Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area

 

Not to fret, this trail is not nearly as treacherous as the name suggests.

Rattlesnake Point is yet another of the conservation areas within an hour west of the GTA, making it a great place to escape the city for a while. Can you sense a quaran-theme in the last few posts? I admit, I've been feeling pretty stir crazy since March and so I make a point of going out and exploring as many of the trails in the greater area as possible.

Rattlesnake Point is located very near Hilton Falls, which we covered in another post. It's under 40 mins from Toronto.

A good portion of the trail runs directly along the edge of the cliff. This part of the trail also happens to run parallel to the Bruce trail, and so if you want a bit more challenge, I recommend transferring over to the more rugged Bruce trail. The Buffalo Crag/Nassagaweya trail in comparison is very well groomed, more appropriate for large groups, families, and people needing mobility assistance. The cliff overlooks a mix of forest and farm country (which may assault your nostrils, depending on the direction of the wind. Yes, that smell is coming from the farm/factory in the distance). You’re pretty high up and, regardless of your olfactory situation, it can’t be denied that it’s an impressive view.

The fact that the trail runs so close to the cliff edge means we got to observe a couple of vultures perched in a dead tree, preening themselves in the sun. A few steps further down the trail we also got to see many vultures and an eagle circling just off the edge of the cliff--it’s amazing to see such big birds flying at eye level! A truly unique experience with both feet planted firmly on solid ground.

Being along the Niagara escarpment, the trail is full of the typical glacier-carved stone. There are a few cracks in the stone that you’re free to explore at your own peril. Somewhere along the trail, there’s this one big cylindrical rock to the left of the trail that juts out of the ground a meter and a half or so. The flat part of the cylinder, which faces up, is about 2m in diameter. It makes for a great picnic spot, just sayin’. Otherwise, there’s an unlimited number of great spots along the cliff edge.

I am contractually obligated to strike this pose at the mouth of any crevasse I encounter.

Pretty much the entire trail runs through dense forest. There’s beautiful old and gnarled trees at every corner, and lots of opportunity to spot more small wildlife, like garter snakes and various birds. You’re also shielded quite well from the harsh sun by a thick canopy of leaves. 

Can you spot our little inchworm friend? We dropped him off here after he hitched a free ride on my partner’s sleeve.

The conservation area trail itself is quite short, only about 3 km. Fortunately, if you wish for a longer walk, you can continue along the Bruce Trail for as long as you please. You’ll just have to walk back the way you came to return to the trail head.

I like this tree. This is a good tree.

Mandatory “reservations are required during pandemic.” As was the case for Hilton Falls, that makes an otherwise busy trail much more serene.

Gen