Decent hike - Nassagaweya Canyon and Rattlesnake Point

[Mentor]

I have made it a point this year to expand my hiking range on the Bruce Trail beyond my usual stomping grounds (the Blue Mountains, Beaver Valley and Sydenham sections), and in particular to check out the hikes to be found in the Toronto and Iroquoia sections. This Sunday, my girlfriend and I hit the trail near Milton, Ontario, and hiked around Crawford Lake, the Nassagaweya Canyon, and Rattlesnake Point. It was a beautiful day, perfect for hiking.

About the canyon, from the Bruce Trail Guide:

The Nassagaweya Canyon is a deep valley that runs between the main Escarpment and a large rocky outcrop known as the Milton Outlier. The outlier was once connected to the main body of the Escarpment but became separated from it by the erosive action of an ancient stream. At the end of the last ice age between 13,500 and 12,000 years ago the valley became a discharge channel, carrying torrents of silt and debris-laden water released by the melting ice. It was the turbulent action of these meltwaters that carved the canyon into its present distinctive form.

Quick verdict: The Nassagawaya Canyon, and particularly the portion of the Bruce that descends from Rattlesnake Pt., is pretty spectacular, and it makes for a good hike. The trail has a few challenging sections, but is generally just a straightforward jaunt through scenic country. Crawford Lake is to be avoided, as it is a great example of what happens when people from the Greater Toronto Area decide to spruce up the wilderness - casual hikers with iced coffees and small dogs with sweaters, paved trails, vending machines, and all sorts of rules and regulations. Opportunities for off-trail wandering, campfires, and seclusion are not easy to come by in this area. Conclusion: Nice hike, but it doesn't compare to the sections of the trail further to the north.

Anyway, on to the pictures:

Views of the Nassagawaya Canyon, from Rattlesnake Point (which is a particularly badass name for a well-appointed and comfortable hiking path):

Crawford Lake:

Views from the trail:

A few fires - one off-trail for making coffee. One at a properly designated fire pit. Sigh.

The day's cutlery - came in handy for fire and food prep! My JK ACEK and Hudson Bay fire kit knife.

All the best,

- Mike

 

[WILLIAM.M]

Great photos and cutlery!!!

 

[tknife]

Looks like a really nice area. And the JK's are looking well loved!

 

[jds1]

I've done a lot of climbing at Rattlesnake Pointe and hiking on that part of the Bruce. Great area. :thumbup:

Jeff

 

[Mentor]

I've done a lot of climbing at Rattlesnake Pointe and hiking on that part of the Bruce. Great area. :thumbup:

Jeff

Yeah, the climbing looked pretty great. There were at least four groups enjoying the cliff when we were there. I haven't been rock climbing in years, but I might have to give that a go at some point.

Best,

- Mike

 

[j williams]

Awesome Mike....Those JKs look well loved.

 

[banana-clip]

Awesome pics and those knives are sweet.

 

[Yellow Lab]

I noted this before but your big JK now looks great with the even patina. Thanks for the great pics.

 

[mtnfolk mike]

great stuff Mike..:thumbup: those knives are looking well loved...

 

[Mentor]

I noted this before but your big JK now looks great with the even patina. Thanks for the great pics.

Thanks, mate. I actually gave the whole blade a light sanding a few weeks ago. The 'as forged' finished is now less pronounced (but still great eye candy - loads of detail), and the two sections of the blade blend together a bit better. Still cuts like a laser.

All the best,

- Mike