King - Caledon Twnln/Halls Lake Sdrd to 16th Sdrd/Weston Rd (Hike #14 - E2E Series) Mod-Fast; Sheila King

Members only hike. Pre-registration is mandatory.

Oak Ridges Moraine Trail - End-to-End Series #14

This E2E began at the beginning of February and closer to home due to the potential for challenging winter travel and parking difficulties. We started from Hollidge Tract in York Regional Forest and trekked east for a series of 12 consecutive hikes, every Monday, until we reached the kiosk marking the Castleton terminus of the Oak Ridges Moraine, and our first major milestone.  We are continuing eastward after restarting from the western terminus in Caledon until we reach our final destination at Hollidge Tract.  

ORTA MAPS 1&2:   ~5.5-6hrs / ~22k+. Our hike commences at the boundary of Caledon and Township of King on a series of unopened road allowances, paved and unpaved side roads (east) and concession roads (south) for about 7.5k before our trail enters a mix of forest and meadows. This will follow with another few kilometres of “roads”  that will lead us to our longest southbound stretch through Happy Valley Forest, the largest upland native forest on the Moraine. We will cross the crest of the Moraine, which is a height of land dividing rivers that flow south to Lake Ontario from those that flow north to Lake Simcoe. Our last 2k will take us east where we will cross the route of the Toronto Carrying Place Trail before we reach the end of this leg of our journey. 

Check the weather the morning of and dress accordingly.  Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch for our 20 minute break. Ticks are active again and mosquitos will soon be making their debut. Bug spray and sunscreen are highly recommended. Poles may be helpful. No dogs or drop-outs.

This is a shuttle hike and will require volunteers for driving to the starting point. 

Please meet by 08h45 to prepare for our shuttle(s) to the starting point.

Meeting Point: GPS 43.95421, -79.58655. Free roadside parking on the south corner of 16th Sideroad & Weston Road. 

 Sheila King (905-903-1955 text or call)