Hockley Valley South

Hockley Valley is part of the Niagara Escarpment which was created by a long process of erosion. The escarpment cuts dramatically across the southern heartland of the province. Between Lake Erie and Ontario, the escarpment gives rise to Niagara Falls, then curves around Lake Ontario and reaches northward to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and beyond, ending at Manitoulin Island. The Nottawasaga River cuts a picturesque gorge across the escarpment. Forested moraines and open meadows lie upstream, and swamp and bottomland forest spread across the valley floor, stretching for several kilometres.

We will start on the south side of Hockley Road, head southwest along the Bruce Trail to the Hockley Valley Ski Resort. Along the way, we will attempt to ford a stream to investigate a crashed car that plummeted down a cliff back in the 1940s. On the slopes overlooking the scenic valley, we will take a break then continue for about 1km and turnaround.

This hike is rated intermediate/difficult because of the hilly terrain, the first 1.5km is mostly uphill. The route is challenging and is about 12km long. Not exactly a 'walk in the park' but it's a very good workout.

Visit our Facebook page Hockley Valley Hiking, view the albums and see 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.

Membership Fee
Participating members are required to contribute an annual (January – December) fee of $8.00; you are allowed to bring one guest for free to each event. This is to help cover Meetup’s annual subscription fee.
New members are allowed to attend their first event for free before committing to an annual membership. The fee is non-refundable.
Do not pay in advance, fees are only required 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. When you RSVP for an event, your name will automatically be placed on the waitlist. Once the e-Transfer has been completed, your name will be moved to the going list.

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!!

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.
• 'RSVP time' determines how names are moved to 'Going'.
• Events are limited to about 25 hikers unless specified otherwise.
• For fun and adventure, sometimes we deviate from the original route.
• Please refrain from wearing heavily scented products such as perfume and cologne.
• New members must post a recognizable picture of yourself, or your name will be removed from the 'Going' list.
• Do not attend this event if you are on the ‘Waitlist’, you MUST have an RSVP.
• 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 wait list 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!