Vista Trail (Rouge Valley CA)

 Vista Trail is one of a series of 8 hiking trails in the Rouge Valley Conservation Area (Cedar and Orchard Trails are 2 more explored previously -see this blog).

As you can see from the pictures, this trail is a great work out, with lots of steps and steep footpaths covering 1.5km one way.

I had some issues before starting this trail today because of the weather.  I expected it to be a lot sunnier and warmer than it started out, but by the time we started moving on the trail, my body temperature started rising and my spirits lifted.  That's the funny thing about being out for walks in the woods, it always make one feel like the weight of their problems become lighter.  Maybe its the adrenaline rush, or the fresh air, or nothing more than the beauty of nature but whatever it is it works.

There was the familiar posting of 'watch out for coyotes' in this area.  I've seen it all over the trails in the GTA and Hamilton this year, and don't think this was typical every year.  If you look at this link, it shows that these carnivores are not new to the urban life and it's possible this trend my someday affect even larger carnivores.  This shouldn't be too much of a shock to us, as our population grows and continues to move outwards breaking into deeper rural areas; We are moving into their territories forcing animals out of their natural habitats.  The outcome of this leaves predators with less food and smaller habitat areas.

The Vista Trail begins The Pearse House .  This is located in the north close to the Metropolitan Toronto Zoo (see blog) and will follow you down to Twyn Rivers Drive in the south end of the trail.   You won't believe the panoramic views from the top of the bluffs looking down at the Little Rouge Creek and Rouge River Valleys.

There are a few interesting sites along the Vista Trail.  One is the overhanging tree which has bent over almost in a horizontal position for years, and has refused to fall into the bluffs below.  You will also notice a bi-level wooden platform that will gives you some awe-inspiring views looking east across the valley.

Abundant plant and animal life here in the rouge valley.  There are some very steep grades as you continue through the trail so be sure to use caution as there are deep drops.  For a 1.5 km walk you will not be disappointed and with so many other trails in the same area, you can easily spend a day hiking here in the Rouge Valley.

Orchard Trail (Rouge Valley)

Majestic Jack Pines

I loved the Orchard Trail in the Rouge Valley much more than "Cedar Trail" The paths are more concise and you won't have any problems on the trail if you follow the white blazes marked on the trees.

The Orchard Trail was carved out of remnants of an agricultural past and coins the phrase 'hope springs eternal' as you can see even in a short span of two years nature reclaiming the land.

I used to frequent the Tommy Thompson Park quite a bit and one of the things I thought was the most interesting was the way the geography was transformed by  growing over piles of rubble.  This had created hills and valleys and the excavation of the nearby soil would produce wetlands when it was removed to cover the rubble.

You can see this very phenomenon from the north trail head.  

Another interesting bit of information was that I found out that back in the 50's there used to be a hotel on the South trail head (at Twyn Rivers Drive).  You can still see pieces of the old concrete dam that was once used to back up the Rouge River for swimming for the guests at the hotel that once stood there. It was apparently a popular vacation spot in its time equipped with a ski hill as well.  A search didn't produce any pictures of the hotel itself, though perhaps if I have a little more time I will have closer look.

One of the obvious features of the Orchard Trail

The Rouge River

Site of the remains of the dam and Hotel

is of course the orchard that belonged to residents that once lived here.  I took some pictures of some wild flowers, and snails that started from the ground (eggs that are laid) and somehow found themselves resting on the top leaf of a wild plant four feet up the stalk.  Now that is what I call perseverence!

Near the entrance of the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre, where you cross the front of the house to start the Orchard Trail you will see various sign postings that claim some safety tips in case you encounter a coyote, as well as the possibility of spotting white-tailed deer.  I saw neither, although my camera was in position and would have loved that, other people on the trail were too noisy to ever make any animal feel like peeking out of its hole.

Scrap metal from old car

Spotted some scrap metal of a car, and a box spring from a back seat.  This may have been left over from the local residents.  No one bothered to remove it and it just makes for a unique feature point.  

Now the bees were odd to me.  They moved so slowly, and as I zoomed into two of them hovering around a particular purple flower, I noticed their movements becoming slower and slower and I wondered if they were being poisoned with pesticide sprayed in the area.  I hope not, I would be disappointed if I thought the bees were being harmed by this.

The Orchards

The loveliest site of all in the Orchard Trail to me was the tall Jack Pines.  Majestic and slender, they are in the running for my favorite tree now, along with the Willows.

The entire trail from beginning to end is over 4km both ways.    Unlike the Cedar Trail this one starts at the Conservation Centre and will easily take you back again without leaving you in the middle of nowhere after your descent into the valley.  This one is very accessible with only moderate slopes so great for running and hiking.  Biking is not allowed in any parts of the Conservation Area. If you can manage a two hour trek though, this is one I recommend.