The Bruce Trail has probably
inflicted more blisters, sore feet, and aching backs than any other trail in North
America. But the aches and pains are well worth it as hiking the Bruce
Trail, stretching 773 kilometres (480 miles) from Queenston Heights in the
south to Tobermory at the northern end of the Bruce Peninsula, is a beautiful
and rewarding experience.
The trail follows the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, a ribbon of near wilderness
running through one of the most populated parts of the country. More than just
a long ridge of rock, the escarpment is a vital natural link, which ties together
a rich tapestry of plant assemblages, bird life, animals, picturesque villages,
and history. In recognition of its international importance as an ecosystem and
its exceptional scenic beauty, the Niagara Escarpment Reserve was named a World
Biosphere Reserve in 1990 by UNESCO.
The Bruce Trail is
rugged in places and is punctuated by waterfalls cascading over steep dolostone
cliffs. The trail is more than just a place to hike. It is also a link between
delightful parks and conservations areas.
The Trail is marked with white blazes; that is, white rectangles that are
approximately 6 inches (15 centimetres) high and 2 inches (5 centimetres) wide
have been painted on trees, fence posts, and rocks, A turn is indicated by a pair
of blazes, one above the other, with the upper one offset in the direction of
the turn. In the Niagara area, there are numerous side trails that lead to various
points of interest. These are also marked, but with blue or yellow blazes.
A detailed guide book to the Trail is available from the Bruce
Trail. These web pages do not describe the Bruce
Trail in its entirety through the Niagara area but, instead, describe selected
portions that give good overviews of the natural setting of this region.
For more information on the Bruce
Trail, please visit their official
site.
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