By Natalie Sunday, September 22, 2024

As the leaves change and the crisp fall air sweeps through Ontario, you don’t have to venture far from Toronto to experience the vibrant beauty of autumn foliage. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape or a day-long adventure, there are plenty of stunning hiking spots near the city that offer breathtaking views of the changing leaves. Here’s a roundup of the best fall hikes close to Toronto where you can immerse yourself in nature’s autumnal display.

Rattlesnake Point – Nassagaweya Canyon Trail

Located just 45 minutes from downtown Toronto, Rattlesnake Point in Milton is one of the best spots to see fall colors near the city. The Nassagaweya Canyon Trail is a 7.2 km round-trip hike that takes you along the Niagara Escarpment, offering spectacular views of the forest below. With several lookout points perched atop cliffs, you’ll be able to capture panoramic views of the vibrant autumn hues. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all skill levels, making it a popular choice for families and casual hikers.

Dundas Peak – Spencer Gorge Conservation Area

Situated just outside Hamilton, about an hour from Toronto, Dundas Peak is a prime destination for fall hikes. The 3.9 km round-trip hike offers jaw-dropping views of the Spencer Gorge and its surrounding forests, which burst into a fiery display of reds, oranges, and yellows during the fall season. Along the way, you can also catch views of Webster’s and Tews Falls, two stunning waterfalls that add an extra layer of beauty to your autumn adventure. Dundas Peak is an Instagram favorite for a reason!

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park – Cliff-Top Trail

About an hour and a half from Toronto, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park offers a quieter, less crowded hiking experience with equally stunning fall foliage. The 3.7 km Cliff-Top Trail takes you through dense forests and past limestone cliffs, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, which comes alive with color in late September and October. This trail is ideal for a peaceful, scenic walk through Ontario’s rolling countryside, and the lookout points make for some truly spectacular fall photos.

Hilton Falls Conservation Area – Hilton Falls Trail

Just a short 45-minute drive from Toronto, the Hilton Falls Conservation Area is home to the 4.2 km Hilton Falls Trail, a family-friendly loop that features both stunning fall colors and a picturesque waterfall. The trail is relatively easy, making it great for all ages and abilities, and leads you through mixed forests that transform into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors. The highlight of the hike is Hilton Falls itself, where you can pause to enjoy the waterfall against the backdrop of changing leaves.

Rouge National Urban Park – Vista Trail

If you’re looking to experience fall foliage without leaving the city, Rouge National Urban Park is your best bet. Just 30 minutes from downtown Toronto, the park offers a variety of trails, but the Vista Trail is particularly scenic in the fall. This 1.5 km loop takes you through meadows, wetlands, and forests, offering lovely views of the changing leaves and the surrounding Rouge River. It’s the perfect spot for a quick nature escape right in the city, and it’s accessible for hikers of all skill levels.

Crawford Lake Conservation Area – Escarpment Trail

Located near Milton and less than an hour from Toronto, Crawford Lake Conservation Area offers an excellent fall hiking experience. The Escarpment Trail is a 4.3 km loop that takes you through hardwood forests, with beautiful fall colors lining the path. What makes Crawford Lake unique is its combination of natural beauty and Indigenous cultural history—you can also visit the reconstructed Iroquoian village while you’re there. The hike offers both serene landscapes and educational opportunities, making it perfect for families.

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park – Meadow Trail

About an hour from Toronto, Forks of the Credit Provincial Park in Caledon offers several hiking trails that provide fantastic fall foliage views. The Meadow Trail is a gentle 3 km hike that leads through rolling fields and forests, with the Credit River weaving through the landscape. The park is particularly popular in the fall, when the sugar maples and oaks put on a brilliant display of colors. The park also features Cataract Falls, a stunning waterfall you can visit for an added scenic stop on your hike.

Kelso Conservation Area – Kelso Summit Trail

Only about 45 minutes from Toronto, Kelso Conservation Area offers a range of hiking options, but the Kelso Summit Trail is perfect for fall foliage lovers. This 3.5 km trail takes you to the top of the Niagara Escarpment, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the colorful forests and rolling hills below. The park is also home to the Glen Eden Ski Resort, which means you can ride the chairlift for an easy trip to the top and take in the stunning fall colors from above.

Tips for Enjoying Fall Hikes Near Toronto:

• Plan ahead: Some of these parks, like Dundas Peak and Rattlesnake Point, require reservations during peak fall weekends, so be sure to check in advance.
• Arrive early: Fall weekends can be busy, especially at popular spots, so try to arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful hike.
• Wear layers: Fall weather can change quickly, so dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout your hike.
• Pack some water and snacks to stay energized during your hike.

Enjoy!

Natalie