Grindstone Valley Bruce Trail Hike

This is a continuation of this hike here. Essentially the second half of it.

Grindstone Creek is one of the many waterways that create a waterfall when it reaches the Niagara Escarpment. It’s claimed there are over 150 waterfalls in the Hamilton city limits.

This area is known by a few different names, include Smokey Hollow. The falls are known as the Grindstone, Smokey Hollow and Great Falls.

The falls themselves are categorized as “Terraced Ribbon Falls” and are 10 metres high, 5 metres wide.

It seems hard to believe now, but this was once a thriving industrial area. Initially a saw mill was built at the base of the falls. Many other industries popped up around it. Since most of these other industries were not powered by the falls, but by steam, all the smoke they produced was frequently trapped in the valley, hence the name “Smokey Hollow.” By 1912, however, the mills had all closed, as the water level in Grindstone Creek had gone down.

Today it’s been rehabilitated into a nice park. At the top there is a parking lot and a viewing platform, but once you get down, it reverts back to being a quiet valley.

More info about this, and many other waterfalls in the region can be found here:
http://www.cityofwaterfalls.ca/

The Grindstone Creek just before it tumbles over the edge.

Always love that colour split you get in a waterfall. I'm sure there is a proper name for it.

Foamy.

Rocky valley walls.

Looking back towards the Falls.

Rocky Rim.

The trail looking back towards the Falls.

Some lovely rock action.

The trail leading down into the valley.

Springtime, so lots of water cascading down the Grindstone.

Nice!

 I spent 3 to 4 hours in the valley, and other than a few people at the falls themselves, didn’t see a soul. Beautiful Sunday afternoon. But I’ll bet the malls were packed.

Boulders. Raging water. Trees just starting to bloom. Oh yeah.

Creamy.

Feeder stream. Didn’t cross the creek to investigate, but it looked like it might be an underground water source bubbling to the surface.

This picture shows why creeks are often clogged with trees and their root structures. The creek keeps on wearing away the soil and eventually the tree topples over.

Getting back home required crossing into and out of several deep gulches, each one deeper than the last.

 

The last one was deep and steep, but I was lucky enough to find a polypropylene rope that someone had placed. Good thing that I always have some gloves with me. And the best part was that there was a rope on the others side of the stream as well. I found some evidence that this is a bit of a party spot, so maybe they’re responsible for the placement of the ropes. 

A little bit of a breather before I climb up the other side. My Kifaru Express lying down.

Great day, great hike. got to check out some areas I hadn’t seen yet.