Trail Details
Maps and Guides
The Bruce Trail Reference Guide provides maps, trail descriptions, and information on issues such as safety, trail users’ code, parking, blazes, and signs. It contains details on other aspects of the Trail such as the geology, flora, and fauna of the Niagara Escarpment.
The most current edition of the Bruce Trail Reference Guide is the 23rd edition, which can be purchased from many bookstores or from the BTC General Store.
Trail Re-routes
Occasionally it is necessary to make a re-route to the Trail. We will report any re-routes in the Dufferin Hi-Land section on this page.
Trail Maintenance
Volunteers are always needed to assist with trail building and trail maintenance. We would welcome willing hands at one or more of our Trail Maintenance Days. If you are interested, please contact Trail Director Earl Cowan at 416-937-8951 or Assistant Trail Director Ralph Tremills at 519-941-8843, or Jim and Susan Predye at duffhiland@hotmail.com
Meeting place for all Maintenance Days is: Superburger Restaurant
Hwy 89 and Hwy 10 in Primrose
Meeting time for all Maintenance Days is: 9:30 a.m.
Please note that unannounced Trail Maintenance is often carried out by the dedicated group of Trail Captains and by other small groups of willing volunteers when they have some free time. If you are interested in joining a great group of people to assist with any of these tasks and projects, please call Ralph Tremills at 519-941-8843.
About the Dufferin Hi-Land section of the Bruce Trail
The Dufferin Hi-land section is situated at the mid point of the Bruce Trail. Extending from the village of Mono Centre in the south to the hamlet of Lavender at its northern extremity, it traverses a scenic area as remarkable for its diversity as for its natural beauty.
Commencing at the northern end of the Caledon Hills section, just east of Mono Centre, on Dufferin County Road 8 [0.0]*, the Trail crosses open meadows before entering the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Heading north, the Trail follows the glacial spillway which cuts its way between the main Escarpment face on the left and the smaller Southern Outlier on the right, displaying the dramatic effects of erosion on the limestone cliffs. Shortly after leaving the Park at the top of the Escarpment, the Trail enters a section of woodland before emerging into open farmland.
After crossing Highway 89 into the Boyne Valley Provincial Park [13.1], the Trail crosses the Boyne River over the newly constructed bridge and enters a beautiful area of deep shady valleys, streams and wooded slopes before emerging from the bush at the Dufferin Hi-Land parking lot just south of Dufferin County Road 17. Opposite the car park, a most interesting short section through Rock Hill Park [24.5] reveals an exposed section of the escarpment, the Trail winding its way between and across crevasses and other limestone formations.
After a wooded descent into the picturesque village of Kilgorie, the course of the Pine River is followed for some time before climbing steeply out of the valley. Passing the "Bell Lookout" with its commemorative plaque and dramatic view [31.3], the Trail continues to climb northward across more beautiful bush and woodland country until open farmland is reached at the top of the Mulmur hills. Here at an elevation of 1650 feet above sea level, views to the east are amongst the most spectacular in Southern Ontario.
Another short section of exposed limestone rocks [41.2] is followed by a steep descent into a particularly beautiful valley crossing a rustic bridge over a tributary of the Pine River.
Finally, after crossing Dufferin County Road 21 [45.9], the Trail enters a woodland track which leads to the Mulmur/Clearview Townline just east of Lavender and the start of the Blue Mountain section.
Roadside parking is available at various points along the Trail. For specific recommendations on where to park, refer to the Bruce Trail Reference Guide, which can be oBTCined from many book stores or through the BTC General Store
* All distances [0.0] are taken from the Bruce Trail Reference Guide, Edition 23.