Hockley Valley Hiking

Borer's Falls Conservation Area

Sat, Jul 18 · 9:30 AM EDT

Borer's Falls Dog Park, 491 York Rd, Dundas, ON, CA

With more than 100 years of history, Borer’s Falls was originally used to provide water power for the Rock Chapel Village Sawmill. Borer’s Falls is 15m high and can be seen year-round. This mill was run by the Borer family. After years of land clearing throughout the area, the creek’s flow was altered to the point where it could no longer power the mill. Borer family descendants still live in the area today.

A stone bridge dating back to 1868 provides a great view of the top of the falls. On the east side of the ravine, a lookout offers equally spectacular views. You have to peer through the trees to see this impressive 15m curtain waterfall at the top of the escarpment on Royal Botanical Garden land. When the vegetation grows in, the waterfalls have a bit of a mystical quality to them.
Borer’s Falls
Dyment Falls

We will climb 80m up the Ray Lowes Side Trail to the Bruce Trail, then on to Borer’s Falls, Rock Chapel Sanctuary, Dyment Falls, Lower Sydenham Falls and the Dundas Peak Lookout. On the way back we'll visit Sydenham Lookout.

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 hike is rated intermediate because of the length and hilly terrain; the trail is about 15km.

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 three events 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 only applicable 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.

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:

• Sunscreen and insect repellent.
• 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!

Boyne Valley Provincial Park

Sat, Aug 1 · 9:30 AM EDT

Bruce Trail of Dufferin County (Parking Lot), Mulmur, ON, CA

The Boyne River cuts through the southern heartland of the province and is just over an hour’s drive north of Toronto. Flowing east, the river slices through the Orangeville and Singhampton moraines. The terrain features a range of natural communities, hardwood forest, open fields, bottomland and swamp.

Reforestation has replenished the forests felled by loggers. Park Facilities and Activities Boyne Valley is a non-operating park and has no facilities. It is used for fishing, walking, hiking and mountain biking but hunting is not permitted. Hikers should note there is a gradual 2km climb along the Bruce Trail to Murphy’s Pinnacle; this 'kame' provides an excellent view from the northern part of the park.
Boyne Valley

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 10 vehicles and we're unsure how many others will arrive there before us.

The hike is rated intermediate with rolling hills 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 three events 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 only applicable 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.

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:

• Sunscreen and insect repellent.
• 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!