Hockley Valley Hiking

A small falls on the west side of the Beaver Valley where water flow is rarely more than a trickle, this is because the watershed feeding this waterfall is only one square kilometre; that's one of the smallest in the area.

The waterfall itself is small, but it drops about 9 metres over the Manitoulin dolostone and shale, before flowing down the valley slope toward the Boyne River. Erosion of the softer Queenston Shale under the very hard dolostone is what has created the waterfall. You can clearly see first the blue-gray and then the red of the Queenston Shale. For those of you who know it, this is geologically identical, although with less water, to Webwood Falls.
Hogg's Falls
Stew Hilts Falls

The Niagara Escarpment is a Natural Hazard Area. It contains fissures, crevices, odd roots, rocks, and steep drop offs, all of which are dangerous and may be hidden. Stay on the marked trail at all times.

The parking lot is small so carpooling is highly recommended
If you are on the wait list and can arrange carpooling with someone who is already on the going list contact me and you will be allowed to attend. The parking lot can possibly accommodate about 14 vehicles and we're unsure how many others will arrive there before us.

This hike is rated intermediate, is moderately challenging and covering about 14km. The route begins with a southward trek of just under 1km before proceeding north along the Bruce Trail on the west side of Beaver Valley for roughly 5km. At Stew Hilts Falls, we will pause for lunch before retracing our steps and visiting Hoggs Falls on the return journey.

Membership Fee
Members are required to pay an annual fee of $8.00 for the period from January to December, which is used to cover the cost of Meetup’s yearly subscription. Each member may invite up to two guests to each event at no additional charge. The membership fee policy began on January 1, 2025.
New members can attend their first event for free before opting for an annual membership.
Current members are required to submit their payment at the time of RSVP, rather than in advance. When they RSVP for an event, their names will be added to the waitlist automatically. Fees are payable only when you are on the waitlist.
Please e-Transfer to dierw@rogers.com and be sure to put your name to clearly identify who sent it. After the e-Transfer is completed, your name will be added to the going list. All fees are non-refundable.

From the first significant snowfall until the ground clears up again in the spring, MICROspikes are absolutely mandatory. I will have everyone show them to me during circle introduction time before the hike. If you don't have a suitable pair either on your boots or in your pack, you will not be permitted to hike with us. Sorry, no exceptions!!

Visit our Facebook page Hockley Valley Hiking to see some of our previous adventures. Your image may appear on either Facebook or Meetup, please advise if you object to it being posted or it will be assumed that you’ve given full consent.

Arrive at the meeting location by 09:15hrs so that we can depart at 09:30hrs. Do not wait until the morning of the event to determine exactly where to meet. We will wait for an additional 5 minutes and then start the hike without you; we will not wait around indefinitely.

Before you RSVP, please note:

• Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
• We casually stroll along the route making frequent stops.
• Events are limited to about 25 hikers unless specified otherwise.
• For fun and adventure, sometimes we deviate from the original route.
• Do not attend this event if you are on the waitlist, you MUST have an RSVP.
• Please refrain from wearing heavily scented products such as perfume and cologne.
• New members must post a recognizable picture of yourself or you will not be allowed to attend.
• If you can no longer attend an event, immediately change your RSVP to 'Not going' to make room for others who are on the waitlist.
• If you selfishly take a hiking spot and then do not show up, you will be noted as a no-show.
• Your membership is subject to termination if you no-show for an event with a waitlist or after 3 incidents of no-show.

What to bring:

• Microspikes.
• At least one litre of water and munchies to eat on the trail.
• Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, dress for the elements (in layers).
• Hiking poles for balance and stability, gaiters if you have them.
• Lots of enthusiasm, a very positive attitude and a camera/phone.

By attending this event all participants accept waiver of liability as follows:
I am responsible for my own safety and acknowledge the risk involved. I am participating voluntarily and the risks involved are beyond the control of event organizer and the group. Additionally, I do not have any conditions that will increase my likelihood of experiencing injuries while engaging in this activity.

The organizer reserves the right to remove any member who does not meet the group's requirements, or who exhibits behavior that is disrespectful or detrimental to the interests and safety of the group.

The trick to not getting separated from the group is to make sure the hiker ahead of you is always within sight.

Be respectful of the environment. Take out your garbage and your pictures with you, but leave everything else behind for others to enjoy.

Happy hiking!

The tallest waterfall in the area falls from the edge of the Niagara Escarpment 30 metres to the bottom of the cuckoo valley. This was discovered in 1852 where Eugenia Falls was the scene of 'Fools Gold' rush. Later it became the location of five mills and a small private electric plant and by 1905, was the chosen site of the second hydroelectric plant in Ontario. In 1915, Ontario Hydro moved the plant to the north and created Lake Eugenia, allowing more control over the water levels.
Eugenia Falls
Hogg's Falls

The Niagara Escarpment is a Natural Hazard Area. It contains fissures, odd roots and rocks, and steep drop offs, all of which are dangerous and may be hidden. Stay on the marked trail at all times.

The parking lot is small so carpooling is highly recommended.
If you are on the wait list and can arrange carpooling with someone who is already on the going list contact me, and you will be allowed to attend. The parking lot can possibly accommodate about 14 vehicles and we're unsure how many others will arrive there before us.

This hike is rated intermediate, is moderately challenging and about 13km long. We will hike north along the Bruce Trail on the east side of Cuckoo Valley for about 6.5km to Eugenia Falls, pause for lunch and turnaround. On the way back we will visit Hogg's Falls.

Membership Fee
Members are required to pay an annual fee of $8.00 for the period from January to December, which is used to cover the cost of Meetup’s yearly subscription. Each member may invite up to two guests to each event at no additional charge. The membership fee policy began on January 1, 2025.
New members can attend their first event for free before opting for an annual membership.
Current members are required to submit their payment at the time of RSVP, rather than in advance. When they RSVP for an event, their names will be added to the waitlist automatically. Fees are payable only when you are on the waitlist.
Please e-Transfer to dierw@rogers.com and be sure to put your name to clearly identify who sent it. After the e-Transfer is completed, your name will be added to the going list. All fees are non-refundable.

From the first significant snowfall until the ground clears up again in the spring, MICROspikes are absolutely mandatory. I will have everyone show them to me during circle introduction time before the hike. If you don't have a suitable pair either on your boots or in your pack, you will not be permitted to hike with us. Sorry, no exceptions!!

Visit our Facebook page Hockley Valley Hiking to see some of our previous adventures. Your image may appear on either Facebook or Meetup, please advise if you object to it being posted or it will be assumed that you’ve given full consent.

Arrive at the meeting location by 09:15hrs so that we can depart at 09:30hrs. Do not wait until the morning of the event to determine exactly where to meet. We will wait for an additional 5 minutes and then start the hike without you; we will not wait around indefinitely.

Before you RSVP, please note:

• Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
• We casually stroll along the route making frequent stops.
• Events are limited to about 25 hikers unless specified otherwise.
• For fun and adventure, sometimes we deviate from the original route.
• Do not attend this event if you are on the waitlist, you MUST have an RSVP.
• Please refrain from wearing heavily scented products such as perfume and cologne.
• New members must post a recognizable picture of yourself or you will not be allowed to attend.
• If you can no longer attend an event, immediately change your RSVP to 'Not going' to make room for others who are on the waitlist.
• If you selfishly take a hiking spot and then do not show up, you will be noted as a no-show.
• Your membership is subject to termination if you no-show for an event with a waitlist or after 3 incidents of no-show.

What to bring:

• Microspikes.
• At least one litre of water and munchies to eat on the trail.
• Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, dress for the elements (in layers).
• Hiking poles for balance and stability, gaiters if you have them.
• Lots of enthusiasm, a very positive attitude and a camera/phone.

By attending this event all participants accept waiver of liability as follows:
I am responsible for my own safety and acknowledge the risk involved. I am participating voluntarily and the risks involved are beyond the control of event organizer and the group. Additionally, I do not have any conditions that will increase my likelihood of experiencing injuries while engaging in this activity.

The organizer reserves the right to remove any member who does not meet the group's requirements, or who exhibits behavior that is disrespectful or detrimental to the interests and safety of the group.

The trick to not getting separated from the group is to make sure the hiker ahead of you is always within sight.

Be respectful of the environment. Take out your garbage and your pictures with you, but leave everything else behind for others to enjoy.

Happy hiking!