BOTTOM LINE: Worth the trek for both the hike and "teachings"…read more What can I add that hasn't already been said? It's been a few years since Yelpers have reviewed this provincial park, but I can say, it seems like it's as good as its ever been. Of note, after you turn into the "entrance" of the park, it's still a good 2-3 km drive on narrow dirt/gravel roads before you enter the actual parking area. The staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable of the petroglyphs and were very patient/enthused about answering questions about their history and interpretations. The petroglyphs themselves are housed in a nearly 40-year old structure that protects it from degradation from the elements (because acid rain and limestone don't mix) and humans (because in the 70s, people use to picnic and party on them). There are 3 trails in the area, and I'd recommend some good hiking shoes because there are good sections of elevation and rocks. The Nanabush Trail seems to be the "Goldilocks" of the them - not too long, not too short, but just right.

Gorgeous setting and fascinating site, quiet and contemplative, full of reverence and historyread more

The falls was only a few steps away from parking. A quick walk takes you deep into the woods and as…read moreclose to nature as you can get without breaking a sweat. There were people and kids bathing in the lake below. There was also a water park which seemed interesting. Definitely must visit place if you are looking for something quick and accessible yet very enjoyable. Parking is free but there seems to be few spots only

Lots of great scenic hiking around this falls area. Several different sized falls around as well…read more Great for canoeing as well.

Beautiful place for camping, hiking ,picnic and swimming. Dogs allowed. Easy trail for hiking. No…read morebiking trails. The river is clean, cute falls and instagramable suspension bridge. Take caution in swimming, water is deep.

I had been to the Thornton Bales Conservation Area before and couldn't quite make it to Joker's…read moreHill due to rainfall in the area. However, today I found out that there's a parking lot for the Joker's Hill hiking trail. The parking lot is fairly large, but inconspicuous. There are no signs, so you just have to slow down as you near the entrance heading south on Bathurst because it's easy to miss. I recommend wearing bug spray and long sleeve shirts and pants because there are signs indicating that there are ticks in the area. I also recommend wearing proper hiking shoes because there are areas that get muddy, depending on how far you hike. Don't forget to bring water. The trail starts off on the right and is shaded. Another trail head starts heading straight from the parking lot. I took the one that went straight. That trail starts off very narrow and passes by residential houses until you eventually reach a wider trail. The trail markers are dark blue. It's important that you know how to follow a trail and know how to read the trail markers because I'd say 95% of the trail is marked well and it's easy to go off the trail if you're not paying attention. I used my phone's GPS and Google Maps to figure out where I was located, though Google Maps doesn't show the trail that I was on. The trail merges with other trails. The blue trail markers turned into red and white. I believe the red trail markers are for the loop that starts off to the right of the Joker's Hill trail parking lot. I followed the white trail markers to the end of the Joker's Hill hiking trail, where I entered the Thornton Bales Conservation Area. The trail markers turn light blue. At the end of that trail are the 99 Steps. In total, it's a little over 5,000 steps and about 50 minutes to hike from the Joker's Hill parking lot to the 99 Steps parking lot. Overall, a pretty decent hike.

I had a wonderful walk in this conservation area - the trails were well maintained. Seeing the…read morerock formations and crevices was a good experience. No entrance or parking fees.

Fantastic trail no matter what the season. Most of the trail is in the shadow of trees and that…read moregives a good respite from hot days. Don't forget to go to all the three kilns and also the "hole in the wall". Gives a good adrenaline rush for a short time. The walk amongst the rocks is calling as well and when you reach up you see all the crevices that you can jump. Be careful there as we saw some hats, sun glasses etc at the bottom that once fallen there is no way getting them back. Some hidden spots that are just amazing for camping, but alas there is no camping allowed. (Video uploaded). One last plus for this location you don't pay any parking fees.

We love this place so much! We have been coming here to hike for years and last year, we finally…read moredecided to enroll my then 8 year old in their full day summer camp. I can't say enough great things about the staff and the counselors here. The summer camps are run 100% outdoors (unless it rains and they move the kids inside) with incredible 2 counselors to 4 kids per cohort ratio. On non rainy days, kids get to sit outside on a carpet under the tent for various activities and crafting. Each week is themed (insects, aquatic species...etc) and the kids learn about the ecosystem surrounding the Rouge Valley which is a great way to spend a day for a kid. We'll continue to support this wonderful center and hope more people learn about them as well!

Take this route and you won't be disappointed…read morehttps://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/rouge-valley-loop-via-vista-trail-34f5297--2?p=-1 Parked off of Zoo rd. Took the Vista Trail and then hopped over a road and onto the Mast trail. Nice grassy, earthy trails. Open year-round AFAIK. Bring a headlamp and you can go hiking in the fall evenings. Heck, maybe even in winter. Great workout, decent elevation variation and beautiful vista views.

This is one of the most beautiful Provincial Parks I've been too. Great staff, very clean campsites…read morewith good amenities that are all close. The beaches are very clean as well and gorgeous views! I'd recommend Silent Lake to everyone. Keep up the great work :D

I absolutely love this Provincial Park! The lake is beautiful and so quiet without having the…read moremotor boats on it. If you love to camp and love a quiet place this one of the best parks to go to!!

This is a beautiful park with several short (less than 2 kilometres) hiking trails that go into a…read moreforest. There are lots of different plants, neat wooden bridges, super big trees and an abandoned old car, for some reason. It's a pretty easy walk, the ground is soft and there weren't any inclines or tough, rocky areas that I could see. It was just nice and serene, except for the sounds of some wood processing plant nearby. There's parking enough for about 20 cars, and it's free.

If you're looking for a gentle hike with the kids, this is a great spot. Boardwalks, benches and…read morebridges make this great for grandma and grandpa too. trail maps are available and informative. Admission by on your honour donationof what you feel is appropriate.

We came here to see the fall colours. As of Oct 12, 2025, we were a little early but there were…read morestill some fully turned trees. When the sun came out, the colours really shone through. Nice patch of nature in the middle of a suburban neighbourhood. There's streams, ponds, and plenty of trees. Lots of birds and squirrels. Also signs here and there explaining trees and flowers. Mostly paved and flat, so the trail seems quite accessible. Depending on how you do the loop, you could spend 30min to 2.5hr in the park. There are also quite a few parking spots around the trail, so park near where you'd like to enter. If you make the wrong turn, you'll find yourself by a busy road, so check googlemaps as you go and stay in the park. The park is also on All Trails.

Sunday May 9, 2021 - My friends decided to go for a walk. When I asked where are we going, they…read moresaid to drop me off and leave me so that I can walk home. LOL .. it's a 9.5hr walk to home from there *cries*. We walked along the trail from Green Lane E to Yonge St. It took about 2.5 hours to go and come. We stopped here and there took photos and rested. It's a really nice trial to walk and there where off trail areas for biking. There was also some nice areas to sit and relax.