A heads up for Dundas trail walkers
A few tips on shoes, clothing and bugs when visiting city’s hiking areas
Due to the heavy rainfall, some areas of the trails are muddy and under water
As a youth growing up in Dundas, not only did I not appreciate the beauty to be found in my own backyard, but I could not wait to leave. After many years of living elsewhere and searching, it was not until I returned to Dundas later in life that I found what I had been searching for.
Three years ago, I found myself with the time and the wherewithal to discover the abundance that Dundas and Hamilton have to offer in terms of trails and waterfalls.
While I have had the privilege of meeting many incredibly knowledgeable individuals who have not only taught me a great deal about the area’s vegetation and the insect population, but have also provided incredible direction, some I have come across recently have been unaware of current conditions and changes and are often unprepared and disappointed.
Hopefully, for these individuals, some of the information I have accumulated will be of assistance:
1. Due to the heavy rainfall, some areas of the trails are muddy and under water. Some have been deemed off limits, while others, although accessible, may leave shoes wet and dirty.
2. Accessing dryer ground to avoid these flooded trails results in increased vegetative contact; in some cases, leaving the skin irritated and itchy (even through jeans and heavy socks).
3. The flying insect population seems to have increased in number and size; presumably also due to the high rainfall. Be aware of the insect population around stagnant water and be on the look out for some huge bees.
4. The tick population seems to have increased. Most do not carry disease but be sure to check clothing thoroughly after a trail walk.
5. The plethora of cocoons in the trees last summer has resulted in a mass of Inchworms (actually caterpillars en route to becoming moths) hanging from the trees. These often end up on the clothing and in the hair of trail walkers.
While I have been informed that this situation is cyclical and not at all unusual, I have also learned that what sounds like a light rain hitting the ground cover on a day when the sky is clear, is actually falling from the masses feeding on the leaves above.
6. The bridge providing access to Sherman Falls from Canterbury Falls, removed last year at the insistence of the landowner, has not been replaced.
7. Access between Tews Falls and Webster’s Falls has been denied by the land owner.
8. Access to the base of Webster’s Falls is currently difficult. In addition to the removal of the stairway from Webster’s Falls Park, some of the trail leading to the base of Webster’s Falls has succumbed to erosion, making some areas at higher elevations essentially impassable.
9. And sadly, one of the largest and presumably one of the oldest trees on the Bruce Trail has lost its years long battle to hold on to the trail’s edge; leaving a large hole in the trail and in the hearts of many trail walkers.
Finally, if I may be so bold as to offer some advice.
1. Be mindful of what you wear on the trails. Some footwear and clothing choices are more beneficial than others.
2. If you are travelling with children and pets, be sure to check everyone upon leaving the trails.
3. Become as familiar with your surroundings as possible before you venture too far. Trails at higher elevations are often narrow, wet and slippery.
4. Stay on the trails and be sure to pack out what you pack in.