The Bruce Trail
at Limehouse

Do: bring your camera

Do: wear a pair of comfortable shoes

Time required: about 3 1/2 hours

Note: Some stair climbing required if you take the whole trip

Limehouse is on the 22nd Sideroad about 4 km west of Highway #7. The 22nd Side road runs west off Highway #7 just past Trafalgar Road, and before you get to the Silver Creek gas station at the Ballinafad cut off.

Traveling west on the 22nd Side road you will come to a one lane bridge on your left, parking is very limited so if you can't get in the small lot, find a place to park that will not obstruct traffic.

On the south side of the bridge is a Boy Scout meeting barn. The entrance to the Bruce Trail is to the left of the Scout building. The trail is well marked with white blazes.

Almost immediately you will start seeing limestone kilns of various size and condition. The largest is fenced in to preserve the remains. Once you pass the kilns, the trail leads to a bridge over a dam and crosses the river with the ruins of an old water plant. Just past the bridge you will find blue blazes on your left leading to a side trail. This is a worthwhile side trip taking you through lush forest, ravines, and valleys. Black Creek is a gentle flowing creek here, meandering through this unspoiled area. There is a mature pine forest about half way through this trip that is spectacular – no undergrowth just tall, mature, healthy pine trees. The side trip ends by rejoining the main trail, where you will notice the appearance of the white blazes again. To head back in the direction of your starting point, travel to your right.

The return trip starts out as a very relaxing walk but changes with the appearance of the escarpment rock formations.

Be sure to watch your children and keep them close at hand as there are many crevices, caves and steep cliffs along this trail. The area is very rugged with many surface crevices that are wet and slippery, so use caution. After descending the double set of wooden stairs to the valley floor you will soon return to the wooden bridge and your starting point.

Wear a pair of comfortable hiking shoes or boots, take lots of photos, and pick a nice sunny day if you can.

Remember, leave nothing but your footprints. If you see any pop cans or other refuse, do your neighbours a favour and please pick it up.

Take nothing but photos. We want to keep these treasures for our childrens’ children.