S1.Ep6 "Nassagaweya" Hiking The Bruce Trail End To End : Crawford Lake Rattlesnake Point

End to End : Hiking the Bruce Trail, A Journey Across Ontario
Season 1, Episode 6 : “Nassagaweya”
This episode continues the journey hiking the Bruce Trail north and takes us through Yaremko-Ridley Park, Crawford Lake, through the Nassagaweya Canton to Rattlesnake Point.
The day started with some rain and hail. It didn’t last long, before the beautiful beaming sun came out. There is no parking on the east side of this park, so there were not many people in that gorgeous stretch. I had a short road walk to get there.
The trail exits Yaremko-Ridley Park at Twiss Road and enters what I can only call a spiritual place (for me at least), the Crawford Forest Tract which precedes Crawford Lake Conservation Area. This lesser used trail section sits next to the popular Crawford Lake, and brings a unique feeling of magic and solitude to hikers and explorers walking among the cliffs, crags, and crevasses.
Crossing Guelph line, the trail passes through Crawford Lake Conservation Area. The Bruce Trail does not pass beside Crawford Lake itself, which is a natural and deep lake that is a fascinating gem in the area, kind of like a time machine, so if you want to check it out, you’ll have to take a side trail.
The trail leads to another valley, known as Nassagaweya Canyon, descending the escarpment through a chaotic jumbled pile of rocks to the valley floor. The views are fantastic from the edge of the cliff as you approach the valley, and the vultures circle and play, with Mt.Nemo fading further into the distance as the miles pass, and Rattlesnake Point, the east side of the Milton Outlier, jutting out majestically on the other side of the valley. What an incredible vantage point.
The Bruce Trail doesn’t take you to the Rattlesnake Point overlook , so leave some time for a side trip if you want to check out another great view.
Lots of memories here from my childhood and youth and a special place for me.

Notes
Season One covers the first 450 km of the trail from Niagara to Collingwood and is 19 Episodes – airing weekly, every Tuesday from Nov.9th 2021 to March 15th 2022 on YouTube, Rumble, CloutHub, BitChute and Minds.
Visit SteveWelchOntario.com for more information, links to episodes, and music from the series.
Comments are welcome – Have you hiked this area? Are there other good trails nearby? Do you live in the area and have stories to share? Old escarpment legends or family history? What influence has the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail had in your life? It would be great to hear as well from those around the world who love to get outside and enjoy and appreciate the beautiful land.
Thanks as always to the many people, past, present and future who work tirelessly to create, maintain and improve our trail systems. And thanks to the landowners who share their beautiful land. It is very much appreciated.
Details:
Bruce Trail Reference Guide Maps: 10-11
Total Map Distance : 15 km
Step Counter Distance : 19 km
Music from the Episode:
“Fine Thread” from album Steve Welch 2019
Intro : “Things Are Happening” and “Alive Healthy and Free” from the album Upland
Outro : “Algorithm” from the album Upland
Individual songs $0.99, Upland Album $9.99 (16 songs)
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