Hiking trails near Toronto are beautiful any time of the year, but especially during fall. Fall is definitely my favourite season – with all the beautiful colours, brisk air, giant sweaters, and hot beverages, whats not to love! There are pumpkin patches to visit, giant cornfields, tasty pumpkin treats, and so much more that make me look forward to this season all year long. Of course, the season definitely doesn’t last long if you happen to live in Canada! We are lucky if we get more than a month of nice fall weather before it gets really cold or rainy, unfortunately. But, it definitely makes you take advantage of the fall weather you do have for that short period of time!
My top thing to do in fall is to go hiking. I love wandering through the forest with the colourful leaves falling everywhere, and the views that overlook kilometres of colourful leaves. I definitely prefer to hike in the fall because of the temperature as well – I don’t have to worry about being too hot or getting a sunburn! I am lucky to live in Toronto where there are plenty of hiking trails nearby that are great for day trips and/ or weekend excursions.
A lot of these places are closer to Hamilton, which is actually closer to my hometown. The Niagara Escarpment creates beautiful waterfall, lookouts, and hiking trails near the Toronto area, making it the perfect place to hike during the fall season!
Incredible Fall Hiking Trails Near Toronto
1. Dundas Peak
Location: Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Hamilton
Dundas Peak is definitely the most popular spot in this area due to the picturesque views from the lookouts. Accessible via the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, the trails make for an incredible Autumn walk. The forest is filled with different types of trees, all with varying shades of red, orange, and green. The hike along the escarpment will bring you to the main lookout point, where you overlook kilometers of foliage, towns, and train tracks! I enjoy visiting Dundas Peak year-round, but the Fall colours make the views that much more mesmerizing!
2. Inglis Falls
Location: Inglis Falls Conservation Area, Owen Sound, Ontario
Inglis Falls is definitely the most impressive waterfall in this area. This 18 meter high cascading waterfall has wonderful viewing points that are right off of the parking lot. The conservation area has over 7 kilometers of low-intensity trails, suitable for the whole family!
3. Rattlesnake Point
Location: Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Milton, Ontario
This conservation area is located in Milton, Ontario and covers approximately 100 square kilometers near the Niagara Escarpment. It is a go-to destination for rock climbers, with walls of varying difficulties spanning the 10 kilometers of cliff-edge throughout the park. These cliffs are not just for rock climbing, but make for incredible views of the surrounding areas! The park is filled with ancient cedar trees, some over 800 years old. If you’re interested in camping, Rattlesnake Point offers 18 campsites, which are typically open during the Fall season.
4. Devil’s Punch Bowl
Location: Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area, Stoney Creek, Ontario
This conservation area is home to two waterfalls and stunning trails hidden away along the Niagara Escarpment. It was created at the end of the last ice age, where giant rivers plunged over the Escarpment, carving out the gorge. You can see different layers of colourful rock throughout the gorge, where the main 37-metre waterfall plunges over. Nearby, you can see a 10-metre tall cross overlooking the gorge, which is lit up at night. As with the other places outlined in this post, the area surrounding Devil’s Punch Bowl offers great autumn views of Hamilton and area, spanning for many kilometres.
5. Albion Falls
Location: Hamilton, Ontario
Albion Falls is Hamilton area’s most popular waterfall, and one of the most picturesque. The water falls down the rippled rock and is about 18 metres wide and 19 metres tall. Although there is no access to the base of the waterfall, there are a couple of amazing viewpoints and trails throughout the area.
6. Webster Falls & Tew Falls
Location: Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Hamilton, Ontario
This may be my favourite waterfall in the Hamilton area and one of the best waterfalls in Southern Ontario. It is 22-metres long and spills over a tiered drop. It is situated in the Webster Falls Conservation Area, which is a gorgeous spot to visit with all the autumn colours. It definitely has a beautiful hiking trail near Toronto!
The hike is generally easy to navigate, with wooden stairs and cobblestone bridges along the way. It’s great to bring the family and get lost in nature for a few hours! Nearby, there is also Tew Falls – Hamilton’s tallest waterfall. There isn’t a trail connecting the two waterfalls, but it is a quick drive between the parking lots. Then, you can see two waterfalls in less than half a day!
7. Bruce Peninsula National Park
Location: Tobermory, Ontario
Bruce Peninsula National Park is definitely one of my favourite hikes around the area and the most beautiful spot in Ontario. It is a bit further from Toronto – about 4 hours – but doable on an overnight stay in the area. The views in this park of the stunning blue waters are so incredible, and make for some great photos!
This park can definitely get busy, so check out my guide on how to avoid the crowds!
8. Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Great fall hiking trails near Toronto can be found in Prince Edward County. Presqu’ile Provincial Park is located about 2-hours from Toronto. On an amazing day trip to Prince Edward County, you can hike through this park and the dreamy Sandbanks Provincial Park. Both parks have lovely beaches and great hikes in the forest.
Have you been to any hiking trails near Toronto? Where was your favourite spot?
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- Best Places to Visit in Ontario in Fall
- An Amazing Day Trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park
- The Most Beautiful Place in Ontario – Bruce Peninsula National Park
- A Scenic Day Trip to Prince Edward County
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