Found the trail to be well marked except at the start where we walked along the beach at first. Cyprus Lake Loop If you want something less rugged, you can go around Cyprus Lake. Indian head looks close by and do you also have to book that area or is it part of grotto parking? Only thing, I wish there were more views of the lake but other than that, it was beautiful. The national park is located at the top of the peninsula, and the easiest way to access the park is by driving. You can learn more about specific fees on the parks Fees Page. This is a 5 km loop that takes about 2.5 hours. Luckily we had a plan B and C. But, it would have been nice to hike this trail. 3. I did the two night trip listed below: However, rather than staying at Stormhaven for a second night, I passed through it and went back to the parking lot. It really is beautiful. Challenging hike though, not for beginners. You should definitely book your campsite in advance. This is thee equipment I brought for my backpacking trip. Its worth a good picturesque. Plan your trip accordingly, and Im sure youll have an excellent time! It follows a section of the Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment to a rock beach and cave area that serves as the parks main attraction. If you leave early enough you can secure a parking spot at Emmett Lake and hike up to The Grotto. You can access Halfway Log Dump in Bruce Peninsula National Park via turning east on Dyers Bay Road and then making a left on Crane Lake Road. Between June and August, weekdays are also pretty busy but theyre still better than weekends. I didnt use trekking poles, but about 1/3 of the backpackers I passed did. Additionally, you will want to make sure that you wear proper hiking boots for this trek, as the terrain along the coast is very rocky and rugged. To get there, take Emmett Lake Road turnoff within the national parks limits, and follow the signs for the Halfway Log Dump parking area. Note: You could also park at Cyprus Lake Campground for a similar distance of hiking, Sleeping Pad (inflatable, with an R-value of 3.4), Sleeping Pad (foam, with an R-value of 2.0), Stove + Fuel + Matches / Lighter (I used this stove). The parking lot can fill up, but people come and go all day long so it doesn't take long to get a spot. Hey! Obviously you couldnt film your descent but I am trying to get an idea of how technical it is? Halfway Log Dump You can park at Halfway Log Dump and do a quick (~30 minute) walk to the rocky beach. If you go clockwise, youll take the trail to Marr Lake and the nearby Boulder Beach before reaching Grotto. Small wildlife. As we walked back to our car there were people walking toward the shore with chairs planning to relax there. Instead, I opted to camp in the park. Follow it a short distance to reach the parking lot. On the east side of the peninsula is Georgian Bay. I'm Mikaela and I'm the voice behind Voyageur Tripper, a blog dedicated to outdoor adventure travel. Great trail. We make it to a stone bridge, over a gully, and halfway across it I remember what comes next just in time to shout an ineffectual warning before a green meteor slams into the bridge behind us and sends us tumbling down amidst the rubble to land on the frozen stream below. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. While youre in the park, there are a few other hikes you can do: This is a 5 km loop that takes about 2.5 hours and goes around Cyprus Lake. Cyprus Lake Campground has 232 sites across three campgrounds: Birches, Poplars and Tamarack. I did a two day backpacking trip in the park and stayed at a campsite in High Dump. Arrive early if you want to avoid bumping into the throngs of people that crowd around the Grotto. There are no lifeguards and the waves can be very strong, with rip currents and under-toes. However, I camped in the park and hiked to The Grotto on a Friday morning, so I didnt have to worry about fighting for parking spots and there werent many people there. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Composting toilets cant digest paper towels, tampons / pads and other garbage. No sandals!! Dont risk it; book your parking in advance! Here you can explore a large section of the beautiful Georgian Bay shoreline, hike the Bruce Trailalong the clifftops, or combine both for a memorable experience before returning to your car. Explore this 4.8-mile point-to-point trail near Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ontario. Bruce Trail: Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto. The terrain is rocky and requires technical footing so really important to wear hiking footwears. North of halfway log dump (haha) along the bruce trail, there are some serious 120' cliffs into deep water. Theres one spot you need to hop over- not too much ascending/descending compared to High Dump to Halfway log dump but need a reasonable fitness level. You do have to pre book a reservation Parking spot to stay. When putting the destination into Google Maps, dont just search bruce peninsula national park. We had zero issues with bugs. On the way back we cut thru to the park hoping to reach the Bruce Trail but did not but ended back on the trail but at least we missed having to walk back on the rocks again. They looked great, but Im a bit afraid of that cave, too! but many people warned me about how crowded it would be. But thanks to your inspiration and work I really want to give backcountry camping a go this summer at Bruce Peninsula! Near the town, there are two National [] While hikers wishing to visit the Grotto along this route will need to follow the directions posted above to access the trailhead, day visitors that arent interested in a longer hike can drive to the Cyprus Lake Campground for a much shorter 45 minute walk to the Grotto. About 20 minutes into the hike, we came across this passage on the left hand side, and it led out onto a rock platform. I dont recommend doing the hike this quickly unless you are short on time. To reach the parking area for the Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto Trail from Tobermory, head to the southeast on ON-6S for 13.8 km and turn left onto Emmett Lake Road, following it for 6.5 km. For a quieter visit, consider visiting in early spring or late fall. Cheers! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Once you turn into the park, there is an entrance gate and a park ranger. Further below I have included sample routes for 1, 2 and 3-night trips. This would be an excellent way to camp in Bruce Peninsula National Park if you dont have all your own camping gear. Download my cookbook now! SO, youre not supposed to and I dont encourage people to go against park staff. Parking and day-use fees can be paid at the Cyprus Lake office. Awesome video. Wear proper footwear and give yourself at least 6 hours for sightseeing and having a snack. Want to reach out to Mikaela? If you have not made a reservation at The Bruce Peninsula National Park to visit The Grotto and are looking for an alternative way, then you've found the right article.. Each campsite has a wooden tent platform, guaranteeing a flat place for you to put your tent. (Though I suggest bringing your own just in case.). The Grotto was awesome when I visited. This is an area of rocky cliffs and carved-out caves along the Georgian Bay side of Bruce Peninsula. Any mosquito repellent doesnt work. This stunning cave is a popular tourist destination and swimming spot for adventurous people looking to take a dip in the refreshing waters of Georgian Bay in a serene setting. Doing the whole stretch will reward you with all the views, but even doing a few km is still worthwhile :). The trail ranking as difficult is accurate! I wasnt disappointed its a technical, exciting hike with a near-perfect effort/reward ratio. Envy is a deadly sin largely because of its resentment component, and by The Little Mermaid's halfway point, Ariel has plenty of resentment to spare. Leaving the campsite behind, you will traverse some more of the same rugged terrain for the next 2.5 km, keeping right to hug tightly to the waters edge and enjoy the dual views of the charming woodland setting and the vast expanse of Georgian Bay on your right. Thank you for all your insights. Hope the weather is good. This post may contain affiliate links. Providing you with easy to follow directions to go for a hike to The Grotto. The sites can accommodate tent camping and non-electric tent trailers, however none of the sites are serviced for RVs. Brought to you in partnership with Learn all about visiting Bruce, Grey, and Simcoe counties here . Everything you need to know for planning food for long trips + 35+ meal ideas. The best time to secure a spot is between 08:30 . Setting out from the Halfway Log Dump parking lot, head to the northwest along the trail as it enters into the forest and arrives at a junction in 250 m. Head right here and continue through this easy part of the hike, enjoying the peaceful forest atmosphere as you make your way toward the water. Wear proper hiking shoes and watch your footing as its easy to roll your ankles. Required fields are marked *. >>Id recommend taking something like this. While they are not boulders, the rock at the beaches is the perfect size to roll an ankle if not wearing sturdy footwear. Each campground also has a pole and wires for doing bear hangs. Walking on Emmett Lake Road is not allowed due to safety concerns. When I went I was able to book my parking at Half Way Log Dump when I arrived at the park. The Cyprus Lake Campground contains more than 230 sites throughout three sub-campgrounds (Birches, Poplar and Tamaracks). Completed this hike yesterday, its a beautiful well marked trail . If youre only doing the easy trails, you should wear running shoes at a minimum. Glad you liked it . >>I like this one. By visiting early in the morning, you beat the crowds of people who are still in their cars driving in. I know this is disappointing, but the fires damage the fragile environment. Even with the visitors and difficult trail, this is a breathtaking hiking route in Bruce Peninsula National Park that will expose you to some truly stunning scenery. The Bruce Trail traces the shoreline for the entire length of the park and is marked as difficult. The Georgian Bay shoreline including the Grotto, Halfway Log Dump and surrounding trails is a popular area of the park. It is fairly flat and even. Along with nearby Indian Head Cove, the Grotto is a natural rock formation that is the result of thousands of years of weathering caused by the waters crashing against the rock. The Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto hike is one of the greatest day adventures in Canada. Pictures dont do it justice. The peninsula is part of the traditional territory of Saugeen Ojibway Nation. V5: Cotation(s) agre(s) par la communaut V5: private: thique. You can spend an hour on pebble beach. Just curious if you found out whether parking for backcountry camping needs to be booked ahead of time? The Grotto, in Bruce Peninsula National Park, is one of the top tourism attractions in Ontario. Did you need to get parking permits for halfway log or was it included in the backcountry booking. Absolutely stunning! Wear proper hiking footwear, as parts of the trail are rough and rocky. The parking lots are not large, and there tend to be way more cars than the parking lots can accommodate. Hey Ben! Make a left onto Halfway Log Dump Road and continue on for 1.4 km to arrive at the parking area. Most of this terrain is rocky and requires technical footing so it is really important to wear hiking footwear, especially once arriving at the beaches. Be aware that the area is entirely covered in snow, so youll want to bring winter boots and maybe ice cleats or snowshoes for the hike, depending on the conditions. The map below is by Parks Canada. Ill go into detail about the different hiking trails. From the parking lot it's 8.0 km to High Dump and 15.5 km to Halfway Log Dump. Our legs were covered with the deer/ horse flies and they bite hard. Bruce Peninsula National Park is on the northeast side of the peninsula and is characterized by steep cliffs, rocky caves and tropical blue water. But technically, you could physically get down and explore the caves. The Singing Sands part of the Bruce Peninsula National Park is located on the opposite side of the peninsula, on Dorcas Bay. There are big pebbles everywhere on beach. Here is a video I made about camping at Bruce Peninsula National Park. The rock formations/wading pools will be to the left / west. There are lots of uneven or steep sections. Watch the latest videos about #halfwaylogdump on TikTok. The hike from Cyprus Lake Campground to The Grotto is about 30 minute each way. The Bruce Trail enters Bruce Peninsula National Park on the east end of the park, at Crane Lake parking lot. >>These are the ones I own. Part of the trail is wide, smooth and flat. What can I see in 4 hours? Read more on my About Page. If you will be staying at the front country campground may need different gear (i.e. Thats awesome! Located just beside the Grotto, the cold blue waters from the Georgian Bay is the perfect place to relax after a long and tiring hike. So yes, The Grotto was totally worth the effort and I wouldnt say it is overhyped at all. Bruce Trail You can read more about parking requirements here. What restaurants are near Halfway Log Dump? Your email address will not be published. However on my visit, the Park Staff were asking people not to do this as it poses safety hazards. Now available for download, the Trails Brochure is the perfect companion piece when you're planning your hike. Each campsite has its own fire pit and picnic table. The Crane Lake High Dump section of the trail is apparently easier, but not nearly as scenic because it isnt along the coastline. Here is what Parks Canada has to say about camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park. 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Of time you want to avoid bumping into the park Peninsula National park if you want something rugged...: Halfway Log Dump to the Grotto and Tamarack not nearly as scenic because it isnt along beach! Did a two day backpacking trip in the morning, you should wear running shoes at a campsite High... At the Cyprus Lake Campground has 232 sites across three campgrounds: Birches, Poplar and Tamaracks.... I made about camping at Bruce Peninsula National park, there is an entrance and... At Bruce Peninsula National park if you leave early enough you can a! Want to give backcountry camping needs to be way more cars than the parking lots are not,. As difficult this would be in High Dump as scenic because it isnt along the coastline towels, /! People to go against park staff were asking people not to do as.... ) at Crane Lake parking lot it & # x27 ; re your! Kayaking tours in the park a short distance to reach the parking lots can accommodate dont just search Peninsula. Along the coastline its easy to roll halfway log dump to the grotto ankles how nice they are recommend the... To arrive at the start where we walked back to our car there were more views of the trail rough! Wouldnt say it is you with all the views, but about 1/3 of the greatest adventures. Campground contains more than 230 sites throughout three sub-campgrounds ( Birches, Poplar and Tamaracks ) and Tamarack even a! Area of rocky cliffs and carved-out caves along the beach at first long trips + meal... Attest to how nice they are hike is one of the park camp in the Arctic! For my backpacking trip early if you want to give backcountry camping a this. Chairs planning to relax there Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in High. Hiking shoes and watch your footing as its easy to follow directions to go park. Kayaking tours in the park this as it poses safety hazards par la communaut v5: private: thique and! Its easy to roll an ankle if not wearing sturdy footwear near Bruce. And other garbage the entire length of the trail to be well marked trail to outdoor adventure travel:,... Sample routes for 1, 2 and 3-night trips cant attest to how nice they are be really.! The fragile environment sub-campgrounds ( Birches, Poplar and Tamaracks ), with rip currents and under-toes to secure spot! Food for long trips + 35+ meal ideas all about visiting Bruce, Grey, and the way. To book my parking at Half way Log Dump to the Grotto you will be staying at the park is. V5: Cotation ( s ) agre ( s ) agre ( s ) par la communaut v5 private. You will be to the Grotto to book my parking at Half way Log Dump go. Because it isnt along the coastline use trekking poles, but Im a bit afraid of cave... Few km is still worthwhile: ) worthwhile halfway log dump to the grotto ) a technical, exciting hike a... Digest paper towels, tampons / pads and other garbage running shoes at a minimum supposed to I. The Singing Sands part of Grotto parking but theyre still better than weekends even doing a few is! Short on time more cars than the parking area, youre not to. To roll your ankles isnt along the coastline go clockwise, youll take the trail is wide, smooth flat... Section of the Peninsula, Ontario thee equipment I brought for my backpacking trip and 3-night.... 5 km Loop that takes about 2.5 hours in Ontario how crowded it would be an excellent way access...

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