Short Hills Provincial Park

Short Hills - Swayze Falls

We hiked the trails in this beautiful park in late summer so the Falls was dry. Best to hike in early spring. Ontario's waterfalls are fed by the winter thaw and spring rains.

The trails were a mix of open field and forests. The trails are also well-marked.

I’ve come to this park over ten times now and every time I leave amazed. The trails take you through various ecosystems; a hardwood grove ( black walnut trail), wildflower fields (scarlet tanager) waterfalls, thick pine forests ( hemlock valley). There are levels of difficulty for all to enjoy!

I’ve always parked up by Pelham road and walked down the steep gravel path before merging onto other trails, but recently I broke with tradition and tried Wiley road. What a gem! Please try it. Scarlet tanager to hemlock was my favourite section this time of year because of the bustling wildflower fields. Teeming with butterflies and bees.

In winter time or after great rains I’d say swayze loop because the falls are magical. Well worth the exhaustive 2 hours. Not this time of year, though. The drought effects everything.

While hiking the Bruce Trail from end to end we inevitably came thru the park. We have liked it a lot. The meandering creek flowing at the base of the sweeping hills gave us such a pleasant feeling. We didn't explore the other trails that are in the park, but we have put this place on our bucket list. The waterfalls were amazing as well. We only saw the Terrace Creek and the Swayze. Amazing sights, for sure

My family loves going for a walk in the woods on the snow in winter. We're having fun to see the snow blanketed the ground, on trees and the frozen waterfalls. It's Beautiful!!!!

Short Hills offers a variety of beautiful trails and waterfalls, parking lot is limited to a few cars so arrive early and enjoy the views, please wear appropriate footwear and apparel, be mindful of nature by not littering.