Nottawasaga Bluffs Loop Trail

Just south of the parking lot, hikers will want pick up the white Bruce Trail blazes of the main Trail and then head south for 600 metres and then turn right (west) for 400 metres to a camping area provided by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority. This is how they will join this verified Nottawasaga Bluff Trail. You will then take the signed Keyhole Side Trail to the west (right) and be prepared to play among the rocks. The Keyhole Side Trail is one that will delight children - and new hikers - of all ages. It descends the Escarpment slope past huge, broken rocks, passing through small crevices and narrow openings. Ferns and ancient moss cover the walls as the crevice narrows to shoulder width. Finally the trail leads you down to the Keyhole, where you have to take off your pack, set it on the other side, and then pop your body through the rock opening. If it is too difficult you can cross over the outcrop before descending into the final crevice. The Trail then joins the Nottawasaga Bluffs Side Trail, where you will turn left, and follow the Trail uphill to rejoin the Escarpment plateau. As soon as it meets the main Trail, there is a short blue-blazed trail that goes out to the bluffs. Your view will be the talus slopes below with the farms and green fields to the south. During Autumn, the coloured leaves can make this a particularly spectacular vista. At the end of these lookouts are the Best Caves, named after a local landowner. About 30 to 40 caves honeycomb the area, and make another playground for the adventurous. The largest is The Well, being 10 metres deep with four levels, and the deepest of which is covered in ice even in summer. After another 100 metres, follow the blazes on the right for a short distance as they drop down to Freedom Rock, an iconic outcrop that has separated from the Escarpment. After returning to the top of the Escarpment, continue straight ahead to the east, and you will traverse pleasant woods as the trail swings north (or left) along a ridge. After 1.5 kilometres you reach the 15-16 Sideroad, which will lead you to the parking area