Exploring the Eramosa Karst

Visiting the Eramosa Karst Conservation Area in Stoney Creek was unplanned, but I admit I found it an interesting place.  I knew next to nothing about karsts before coming here.

I guess before I go on about some of the karst features like caves, sinking streams and dry valleys, I might as well tell you that I did not enter any one of them.  

inviting bridge

I was surprised that all of the caves were in the ground.  When I saw the map at the entrance to the conservation site, it indicated 'caves' and so I expected to be able to stand up into them, not crawl or climb down to them.  The karsts were very shallow and seemed tiny from up top, so I was surprised to learned that Eramosa has the 10th longest cave in Ontario, which is something like 335 metres! 

So what is a karst? Think of a soluble bedrock that acts like a sponge absorbing the rain (rain that contains carbonic acid, which gets picked up from the carbon dioxide in the ground...come on you remember how the rain cycle works right?) 

...and over thousands of years, the bedrock starts becoming porous as it dissolves creating crevices, creeks, and caves.  Of course eventually when the ground above gets wet from heavy rains, it will start flowing and sometimes flooding into these cracks and crevices which will add to the development of sinking streams and at the same time abandon existing creeks elsewhere creating dry valleys then.  It's really quite fascinating, but like biology, geology is not my thing either.

This place tries it's best to offer the learning experience from the karst and some really lovely trails making it a great hike even if you aren't that keen about exploring underground.  

Part of Nexus Cave

 

Potruff Spring

 The Eramosa Karst is one of Ontario’s most fascinating geological sites, filled with sinkholes, underground streams, and limestone caves formed over thousands of years. It’s a great mix of science, scenery, and serenity—perfect for hikers, families, and curious explorers.

Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk, year-round.

Parking: Paid parking is available at the main lot off Upper Mount Albion Road (Credit Valley Conservation or Hamilton Conservation Authority pass holders park free).

Best Photo Spots: Capture the winding trails through tall grasses, the sinkholes near Nexus Cave, and the wooden bridges crossing the streambeds. Early morning or golden-hour light highlights the textures of the limestone beautifully.

Tips:

• Wear sturdy shoes—the ground can be uneven or muddy after rain.

• Bring a flashlight if you plan to peek into the cave entrances.

• The site is dog-friendly, but pets must stay leashed.

• Pair your visit with nearby Albion Falls or Devil’s Punchbowl for more stunning geology.

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Would love to hear about your adventures! 

Cheltenham Badlands - Ontario’s Red Rock Wonder

Well I wanted to find some interesting geographical pictures, while feeling like I wanted to see something different while trail blazing.

This certainly did the trick, and it's located right here in Ontario so no need to look way out west in Alberta for our version of the Badlands.

These are called the Cheltenham Badlands and I think you'll agree its a very mars-like and bizarre sight, with its' barren and windswept red hills and gullies which are so very similar to our western friends.  This area is hidden in the valleys and peaks of Caledon Hills.

If you are wondering what makes the Queenston Shale ground so red, it's caused by iron oxide, while the narrow greenish bands show us where the groundwater has transformed the rock from red to green iron oxide.

The real cause behind it just isn't science, this phenomenon was created by poor farming practices over 80 years ago sometime during the 1930's which caused overgrazing of the land, and the result as you can see is the exposure of the Queenston Shale that supports little or no vegetation at all.

If you are inclined to come here with your camera, don't do after a rainfall or when the ground appears soft.  It spans a vast area, although I found the best location to get the easiest and quickest access is along Old Base Line Road, just east of Creditview Road.

You'll notice some parked cars along the side of the road with eager visitors stopping by for a peak. 

Just outside Caledon, the Cheltenham Badlands are a striking natural site of rolling red shale hills and ridges that look like they belong on another planet. It’s a quick but unforgettable stop for nature lovers and photographers.

Hours: Open seasonally (typically spring through late fall) from morning until dusk. The site is gated in winter—check ahead on the Credit Valley Conservation website for current hours.

Parking: Paid parking is available directly across the road. On busy weekends, spots can fill quickly, so aim for mornings or weekdays if you prefer fewer crowds.

Best Photo Spots: The boardwalk offers excellent panoramic views without damaging the fragile landscape. Sunrise and late afternoon light bring out the rich red tones of the hills.

Tips:

• Walking on the badlands themselves is restricted to protect the ecosystem, but the boardwalk and viewing areas give plenty of angles for photos.

• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore nearby trails.

• Combine your visit with a scenic drive along the Forks of the Credit for a perfect day trip.