I decided to go back to the Iroquoia section today instead of heading up north. My goal was to hike the Dundas Valley Conservation Area and as I walked through the area I decided to go slightly further and turn back at the side trail just past the boundary of the park. My only issue is that I did not find the side trail and ended up at Sherman Falls an extra couple of kilometres away.
Sherman Falls
Now that wasn’t a bad thing, just a not expected. I was surprised to see that the trees that overhang the falls were still green but I guess these trees haven’t caught up just yet. Heading back towards Dundas Valley Conservation Area there is another small waterfall called Canterbury Falls.
Canterbury Falls
Since there hasn’t been much rain the falls was on the small side. It’s also awkward to get a viewpoint along the trail and this was the best vantage point I could get. As I hiked back into the conservation area the Hermitage, a ruin that once belonged to George Gordon Browne Leith lies just inside.
The Hermitage
He bought the estate in 1855 which he eventually sold to his daughter and her husband who soon sold it. Later in 1880 the home become a hotel and summer spa with a mineral spring. In 1901, George’s youngest daughter bought the estate. The hermitage was ravaged by two fires and went to ruin in 1934.
Ruins of the Hermitage
Some say the ruins are haunted but I did not experience anything during my short time exploring the grounds. Since no ghosts came out to play I continues my hike back through the conservation area. Towards the north end of the park there is Sulphur Springs Station, a reproduction of a Victorian railway station of the same name. It is a visitor’s centre for those visiting the area.
Sulphur Springs
The Dundas Valley Conservation Area is a definite treat to walk through with its wide walkways and education areas. It is especially a joy to walk through in Autumn with the yellows, oranges and reds surrounding you on your hike.
