I just came back from a trip to Owen Sound and it was nothing short of AMAZING. The word my girlfriend and I kept saying repeatedly that weekend. We are the kind of girls that curse, walk around with messy hair, get mud on our boots and carry backpacks not a purse. When we decided on girls’ weekend, we wanted to hike as much as possible. The weekend was not without difficulty or issues but, nothing we couldn’t handle. Still, I’d describe our adventures amazing and all I want to do is hop in the car, to do it all over again.
Day 1 – Friday
We went up early on a Friday. I don’t know about you, but driving for long periods of time make me antsy so, I tend to break up my drives. How? By finding a hiking trail along the way. Hogg’s Falls was the first stop and only a short 45 minute drive away to our Airbnb. Once, we got there we realized the amount of snow they received in previous days had accumulated so much, that there was no visible path. We had to make our own and were glad to do so. Trekking through the snow had us both giggling and eager to see what the waterfall would look like. Ever hike in fluffy snow? I suggest you try it.
Day 2 – Adventurous Day
The following day was full of adventures! Hiking two trails in one day was both exhausting and rewarding. Jone’s Falls is a 4.0 kilometer lightly trafficked loop trail located near the Georgian Bluffs. It was completely frozen when we got there, that we were able to walk on the waterfall itself. Pretty cool huh? Be sure to follow the path back as this links to a Bruce side Trail and the Bruce Trail itself. One of the things that I learned while on the trail. Haha. We hiked for so long we were sore before our second trail.
Next…
Afterwards, we ended up at Indian Falls. Indian Falls is a 15-metre-high waterfall and only 0.8km away from the parking lot. The trail is closed for the winter season because of its rocky terrain and steep path/cliffs. I didn’t find out about the closures until after hiking the trail. There were a few locals on the paths and no signage indicating so. I would say the hike was difficult just because of the amount of snow that had fallen but, other then that, doable.
Inglis Falls was next on our list of explorations. The 18-metre-high cascade waterfall is surrounded by 7.42km of hiking and biking trails. The largest waterfall in Owen Sound and more popular out of the hikes we did over the weekend.
Day 3 – Home Time
On the way home, my girlfriend and I of course, broke up the drive by exploring another trail. It was only an 8minute car ride from Hogg’s Falls in Flesherton which, if you recall was our first stop of the trip. So, if you aren’t going to Owen Sound like we did, I suggest doing the two hikes in one day. Eugenia Falls was the last waterfall hike, totalling up to 5 in one weekend! *EXCITING* Interesting fact, the hamlet of Eugenia, named after Princess Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III, was established near the 25metres (82 ft) waterfall. The temperatures had risen while on our explorations causing the snow to melt and creating an icy trail. I had my cleats with me which, by the way is a total life saver and I suggest you go on Amazon and get some! But the energy levels were no good for the hike. Hiking in the snow really takes it out of you so, we didn’t brave the hike and wander to the bottom but, watching the fog roll in was captivating enough for us.
In Conclusion
When hiking, make sure to be prepared for the elements. I say this because I have been unprepared on a hike before and it does make things difficult. Always bring water, food, a charger pack for your phone (just in case) and any gear you might need. For girls weekend away because of the snow, I needed cleats for the icy conditions, great hiking boots, snow pants for the knee-deep snow and layers of clothing to keep me warm.
I hope that I have inspired you to get outside and explore despite the weather conditions. If you are prepared and are with great company, I don’t see why you wouldn’t have a great time out there.
Happy Wandering and stay safe!
2 Comments. Leave new
Beautiful photos. Sounds like it was an amazing experience
Thank you so much! It’s difficult to hike in the winter but, so rewarding at the end. Thank you again for stopping by