Mono Cliffs Trail

Route Description for Mono Cliffs Trail

With a beautiful woodland setting and fairly easy access from the major population centre of Toronto, the only real downfall of the Mono Cliffs Trail is that it can become very busy during peak season, as people are looking to escape the city and reconnect with the outdoors. This trail already starts from an alternate entrance to the park, but if you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to attempt this hike on a weekday or during the offseason. Some sections of this trail are also fairly rugged, so be sure to wear decent hiking footwear with good ankle support for the best traction while out on the trail.

Setting aside the large volumes of foot traffic, the Mono Cliffs Trail is a beautiful walk through the forest that will allow you to disengage from the outside world and focus on the outdoors. While out on this hike, you will pass through peaceful woodland settings, walk between large rock formations, and look out over the calm waters of charming lakes. This is a great way to get out with the family and explore an interesting part of the scenic Bruce Trail.

Setting out from the trailhead on 2nd Line, pass through the gate and head to the north to enter into the dense cover of the forest, making sure to turn right at the first trail junction that you come across. After 225 m, head right at the four-way intersection onto the Bruce Trail/Cliff Top Trail, following it through the forest for 1.6 km to arrive at the edge of a charming lake. Make your way around the water and keep right through the two forks in the trail, turning left onto the path immediately after to begin the South Outlier Loop.

Climbing gently uphill through the tree cover, you will reach another fork in 200m. Head right to cross the open terrain to the east for 270 m and pick up the trail on your left that will lead you back into the forest. Here, you will make your way around the forested loop for 1.7 km, following it around the edge of the cliffs to their north point, where you will come to a junction near several rock crevices. Ignore the trail on your right and continue around the loop as it turns to the south, leading you through the forest and slightly downhill for another 1.8 km to arrive back at a junction near the small lake that you had previously passed.

Head right here onto the Walter Tovell Side Trail and follow it north for the next 1.0 km to make your way through the low point of the canyon and arrive at a fork in the trail. Follow this to the left and continue along the path while taking in the relaxing atmosphere of the forest and beautiful views of the surrounding rock formations and caves. After 0.9 km, turn left onto the Carriage Trail and make your way up the steps to gain some elevation along the escarpment. After arriving at the four-way intersection from earlier on in your hike, pass straight through and keep left along the trail to return to your vehicle having completed the Mono Cliffs Trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to get into Mono Cliffs Provincial Park?

Accessing the park does not require a fee, although certain parking areas will require you to pay.

How far are the Mono Cliffs from Toronto?

With a road distance of just 93.0 km from Toronto, it is easy to see why the park has become a popular destination for people to escape from the city to reconnect with the outdoors.

Insider Hints for Mono Cliffs Trail

• Foot traffic on this trail can be extremely high during the summer weekends. Try visiting the park on a weekday or in the off season to enjoy the trail without the crowds.
• Make sure to stay on the marked trails to avoid falling into a crevasse or disturbing the surrounding plant and animal life.
• Wear proper hiking footwear to better traverse uneven terrain.