Credit Jan Oudenes
Map provides approximate location.
MapleCross Nature Reserve at Canning’s Falls
Caledon, ON
Bruce Trail Conservancy – 2019
28 hectares
Property Description
Tucked in the rolling forested landscape of the Hockley Valley in the Orangeville area lies MapleCross Nature Reserve at Canning’s Falls. This 28-hectare property contains beautiful waterfalls, significant forested areas, important coldwater stream habitat, and one of the best geological sites on the Niagara Escarpment.
The property has been recognized as a provincially significant earth science site because of the exposure of a nearly complete series of rock layers – one of the only full sections through the Niagara Escarpment between Milton to Collingwood.
As the Nottawasaga River tumbles through these layers, it forms four graceful waterfalls. The river itself is a “coldwater stream” – an important yet vulnerable habitat in Ontario. Many species, like brook trout, depend on its clean, cold, year-round flowing water.
The deep cut valley is covered with dense, healthy coniferous and deciduous forests. Together with adjacent protected sites, these create an impressive 23 km2 of continuous wooded area. This tract is home to species like Eastern Hemlock, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Maidenhair Fern and Eastern Ribbon Snake.
MapleCross Nature Reserve at Canning’s Falls is owned and cared for by the Bruce Trail Conservancy as part of its work to preserve a ribbon of wilderness and create a permanent home for the Bruce Trail along the Niagara Escarpment. The property was purchased in 2020 with funds from MapleCross and a community of generous individual donors.
PLEASE NOTE: There is currently no trail access to the MapleCross Nature Reserve at Canning’s Falls. The Bruce Trail Conservancy is working with the neighboring landowners, including Ontario Parks, to develop a safe, environmentally sustainable trail access and route on the property.
Content and property pictures courtesy of Bruce Trail Conservancy.
