It was a seasonal afternoon, when temperatures almost crept up into the double digits when we both had the afternoon off. I've been wanting to go to Thornton Bales Conservation Area for quite some time now since I heard about "Joker's Hill". The name intrigued me, here we are.
Thornton Bales is located near King, Ontario and has some parking closeby for the public. The map on entrance of the trail shows a 4.2 kilometer loop which is perfect to bring us out and back with an hour or so.
The trail itself was wet and at times slippery or muddy but generally in good hiking condition. It is considered moderate because there are plenty of hills, slopes and valleys to conquer. The beauty is rugged and undeniable.
Here's the interesting part and I will get to the 'Joker's Hill" in a second. This land was donated by Drs. Murray and Marvel Koffler and encompasses 350 Hectares of ecosystems, with 50 hectares accessible all year around to the public for hiking and trail blazing. Scientists and students come from all over the world to this area called ANSI which is the Area of Natural and Scientific Interest. Quickly you'll notice a 54 metre drop up ahead from the southwest corner to the north boundary nicknamed "The 99 Steps" 
So the bulk of this donated land is used by the University of Toronto to investigate critical environmental issues such as biological invasions and climate change and to study the basic biology of the region's diverse plants and flora life. You will see marked areas such as 'research in progress' All they really ask is that you avoid those areas so the scientific studies to continue.
The Koffler Scientific Reserve which it is called, hosts many activities such as for the university involving their coursework or even public nature walks. So this is called Joker's Hill. Still don't understand why it's called that :)Their mission: Building a sustainable future through research and education on the environment, in the environment.
We had to use the GPS, much to my husband's lament because the marked trail didn't follow the loop in my all trails app, and I am pretty sure would have gotten lost without it. Part of the problem is that the markers can be confusing and there are so many forks at times. Beautiful woody trail. I really think they could remark some of the areas. 
We met up with a lot of people who were lost from the Bathurst entrance. So it turned into quite the adventure after all. I wouldn't trade this experience though and I think I would prefer to be here on grey wet days and it seems to suit the mood of the dark wood much more than the bright warmth of the sun.Great trails, amazing views . I will definitely come back again in the fall.
