The Nottawasaga River flows from the Orangeville Reservoir in Island Lake Conservation Area (in the towns of Orangeville and Mono) through the Dufferin Hi-land and Blue Mountains Sections. It empties at Wasaga Beach in the Nottawasaga Bay, an inlet of Georgian Bay on Lake Huron. Our Nottawasaga River hike is in the Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve.
As well as the Nottawasaga River, we have included four tributaries in this series: the Mad, Noisy, Pine and Boyne Rivers (located in Devil’s Glen Provincial Park, Noisy River Provincial Nature Reserve, Pine River Provincial Fishing Area, and Boyne Valley Provincial Park, respectively). In addition, we have included Pretty River which flows through the Pretty River Valley Provincial Park to empty into the Nottawasaga Bay in Collingwood.
The Mad and Noisy River hikes are the most challenging as they are strenuous. For the Mad River hike, we descend to the riverbed and follow the river, cross to the other side in Glen Huron and follow the river back via a Side Trail to the park entrance. For the Noisy River hike, we travel over rough terrain with crevices and large boulders, crossing the Noisy River and many streams.
For the Pretty River hike, we climb some steep areas, follow the river, and climb to the highest point in the Bruce Trail at 540 metres. We are rewarded with beautiful views from high up on along the bluffs looking towards Collingwood and The Nottawasaga Bay.
The Boyne River hike includes two viewpoints: Murphy’s Pinnacle and Mulmur Lookout. The park offers may views of the Boyne River as we hike a loop in the Boyne Valley Provincial Park.
The Pine River hike provides views of the fishing pond in Pine River Provincial Fishing Area and includes the Bell Lookout. The hike crisscrosses the Pine River with some steep climbs.
We have included the headwaters of the Humber River which originates west of the town of Mono Mills in the Oak Ridges Moraine. It flows east, then south through Bolton and on to empty into Lake Ontario in Toronto. Our hike is near the origin which provides us with a view of the beautiful Humber Valley.
The Seven Rivers hikes were offered April, May and June 2024 as a series. Coming soon – hikers can also do the series in seven self-guided hikes. Check the Dufferin Hi-Land Club’s website for postings.
Hike Leaders, you are invited to schedule this series for the Fall.
See you on the trail!
Margery Cruise,
Hi-Land Hike Leader
