Rock Hill Park
- May 8
- 13 min read
On April 26, 2026, we eagerly embarked on our much-anticipated hike at precisely 9 am. This excursion marks our first—and likely our only—hike for the entire month! I know! I was shocked as well. I was quite taken aback when I realized that this would be our sole hike for April. As I scrolled through my AllTrails App, I noticed a surprising trend: I had logged more hikes during months when the weather was less than ideal. It seems counterintuitive, but I typically manage to squeeze in at least four hikes each month, regardless of the weather conditions. Today, the forecast predicts a pleasant high of 15°C, which is quite inviting. To prepare for the day, I opted for a long-sleeve shirt, knowing that while I might feel a bit chilly at the start, the warmth will surely increase as we begin our trek and my body adjusts to the exertion of hiking.
Start of the Hike
We are starting back out at Oliver’s Creek and side trail. Over the past week, the area has experienced significant rainfall, leading to concerns about the condition of the trails. The combination of ice melting and all the rain typically results in a muddy mess that can be slippery. It will be interesting to see just how muddy we can get. Jared will be pleased to hear that I remembered to bring a towel along for the trip, since we have his truck for this outing.
As we began our trek, we were descending a hill when we came up to fur strewn about everywhere, scattered across the ground like remnants of a chaotic encounter. My first assumption was that a coyote had successfully hunted a rabbit in this very spot, leaving behind the evidence of its predatory prowess. As we were passing the crime scene, Oliver and Mia were immediately drawn to the area. With their noses to the ground, they began to investigate the scene with enthusiasm. Their tails wagged with excitement as they sniffed every inch of the ground, searching for remnants of the unfortunate rabbit or perhaps hoping to catch a whiff of the coyote's lingering scent. Mia, being the little weirdo she is, decided to grab a mouthful of the fur, treating it as if it were a delectable pre-hike snack.
Oliver's Creek
Once we got close to Oliver's creek, which is nestled lower in a valley, I could feel the temperature dip significantly, creating a noticeable contrast to the warmer air we had been enjoying just moments before. The chill in the air was so pronounced that I could see my breath forming small clouds in front of me, a clear indication of the briskness that enveloped the area. The pups, with their boundless energy and innate curiosity, had to stop and sniff various intriguing scents that were on the ground, each one seemingly more fascinating than the last. I found myself wanting them to quickly move on from their exploratory sniffs, as the cold air was beginning to seep into my bones, making me feel increasingly uncomfortable. Their never ending sniffing, while great for their learning, was testing my patience as I shivered slightly in the coolness. However, true to the spirit of the Bruce Trail, just as I began to feel the chill more acutely, I was faced with the challenge of climbing a steep hill that rose abruptly in front of us. The ascent was demanding and left me breathless and warm, quickly leaving behind the chill that I had just felt by the river.
In this area, there are multiple small boardwalks that gracefully traverse over meandering creeks, creating a picturesque scene that captivates anyone who visits. The trail leading to these tranquil waterways presents a stark contrast, as it is significantly more muddy. Oliver, who isn't always a fan of boardwalks, decided that he did not want to remain on the boardwalk, opting instead to explore the more rugged terrain that lay below. He ventured into the water and quickly the cool, thick mud sludge, fully enveloped his feet. When he finally emerged from the muck, Oliver found himself wearing new black socks, instead of his once white.
As we climbed and descended multiple hills that were covered in mud, I found myself reflecting on the challenges posed by such treacherous terrain. The mud clung to my boots, creating a squelching sound with each step, and I couldn’t help but think to myself that mud isn’t much better than ice when it comes to hiking conditions. In fact, my last hiking adventure had been fraught with its own difficulties due to ice-covered hills that turned the trail into a perilous slide. Feel free to read that post here: Oliver's Creek and Side Trail. The experience of navigating those icy slopes had been nerve-wracking; every step required careful consideration and balance, as one wrong move could send me tumbling down. Now, facing the slippery mud, I realized that it has its own set of challenges. Both surfaces are incredibly slippery, making progress feel like an uphill battle, quite literally. With mud, the risk of falling might not result in the same sharp pain associated with ice, but the consequences of a slip in this gooey mess are still significant. The prospect of landing in a puddle of mud is far from appealing.
Grouse Sounds
As we were hiking along the winding trail, I suddenly felt a distinct thumping in my chest that caught my attention. While I describe it as a feeling, it is more accurate to say that I heard it, but the experience was so profound that it felt as if the sound reverberated within me. This was the unmistakable sound of a grouse drumming, a phenomenon that is both fascinating and somewhat eerie. I think the noise is reminiscent of a helicopter landing nearby that seems to echo through the air and into your very core.
Oliver and Mia also picked up on this unusual sound, their ears perked up and their bodies tense with curiosity. They were clearly intrigued, scanning the surroundings for the source of the drumming that seemed to pulse through the forest.
Reflecting on my past experiences, I recalled the first time I encountered this sound. It had terrified me; the deep, booming noise had sent my heart racing, and I was convinced that a large animal was lurking nearby, ready to pounce. The fear of the unknown can be overwhelming, especially in the solitude of nature where every rustle and echo can ignite the imagination. My mind raced with thoughts of what creature could be responsible for such a sound, and I found myself on high alert, ready to defend myself against an unseen threat.
However, after that initial experience, a friend (shoutout: Glen Pye) taught me to recognize this drumming as the courtship display of the grouse, a behaviour that is both fascinating and integral to their mating rituals. Knowing what the noise signifies has transformed my fear into appreciation. I can now identify the bird responsible for the sound, and I often find myself chuckling at my initial overreaction. It is amusing to think back on that moment of panic, realizing how my imagination had run wild in the face of something so natural and harmless.
Each time I hear that distinctive thumping, I am reminded of my journey from fear to knowledge, and I welcome the sound as a part of the rich tapestry of life in the forest. If you are also a hiker, definitely look up this sound because I am sure you will also come across this bird, you can save yourself a small heart attack.
Fellow Hikers
I passed a lady who was enjoying a peaceful hike along the scenic trails and we stopped to chat for a moment. During our conversation, she expressed her gratitude for my decision to keep my dogs leashed. She shared a concerning incident that had occurred just the previous week on the Bruce Trail, where she had been bitten by a dog that was not on a leash. This unfortunate encounter left her shaken, and while I would love to say that this is the first time hearing this, it isn't.
Last year, another lady thanked me for leashing my dogs and told me a similar story of being bit while hiking. These stories highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership. Leashing pets is
not merely a suggestion; it is the law! This regulation is in place not only to ensure the safety of other hikers and their pets but also to protect one’s own dog from potential dangers. Unleashed dogs may encounter wildlife, other aggressive dogs, or even get lost in unfamiliar territory, which can lead to dire consequences. The trails are meant to be enjoyed by all, so please just leash your dog! Rant over.
Exploring the Natural Landscape
As we continued along, we entered a dense and vibrant bush, where the air is filled with the rich scents of earth and foliage. The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting playful shadows on the ground, enhancing the sense of adventure that accompanies our exploration. After traversing the bush, we would emerge into a giant open field, stretching out before us like a vast canvas painted in hues of green and gold. The grass field has random trees placed throughout and being out in the open allows the warmth of the sun hit our skin. The gentle caress of the wind blows around, which suggests the promise of warmer days ahead. It is clear that warmer weather is on the horizon, bringing with it the promise of longer days filled with sunshine and the vibrant life that comes with it. As we continue our journey, we would find ourselves walking back through a smaller patch of bush, just to enter another open field a moment later.
Rock Hill Park
We eventually walked a dirt road for a very short period, which served as a brief transition from the more rugged terrain we had been navigating. After just a few moments of strolling along this unpaved path, we entered the enchanting area of Rock Hill Park. This particular moment marked the undeniable highlight of our hike, a true gem nestled in the heart of nature. It is located at the intersection of First Line and 10 Side Road, making it accessible yet still a hidden treasure for those who seek a bit of adventure.
Upon entering Rock Hill Park, we were immediately captivated by its unique charm. This area is not just any ordinary patch of wilderness; it is a cool little bush that offers a refreshing escape from the more mundane aspects of our hike. The park is characterized by its impressive rock walls and crevices. These natural formations create a stunning backdrop, inviting exploration and igniting curiosity.
This little section of the hike was completely unexpected. The path leading up to Rock Hill Park had given no indication of the breathtaking scenery that awaited us. Initially, we had anticipated a straightforward trek without much in the way of dramatic landscapes. The stunning rock formations was a delightful revelation, reminding us of the unpredictable beauty that nature often holds.
At one point during our hike, we found ourselves navigating through a series of rugged rocks that jutted out precariously above crevices. The terrain was both beautiful and daunting; on one side, the earth dropped off about 10 feet. While on the opposite side, the ground was solid and stable, providing a stark contrast to the treacherous edge. The crevice wasn't that deep to make myself nervous however as we carefully made our way along the path, I noticed Oliver ahead of me. He was crouched down and more tense as he crossed this little section. Despite his visible nervousness, I was pleasantly surprised to see that I didn’t need to coax him or offer reassurances.
Just a moment later we had to cross over this rock bridge. These two massive rocks were connected and suspended in the air, creating a bridge in order for us to cross to the other side. On either side of this little rock bridge was a drop off, again maybe 10 feet. The rock bridge got as narrow as perhaps 2 feet. I instantly thought, Oh Oliver is going to struggle on this. Since only moments before he was apprehensive about a less daunting task. As always, Oliver proved me wrong. Mia led the way crossing the rock bridge and he followed behind after her, zero issues. This was a significant moment, as it demonstrated the progress he had made in overcoming his fears. In the past, he might have hesitated or required more encouragement to tackle such a challenging section of the hike.
This moment reflects his growing confidence and resilience. It was evident that the more hiking we do and the more we encounter difficult situations, he has been able to gain more confidence and has pushed the limits of his capabilities. As he crossed over the rocks, I felt a sense of pride for him; it was a clear indication of how far he had come in his journey of self-improvement.
Log Obstacle
After leaving Rock Hill Park, we came up to a log that was crossing the path, and at first, I didn't think this would cause any issue for our little trio. However, it turned out to be a bit of an obstacle that required some creative problem-solving. I had assumed that both of them would probably jump over the log without any hesitation, given their energetic nature. Much to my surprise, as we approached the log, Mia decided to go under it while Oliver opted to leap over it. This simultaneous decision created quite a dilemma for us, as their leashes are attached to each other, leaving us stuck around the log in a rather awkward position. In that moment, I realized I had a choice to make. I could have easily unclipped the leash from one of their harnesses and maneuvered it around the log to reattach them on the other side, but I saw this as a valuable opportunity for training and learning.
Oliver is a pretty stubborn boy and if he's in a mood asking him to do something could require a lot of persuasion on my part however Mia is generally more accommodating and willing to listen. I also didn't think Oliver would be able to fit underneath the log so I decided to ask Mia to come back under the log. My intention was to have her jump over it afterward, which I thought would be a good way to reinforce her ability to follow commands and adapt to new challenges.
So Mia easily followed my commands (and treat) to crawl back under the log. Once she was back on the other side, I encouraged her to jump over the log. However, given her small stature, I quickly realized that she was too petite to clear the entire log in one leap. Instead, she cleverly decided to jump on top of it, using her agility to balance herself before making her way over. This little adjustment demonstrated her resourcefulness and willingness to adapt to the situation. She is such a little confident pup and knows she can handle any situation.
Dirt Road Walking
We eventually came to a dirt road which we would be following for some time; a concept I used to dislike intensely. In the past, the idea of walking along a road felt like a deviation from the true essence of hiking in nature. However, my perspective has shifted over time, and I now find myself actually enjoying these stretches of road walking. It offers a welcome change of pace and a brief respite from the more challenging aspects of hiking through thick bush. Road walking typically allows us to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time. We encountered the occasional vehicle, which reminded us of the proximity of civilization, yet the road still felt remote enough to maintain the spirit of adventure.
As we walk down Center Road, a captivating sight unfolds before us: a little creek gracefully follows the road the entire way, its waters flowing swiftly and energetically. The sound of the rushing water creates a soothing backdrop, a natural melody that accompanies our footsteps. On either side of the road, imposing hills rise majestically, their steep slopes contributing to the abundant flow of water cascading down into the creek. The combination of the hills and the creek creates a picturesque landscape, making the walk feel both serene and invigorating.
The road itself is quite narrow, which adds to its charm. It is evident that two vehicles would have considerable difficulty passing each other without one having to pull over. This narrowness, while it gives the road a quaint feel, also means that I must remain vigilant. The sound of the creek, with its rapid flow and the splashes of water, drowns out the noise of any approaching vehicles. The road shows signs of erosion from the water that must have flowed down it. I notice what I assume are seasonal cottages along the road. As I approach my turnaround point, I see a sign stating "No winter maintenance," which confirms my assumption about the seasonal cottages. Someone humorously placed duct tape over the word "winter," so it now reads "no maintenance," which seems fitting considering the washout conditions.
A really big side-by-side vehicle made its way up the road, and I was taken aback by its size. It was unlike any I had seen before; it was outfitted in a striking army style, complete with rugged features and a commanding presence. It seemed to be the perfect vehicle in order to traverse this rough road. Eventually, a van later passed us as well, proving that it too can attempt this rugged road. I'm sure the driver was nervous when it was coming down the hill that was washed out and had pretty significant crevices in the dirt road. I found it comical seeing it work its way down the rough road.
Conclusion
The pups definitely felt warmer on this hike as the weather is getting warmer. They haven't fully shed their winter coats yet. This means that even though the weather is warming up, the pups still have the extra insulation of their thick winter fur. As a result, I noticed they were drinking much more water than on previous hikes.
On the way back from our adventure, I made a strategic decision to take the road that would allow us to bypass Rock Hill Park. This choice not only helped us save a little bit of time but also provided a more direct route back to our starting point.
As we continued our journey, I realized that we could take the Moss Haven side trail, which would also cut off about a kilometre from the main trail. This detour not only saved us time but also added a new sense of adventure, since we had not hiked this section yet. The path meandered alongside a picturesque creek for a while and while Mia and I walked along the well-defined trail, I noticed that Oliver seemed particularly drawn to the creek. Instead of staying on the path with us, he appeared to be completely content with the idea of wading along in the water, as it cooled him off.
We spent 4 hours covering 15.5 kilometers, with 8 of these kilometers that can be contributed to our main Bruce Trail total. This trek took place in the Dufferin Hi-Lands.
As Always, thank you for reading,
Kendal
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