Bruce Trail Hidden Gems: Dufferin Quarry Bridge
Looking for a peaceful hiking experience near Milton? Hidden at the end of Dublin Line, where the currently closed Greystone Golf Course stands, lies a fascinating hiking adventure waiting to be discovered: Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail. While I originally planned to hike the Kelso ski hills, a distant elevated ridge caught my eye from the highway – part of the Niagara Escarpment – and I decided to explore this intriguing spot instead.
Getting Started on the Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail
The trail begins at a convenient parking lot near the golf course entrance. From here, you’ll access the main Bruce Trail via an unnamed climbing path. During my visit, this area was refreshingly quiet, with numerous unmarked side trails branching off the main route. The only officially marked area is the modest Wilfred Crozier Nature Reserve, which can also be accessed from Highway 25 and St. Helena. Even during the pandemic, the parking lots were reasonably busy, suggesting this hidden gem isn’t entirely secret!
A Sister Trail in Greece!
One fascinating discovery was learning that this section of the Bruce Trail is twinned with a sister trail on Kythera, a small Greek island nestled between mainland Greece and Crete in the Aegean Sea. (Fun fact: Hockley Valley Provincial Park has a similar international trail partnership!) Imagining hiking on that Mediterranean island made me appreciate our local trails even more.
Hiking Highlights: The Iconic Quarry Bridge
Heading south toward Sixth Line along the main Bruce Trail, you’ll reach the trail’s crown jewel – the impressive steel bridge. The bridge, spanning 40 meters across the Dufferin quarry road, was completed in 1991 through a wonderful community effort. The Toronto section of the Bruce Trail Club raised $150,000, which was supplemented by funding from the Ontario Tourism Board.
The approach to the bridge offers one of those magical hiking moments – the forest path suddenly opens up to a breathtaking vista that never fails to elicit amazed gasps from fellow hikers. Even regular visitors can’t help but exclaim “Oh my God!” at the view.
Adventure Activities: Rock Climbing Spots
The trail features several impressive rock crevices that attract climbing enthusiasts. These areas add an extra dimension of adventure to the trail and are fascinating to watch even if you’re not a climber yourself. During our return trip, we actually discovered a helpful shortcut back to the parking lot thanks to some friendly climbers who showed us their access route!
Wildlife and Nature Encounters
Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – we spotted some large birds (though we’re still debating whether they were eagles or turkeys!). The trail offers a perfect mix of shaded forest paths and open areas, making it suitable for hiking in various weather conditions.
Why Choose the Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail?
This section of the Bruce Trail stands out for its low foot traffic. It’s perfect for hikers seeking to avoid the crowds common at provincial parks and conservation areas. You’ll find it nestled between Hilton Falls Conservation Area to the south and Limehouse Conservation Area to the north. For those looking to escape busy trails, this lesser-known route, Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail, is an excellent choice.
Free Parking for Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail
Parking Options:
- Dublin Line terminus
- St. Helena Road
Pro Tip: This area is especially recommended during busy periods when you want to avoid crowds at Kelso, Hilton Falls and Limehouse conservation areas nearby. The numerous side trails and varying difficulty levels make it suitable for different hiking abilities.
Final Thoughts on the Dufferin Quarry Trail Experience
The Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail section offers an engaging mix of natural beauty, historical infrastructure, and varying terrain. Whether you’re interested in a peaceful forest walk, photography opportunities, or even rock climbing, this trail has something for everyone. Its relatively unknown status makes it a perfect escape when you want to avoid the crowds at more popular hiking destinations.
Related Reading:
- Guide to Kelso Conservation Area Hiking Trails – Explore nearby hiking options
- Top 10 Hidden Hiking Trails in the Greater Toronto Area – Discover more secret trails
- Hilton Falls Conservation Area: Complete Guide – Adjacent hiking destination
- Winter Hiking on the Bruce Trail: What You Need to Know – Seasonal hiking tips
