Soon enough the leaves are going to begin to change colour (are we finally into that Autumn weather?!) and we’re ready for them! In Southern Ontario, we’re lucky to have a portion of the Carolinian forest right in our backyard.
According to Ontario Parks “The Carolinian Forest, as it is known in Canada, is a unique ecozone containing about 10 to 20 broad-leaf species of trees that reaches across much of the eastern United States, from the Carolinas up into southern Ontario”. Read more at Ontario Parks.
With all the access to the escarpment we have in Hamilton, we are blessed with some of the most beautiful fall views that you can see for miles.
Some of my top spots around the Hamilton area to see fall colours are:
Caleb’s Walk/Sassafrass Trail/Ravine
Caleb’s Walk/Sassafrass Trail and Ravine Road trail has to be one of my absolute favourite trail groups in the city. You’ll want to bundle up a bit, because it can get pretty cool on this trail, since it’s down in a gully. You’ll start out heading down a massive tree-lined hill, already spotting some of those fall colours, and end up on a wooded area with trees as far as the eye can see. If you go far enough into the Sassafrass trail, you will end up at Coote’s Paradise, with an even different perspective on things!
Access from Westdale (Oak Knoll Drive), Hamilton
Chedoke Rail Trail
Stroll along the edge of the escarpment, passing over the Chedoke waterfall and enjoying beautiful fall views the whole way! Once you get a little further in, you will find yourself right in the depths of the forest, with colourful leaves as far as the eye can see.
Scenic Drive Lookout, Hamilton
Dundas Peak
On a sunny Fall day, Dundas Peak is jam-packed with people from all over Ontario, trying to get a glimpse from the top of the peak. Some of the best fall views can be found here, so we don’t blame them!
Access from Harvest Road, Dundas
Mount Nemo Conservation Area
I personally just discovered Mount Nemo recently, and though it’s a little out of the way, it’s worth the short little drive to Milton. There are a few different trails to choose form here, some more difficult and some easier, but great views from both!
5317 Guelph Line, Milton
Sawmill to Shaver Road
This one is a little bit different, but if you’re more about enjoying the fall views while driving over hiking – this is the drive for you. In the Ancaster countryside, whether you’re coming from the east or west side of Sawmill, you’ll end up with some beautiful views. Head down Shaver all the way to Garner – tall, colourful trees line the way and once you are on Shaver Road at Book you can even take a stop at Carluke Orchards, for the cherry on the top of Fall excursions. (Fenwood Farms and Posh Nosh farm markets are in the area if you want to make a little detour!)
Sawmill Road to Shaver Road, Ancaster
The RBG Arboretum
Though you’ll have to pay for parking at the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Arboretum, the trails on the location, plus the views looking out from the North side of Coote’s Paradise are worth it. Sometimes you can even feed a little chickadee or two, while you’re viewing the spoils of Autumn.
1 Old Guelph Road, Waterdown
Albion Falls
The views of Albion Falls are known far and wide (blogTO), and for good reason! In fall, this place in a photographer’s dream. Make sure you stay on the trails though, the edges can be more dangerous than they seem. While you’re at it, a drive down Mountain Brow is always full of gorgeous views.
885 Mountain Brow Boulevard
These are just a handful of the many views you can spot in Hamilton, that’s not all though! This article has some more great places to explore Autumn views.
What are your favourite places to spot Fall colours? Share them with us in the comments below!
