If you're up a a hike just north of Toronto, you should check out Forks of the Credit Provincial Park in Caledon. It's a beautiful park with relatively challenging trails because of the rolling hills. It's the perfect place to visit all-year round!
What we did:
Since we were in the mood to see a waterfall, we ended up hiking the trail to Cataract Falls. There are trail markers throughout that will have a panel pointing to the "Falls." Just follow them and you should be fine. On the way back, the panel will say "Parking Lot."
There are many hills throughout the trail, but it's not too bad. I definitely felt the burn while hiking up the hills. Otherwise, the trails are well-kept and are of moderate difficulty. Once you reach the waterfall, there's a few lookouts where you can take photos. You won't be able to get anywhere near the falls since the area is completely blocked off. But you should be able to see it just fine from the lookout.
It took us about 1.5 hours total reach the waterfall and make it back to the parking lot.
NOTES:
- Location: 17760 McLaren Road, Caledon, ON L7K 2H8
- Parking fee: There's no entrance fee, but there's a parking fee. Apparently the machine gives the option for 2 hours, 4 hours or the whole day. But when I tried to pay it only gave me the option for the full day. Or maybe I don't know how to use the machine properly.
- Trails: You can find the Bruce trail, Dominion trail, Kettle trail, Meadow trail, Ruins trail and Trans Canada trail here.
- Difficulty: Moderate - The trails are well-kept but there are a few hills to conquer.
- Time: This is entirely up to you. There are so many hiking trails that you can spend just a few hours or a whole day there.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed but you must keep them leashed.
- Horses: Horseback riding is permitted on the Trans Canada trail only.
- Activities: You can also fish here or go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. In the summer, spring and fall, you can also hang out in the picnic area.
- As a heads up, it can get pretty crowded here. We went on a Sunday afternoon on a gloomy day and the parking lot was packed!