Belfountain Conservation Area
Details
The Belfountain Conservation Area, set within the Niagara Escarpment, is a well-known park owned and managed by the Credit Valley Conservation. A defining feature of the Belfountain Village for over a century, the park is rich with cultural heritage. Originally built as a private estate, the park attracts thousands of visitors each year with its charm as a historic landscape designed in an English Picturesque style nestled adjacent a natural riparian setting.
Devil’s Pulpit
Belfountain Conservation Area
We will hike northwest along the Bruce Trail and onto the Devil’s Pulpit where you will be rewarded with magnificent views across the Credit Valley, then visit the Hoffman Lime Kiln Ruins. The trail then continues along Chisholm Street and Forks of the Credit Road where we enter the Conservation Area.
There are some steep up/down walks, poor footing, large moss covered boulders and rocky stairs with guide wire to help you up or down the side of the escarpment.
This hike is rated technical with a risk of personal injury and is about 14km long.
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.
Microspikes
From the first significant snowfall until the ground clears up again in the spring, MICROspikes are absolutely mandatory. This requirement remains in effect until the reminder is removed from the write-up. I will have everyone show them to me during circle introduction time before the hike. If you do not 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!
