Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve

Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve is located along the Niagara Escarpment in the town of Mono. It is a non-operating park so there are no visitor facilities or washrooms. However, there are a few hiking trails to enjoy the scenery and spend time in nature. It is located near a ski resort though, which should give you some indication of how hilly the nature reserve is.

We’ve been to Hockley Valley twice:

Hiking Trails

The Bruce Trail cuts through the park and there are four side trails which form a series of connected loops, creating a few options depending on how long you want to spend hiking. There are also three parking areas that provide access to the trails in Hockey Valley, including along the southern entrance on Hockey Road (main parking lot), northern entrance on Dunby Road and eastern entrance on 3rd Line EHS.

(1) A section of the Bruce Trail leads through the Hockley Valley. The trail is especially scenic in the spring as much of the path in the valley is lined with trilliums and other wildflowers. Another notable feature of the trail is that it passes an abandoned car just south of the northern trailhead for the Tom East Side Trail.

(2) Cam Snell Side Trail (2.2km loop), leads through an open field and meadows and around two ponds before entering back into the woodlands.

(3) Glen Cross Side Trail (1.4km one-way). The side trail serves as a connector to one of the parking areas on 3rd Sideline and can be joined with the Isabel East Side Trail to form a loop back to the Bruce Trail. It weaves through the forest, leads down into the valley and then back up again with lots of other rolling hills in-between.

(4) Isabel East Side Trail (1.9km) is a longer route that leads to one of the parking areas on 3rd Sideline and can be joined with the Glen Cross Side Trail to form a loop back to the Bruce Trail. It weaves through the forest, leads down into the valley and then back up again with lots of other forms a short loop back to the main trail. This section involves lots of rolling hills, but is one of the most scenic trails in Hockley Valley. The path leads through a wooded area down into the valley and crosses two shallow streams. It also passes through another open field before continuing through the forest to rejoin the main trail.

(5) East Side Side Trail (2.3km). This side trail features more rolling hills through the shaded forest and connects back with the Bruce Trail and main parking area on Hockley Road.

Other Activities and Attractions

Besides hiking, there are no other activities or facilities at Hockley Valley, however there are a few other great hiking options in the area including:

Camping

Since this is a non-operating park, camping is not permitted.