Saltfleet Conservation Area (Hamilton)

 After another one of our "All You Can Eat" outtings in Stoney Creek, we found a nearby Conservation Area with a rather unusal name.  Saltfleet Conservation Area is Hamilton Conversation Area's newest project still in the works.  It's located south of the Niagra Esparment near the Upper Battlefield and Upper Stoney Creek watersheds.

When the Saltfleet Conservation area is complete it will open up to 411 acres of unique natural features. As if the Niagara escarpment wasn't gorgeous enough!  We mostly came across lots of marshy fields and woodland which provides a home to many species of breeding birds.  I have not yet gotten into birdwatching or photography - mostly because my camera is still the highest in the Canon rebel series and my zoom lens maxes at 300 mm.  I'm working my way up to the pros! Maybe I might indulge myself to spend a bit of money to update.

Although there were construction signs up, you are still able to walk through the trails.  Like I said this is a new area, so the area currently has a small trail system with the Heritage Green Community Trust Trail which is a mouthful!  The trail is gorgeous and unspoiled and runs east and west through the wetlands.  It also connnects to the Dofasco 2000 Trail and the Devil's Punchbowl  Conservation Area for those into waterfall pictures 

We paid $8 to get in, but we were the only car there!  There are many dog owners who let their dogs offleash so be mindful of that when you go.  We did happen to pass by a couple with 2 very scary dogs, the pitbull and mastis.  They actually look like they were walking their owners :D.  

We did the whole trail right to the Devils punchbowl and back to the car on foot.  We ended up with over 25,000 steps and it took about 3 hours I think.  The weather was beautiful so I didn't complain too much.

If you ever want to check it out, I'd wait until the late spring - summer as you won't find too many fall colurs here, its mostly meadow land and wetlands.

Happy Trails!