10 of the Best Hiking Trails near Hamilton, ON
You wouldn’t know it by just looking, but the Hamilton area houses over one hundred waterfalls. With most of them in proximity to the city centre, you won’t have to venture far for an afternoon away from the GTA noise. Add in lush forest greens and exposed rock formations, and these trails satisfy adventure cravings for every Ontario explorer. Bring your camera, because these falls are definitely Instagram-worthy.
<div id="articleImage179225" class="articleImage">
<img src="https://explore-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/179225_max.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<div class="imageCredit">Credit: Alley Biniarz</div>
</div>
Devil’s Punch Bowl Trail
Length: 5 km roundtrip
Time: 1 – 2 hours
This trail will try to sweat you out at the start—don’t give up! As soon as the five-minute steep part is through, you’ll be well on your way to the picturesque Upper and Lower Punch Bowl Falls. Afterwards, hop on the 11.5-kilometre Dofasco 2000 Rail Trail and trek along the boardwalk through Vinemount Swamp Forest.
How do I get to the trailhead?: From QEW take the Centennial Parkway South exit. Merge onto Centennial Parkway, turn left at Ridge Road, and park at the Devil’s Punchbowl CA. Follow the trail to the waterfall lookout.
Read more about this trail: conservationhamilton.ca
Distance from Hamilton: 13 km
Webster Falls and Tews Falls, Dundas
Length: 1.3 km one-way
Time: 2 hours
What better way to spend the day than through a forested trail with not one, but two waterfalls to see? One that is dog friendly on top of that, too! This popular trail is a hot selfie spot—but be careful if you choose to dangle your feet off the edge.
How do I get to the trailhead?: Take King St E/Hamilton Regional Rd 8 on ON 403 E to Ofield Rd S. Turn left on Ofield Rd. S, then take a right at the first cross street Harvest Rd to Short Rd which turns into Fallsview Rd.
Read more about this trail: alltrails.com
Bloggers who have lived the adventure: bittenescapes.com
Distance from Hamilton: 17 km
Albion Falls/King’s Forest Waterfall Walk
Length: 6.2 km
Time: 2 hours
There may be some confusion in finding the route, but once you’re on the right path you’re in for some major hills ending in a waterfall treat. There is no trail to the bottom, so enjoy the lookout at the top.
How do I get to the trailhead?: From the 403 take the Lincoln Alexander Parkway exit east across Hamilton Mountain. Exit at Upper Gage Avenue and turn left. Turn right on Mohawk Road East, which will turn into Mountain Brow Blvd. The parking lot is on the left.
Read more about this trail: waterfalls.hamilton.ca
Distance from Hamilton: 12 km
Chedoke Radial Trail
Length: 12 km
Time: 1 – 2 hours
A perfectly paved path for a quick morning run or bike ride. Catch a glimpse of the rural and the urban along this wheelchair-accessible rail trail. Still craving a waterfall? Stop at Chedoke Falls and Westcliffe Falls along the way.
How do I get to the trailhead?: The trail is accessed off Scenic Drive.
Read more about this trail: hamilton.ca
Bloggers who have lived the adventure: hikingthegta.com
Distance from Hamilton: 5 km
Sherman Falls to Tiffany Falls
Length: 5.5 km roundtrip
Time: 2 hours
The Bruce Trail connects to most of the other trails in the area. It also leads to a scenic waterfall: Sherman Falls. Tumbling over two cascading drops, it’ll have you captured for a while.
How do I get to the trailhead?: Drive along Old Dundas Road and park for free on Lions Club Road in Ancaster.
Read more about this trail: torontohiking.com
Distance from Hamilton: 12 km
Christie Lake
Length: 10 km roundtrip
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Stay and play for awhile on these multi-use trails. Bring your bike and cycle through the pine forest. These trails range from easy to moderate. Afterwards, fuel up on baked goods from the Tiny Bakery next door.
How do I get to the trailhead?: Take ON-403 E, ON-6 N and ON-5 to the parking lot, which will be on your left.
Read more about this trail: tourismhamilton.com
Distance from Hamilton: 19 km
Waterdown Trail
Length: 10.2 km roundtrip
Time: 2 – 3 hours
Quiet down the city noise with the sound of rushing water. Follow the creek until the landscape changes, and at this point you’ll descend the stairs to Smokey Hollow Falls. This hike is perfect for new hikers or active children.
How do I get to the trailhead?: Exit the 403 at Highway 6 and head north west. Turn right on Highway 5 and then turn right on Mill Street.
Read more about this trail: waterfalls.hamilton.ca
Distance from Hamilton: 15 km
Bulls Point
Length: 5.3 km loop
Time: 1.5 hours
This simple pathway offers views of marshland you wouldn’t expect. Climb the lookout tower to try and spot local birds and other marsh creatures. A peaceful option for cyclists and dog walkers.
How do I get to the trailhead?: This trail is accessed from RBG Cootes Paradise Sanctuary.
Read more about this trail: alltrails.com
Bloggers who have lived the adventure: hikinghamilton.ca
Distance from Hamilton: 6 km
Borer’s Falls Trail
Length: 4.6 km roundtrip
Time: 1 hour
Even with a lookout point over the city, you couldn’t feel farther from it. Pack a lunch and stay awhile to take in this 15-metre-high cascade.
How do I get to the trailhead? Take Old Guelph Road to Rock Chapel Rd. There is a pay parking lot near Rock Chapel Park.
Read more: cityofwaterfalls.ca
Distance from Hamilton: 11 km
Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail
Length: 32 km roundtrip
Time: 2 hours
Nicknamed “To Hell and Back,” this trail is designed for the committed hiker or cyclist. It has a gradual incline for the first 25 kilometres as it follows the Niagara Escarpment, making for a relaxing decent into Brantford for the remaining seven kilometres.
How do I get to the trailhead?: The trailhead on the northwest side of Hamilton can be accessed by city bike routes from the waterfront.
Read more about this trail: ontariotrails.on.ca
Distance from Hamilton: 6.5 km
Have you hiked these trails around Hamilton?
Let us know which was your favourite.
Comment below!
Related content on explore-mag.com:
<div class="articleLink">
<div class="articleImage"><a href="The-Top-10-Trails-Around-Oshawa-ON" class="imageBox" style="background-image: url('https://explore-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/177857_max-jpg.webp');"> </a></div>
<a href="The-Top-10-Trails-Around-Oshawa-ON" class="articleLinkTitle">The Top 10 Trails Around Oshawa, ON</a><br>
<div class="articleLinkText">10 hiking trails to escape the city within the GTA</div>
<a href="The-Top-10-Trails-Around-Oshawa-ON" style="float: right;">Read More ></a>
<div class="clearfix"></div>
</div>
<div class="articleLink">
<div class="articleImage"><a href="15-Dog-friendly-Hiking-Trails-near-Ottawa" class="imageBox" style="background-image: url('https://explore-mag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/175945_max-jpg.webp');"> </a></div>
<a href="15-Dog-friendly-Hiking-Trails-near-Ottawa" class="articleLinkTitle">15 Dog-friendly Hiking Trails near Ottawa</a><br>
<div class="articleLinkText">Bring Fido to these hiking trails and parks around Ottawa</div>
<a href="15-Dog-friendly-Hiking-Trails-near-Ottawa" style="float: right;">Read More ></a>
<div class="clearfix"></div>
</div>
