Forks of the Credit Provincial Park

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Forks of the Credit is a provincial park near Caledon, in Ontario, Canada.

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Hiking

The hike begins by passing around Kettle Lake and rambling through some rolling wide open glacial meadows. The gentle hills are formed of glacial till and one can see for several kilometres in each direction across the undulating terrain. This is a refreshing change from forest hikes where the scenery is limited to trees on either side.

The trail eventually leads to the main Bruce Trail where the hiker has the option of one of several side trails.

If you turn right (northwest) and proceede in the direction of Cataract Falls, the trail traces the top of the Credit River valley. The scenery is interesting as the drop to the valley floor is quite steep in places. Eventually, one can hear the thunder of the Falls and steps lead the way down to a bridge where the first of two sets of impressive waterfalls can be seen. The town of Cataract lies above the falls on the other side of the train tracks on the opposite side of the river valley.

The trail continues south east along the bottom of the valley beside the river, passing the ruins of an ancient power station, and leading to another superb lookout. There is an observation area complete with bench and a plaque outlining the history of the area at this spot. We took the opportunity to have lunch and hot chocolate while enjoying views of the 40 foot waterfall below, and the sheer grey sandstone and shale walls of the opposite riverbank.

Continuing along the river valley, the route continues beside the river bank past grassy meadows and excellent places to rest or picnic. The trail eventually reaches the Brimstone Side Trail which takes one back to the main Bruce Trail and the parking lot.

This is a superb day hike for families and hikers of all levels of experience. The only possible difficulty is the requirement to descend and later climb out of the river valley which might be strenuous for persons with hip or knee problems. Otherwise, the variety of scenery and the transition from glacial meadows to deciduous forest to lovely cedar stands along the Credit River is as enjoyable a hike as I have done in Ontario. The distance is listed on the Bruce Trail website as 6.2 kilometres.

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Getting There

The park is about an hour by car from Toronto. Go north on Hurontario Street (Highway 10), past Brampton, until you reach Forks of the Credit Road. Turn left (West) onto Forks of the Credit Road to McLaren Street. Turn right on McLaren Street (North) and drive for approximately 3.5kms. The entrance to the park is on the West side of the road.