot of old fallen limbs.  The trail becomes even more rocky and root strewn with many undulations as it zigzags past a huge limestone rock wall. At an old limestone kiln (003), there is a single picnic table and a plaque describing the history of the kiln.

003 - 004

4.50

The trail goes right and heads downhill and enters an open meadow with a huge apple tree as the trail swings to the left and passes the remains of an old orchard and then heads back into the woods. Past a grassy area a sign describes an old stage coach trail in the area and then arrives at a large Nottawasaga Bluffs map and parking lot for access to the Bruce trail at Sideroad 15 & 16 (004).

004 - 005

5.14

Heading right away from the sideroad along the access road, the main trail meets the Betty Carter Side Trail in 600 m (005).

005 - 006

5.54

Continue to the right on the main Bruce Trail arriving at the Keyhole Side Trail (006).

006 - 007

5.79

Follow this trail and you will soon see the keyhole. A solid rock wall presents a small opening that you will have to squat and squeeze through -watch your head. You are now in a narrow L-shaped canyon with moss-covered walls stretching up some 30 m. Even on a warm day, the temperature inside the small canyon can be just above freezing with snow often lingering into summer. After exploring, you exit the canyon by a steep but easy climb up a crevice.

007 - 008

5.88

The trail enters a young forest with little undergrowth and circles around to a field before arriving at Nottawasaga Bluffs Lookout and Freedom Rock (008).

008 - 009

6.22

Continue to the right along the main Bruce Trail where in 350 m you meet the Best Caves Side Trail (009) heading steeply downhill. It is not advisable to descend this steep trail in wet weather. If you decide to explore this area, be careful. Down below you can stick your head in a small opening in the rock and see the cave inside -a tight squeeze to get in. You can skirt around the side of the rock but the trail just peters out.

009 - 010

7.51

Continue on the main trail to the right. The trail continues along a wire fence to the right through a mid-aged deciduous forest with sparse undergrowth. Large deep crevices in the rock can be seen on both sides of the fence. The trail arrives at the other end of the Betty Carter Side Trail (010).

010 - 011

8.20

Keep right on the main trail heading north along a ridge through an area of maple trees to Sideroad 15 & 16 (011).

011 - 012

9.0

Turn right and follow the sideroad for 800 m to the intersection with the Mad River Side Trail (012).

012 - 013

13.5

Turn left onto the Main Bruce Trail entering the Devil’s Glen Ski Club property on a wide grassy path. Passing through a young pine woods to a large open area turn left and then after 400 m turn right before heading to the top of a ski slope. The trail now follows a descending path that zig zags its' way down the hill before turning right to follow a road along the river to the Devil's Glen ski club bridge. (The ski facilities are for members only so do not ask to use them and please stay on the main trail.) Just before the bridge we once again meet the Mad River Side Trail at (013).

013 - 014

14.9

Continue along the main trail on the road to the left crossing a private parking lot where the trail turns left and enters the woods by Mad River. Walk carefully along the path as there are many exposed tree roots and the ground can be muddy and slippery after a rainfall even with the boardwalks. The trail follows the river for a short distance before heading slowly uphill where it begins the long climb up a flight of wooden stairs to Devils Glen PP. Part way up you will see a surprising small waterfall threading its way down the escarpment. At the top, turn left to the parking lot (014) or head right for 40 m to the observation platform erected by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Enjoy the hike and the day!

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