Hiking in Owen Sound: Trails to Explore

Hiking in Owen Sound: Trails to Explore

Are you planning a hiking trip on the Grey Bruce Peninsula? Whether you are looking for an advanced hike or a short out-and-back walk suitable for all family members, there is a trail for everyone to explore and enjoy near Owen Sound. 

Discover and learn about some of the most popular Grey Bruce hiking sites and Georgian Bay trails.

Bruce Trail

Spend the day exploring the wonders of the Niagara Escarpment by trekking the magnificent Bruce Trail. The Bruce Trail is one of the oldest footpaths in Canada. It is 900 kilometres end to end, offering hikers breathtaking views and voyages suitable for backpackers of all ages and skill levels. 

Plus, the Bruce Trail Conservancy hosts a year-round hiking program open to park members and non-members. The hikes vary in pace, intensity and terrain to accommodate all hikers. If you are up for a rewarding challenge and want to hike the trail end-to-end, join one of their End-to-End Challenge Hikes.

Whatever kind of hike you choose, there is plenty to see along the journey. The Niagara Escarpment is home to cobble beaches, waterfalls and caves. Nature lovers will enjoy identifying rare flora and fauna along the trails, including Eastern flowering dogwood, American chestnut and red mulberry trees. Bird watchers might spy rare wetland birds, including the Eastern Wood-Pewee and Common Yellowthroat.

Download the Bruce Trail App or download a trail map from the Bruce Trail Conservancy website to learn more.

Tom Thomson Trail

Adventure seekers visiting Meaford or Owen Sound must check out the Tom Thomson Trail — especially if they enjoy mountain biking or horseback riding. The Tom Thomson Trail is a multi-use trail between Owen Sound and Meaford and is open spring through fall for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders of all skill levels.

The Tom Thomson Trail is roughly 41.2 kilometres long. It is accessible through one of two trailhead kiosks — the Sykes Street trailhead kiosk near Meaford Harbour in Fred Raper Park or the booth located in the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Center parking lot in Owen Sound. The trail varies in intensity and features various surface types, including pavement, crushed stone dust, gravel, rocks and hard-packed surfaces. 

Inglis Falls Trail

When you want to hike a short, kid-friendly, out-and-back trail with stunning views, visit the Inglis Falls Trail near Owen Sound. The Inglis Falls Trail passes through the Inglis Falls Conservation Area, home to an impressive 18-metre-high cascade called Inglis Falls.

The trail is 6.3 kilometres long and takes roughly two hours to complete. It is open year-round and is dog-friendly, though you must keep your canine friends on leashes throughout the hike. Because the Inglis Falls Trail is open year-round, it is excellent for many physical activities, including hiking, running and snowshoeing.

Book Your Stay at Owen Sound KOA Journey

Are you ready to hike one of the best trails near Owen Sound? Explore the great outdoors before coming back to the Owen Sound KOA Journey. Our campground is located within perfect proximity to the best trails in and around Owen Sound — so when you are pleasantly tired from a long hike, your campground is never too far away.

Reserve a site at the Owen Sound KOA Journey today to start planning your next hiking adventure!

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