Out & About #1035 | Forks of the Credit + Mono Cliffs South Outlier Trail

The sole purpose of obtaining a Mississauga Library Card had been to increase my chances of obtaining an Ontario Parks or Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) pass. While I'm very much still in the queue, I happened to find a number of "Lucky Day Collection" passes being offered at my local library. Needless to say, I jumped at the opportunity and managed to secure an Ontario Parks pass.

Each pass is valid for a period of seven days and area limited to Day Use passes. Consequently, obtaining my pass on a Tuesday morning would require return the following week at the same time. This would restrict usage to the weekend, for majority of parks were too far to be visit on a weekday evening after work.

With my budget proving tragically tight as of late, I proposed the idea to my browsing partner. In place of boujee brunch, shopping, DIY LINE Friends bracelets, and an evening of wine, my wallet required a more affordable alternative - and ideally one that did not require cleaning the house to facilitate guests.

In typical me nature, I set out to optimize the pass by contemplating visits to two Provincial Parks within the same day. Forks of the Credit, Mono Cliffs, and Earl Rowe were quite close to one another. The Fall Colour Report hadn't informed on leaf change at any site. Upon further investigation, Earl Rowe was found to be relatively bland in terms of trails and landscapes, with a murky, contaminated lake to boot. Naturally, the former two were confirmed as the contenders for the day trip.

For parks with automated gates, reservations are mandatory. With the possession of an Ontario Parks pass, visitors could make as many reservations as desired as long as they did not overlap for the same day, time period, or license plate/occupant. In other words, I could reserve both Forks of the Credit and Mono Cliffs, but only one would be valid for the "Full Day" category. The second would be restricted to the slots of: 8 AM - 12 PM, 12 PM - 4 PM, and 4 PM - 8 PM.

I opted for Forks of the Credit first, followed by Mono Cliffs. The decision had resulted from evaluating the availability of tree coverage in each park, analyzing peak periods, and accounting for overall logistics. While early morning trips to Mono Cliffs had proven ideal, I banked on quieter volumes along my trail of interest. In addition, heading to Vaughan appeared swifter from Mono than Orangeville.

Braving a dense layer of fog and less than six hours of sleep, I swooped up my birthday buddy at the early hour of 8 AM. The route would comprise of fast food franchises for washroom stops and lunch/snack breaks, but commence with a last-minute stopover for gas. Caledon was found cheaper than the GTA suburbs, thus I added the most convenient location as a detour.
The Esso was possibly the oldest gas station I'd seen in years: the pumps were not equipped with tap capabilities, the ceiling partitions were dangling, and the entrance to the gas station cashier was camouflaged with an obscene number of flyers against the walls. Somewhat proper signage had informed of the location being an LCBO Convenience outlet. Beyond this addition, it was certainly not the standard Esso.

Next up would be Tim Hortons.

The Canadian coffee house chain was again very old and dilapidated. In contrast to the rumbling pick-ups and stout occupants, the asphalt lot was rather compact. The interior would feature a similar layout to any other of the franchise's outposts, however bathrooms were limited to two unisex stalls instead of the usual gender-separated facilities consisting of two stalls each.
One of these stalls was revolting with a conspicuous puddle of water on the ground. The second was, unfortunately, not much better with grimy floors filled with debris and trash and a nonexistent mirror.

My birthday buddy hadn't heeded my words of wisdom in consuming breakfast beforehand, and took to a savoury pastry during this stop instead. We also procured assorted Timbits to share; the spherical morsels revealed themselves tremendously cloying, and frankly reflective of the local population's average size and weight.

​We pulled into the gravel lot at 9:15 AM, already finding a handful of vehicles in the proximity. The early morning hours were cool with plenty of shade, though these patches of breeziness would later recede to yield uncovered stretches with prominent sun exposure. I shed my neon windbreaker within the first hour of trekking, though my birthday buddy persisted with her starting ensemble: Doc Martens and cotton layers were far from the ideal hiking attire though.

​The intended path would be as follows:

• Trans Canada Trail → Bruce Trail → Meadow Trail → Falls Viewpoint → Return to Parking Lot

Prior to embarking on the journey, I doused myself thoroughly with OFF. Within minutes of stepping foot onto the sandy path, I discovered white streaks on my beloved pair of moisture-wicking pants, much to my horror. Frantically relaying the incident to my browsing partner while investigating potential mitigation measures through Google, I attempted to scrub at the streaks with a wet wipe. The discolouration lessened, but remained visible. I'd learn that most bug sprays would be oil-based, and could alter the appearance of fabrics upon contact. However, my browsing partner prompted me to consider the reason behind the discolouration: Was it bleach or merely just deposit?
What a good question. The mere exchange of words had instantly appeased nerves. Bleach was unlikely after all. I resolved to continue with my hike, as I'd not be pursuing a return trip having come this far. 

​The trails were generally easy with near-nonexistent change in elevation. Underneath our feet were dry soils with the occasional appearance of silt and sand. Rocky paths or tree roots were not observed whatsoever.

My recollection of Forks of the Credit was hazy, though the breathtaking view of the falls had convinced me that a follow-up trip would be warranted. To my sheer disappointment, access to the falls had been blocked off. This was not uncommon, given that an extravagant number of cliff-scalers during the pandemic had prompted such safety measures.

​Access to the Quarryman's Side Trail had since disappeared since my 2016 visit. In place of a steep uphill climb over sodden soils, our path led us down a wooden staircase to a wire fence and graffiti-covered wooden slab. The Falls could not be viewed from the optimal direction.

​In spite of temperatures soaring with each step, I was surprised to witness the early stages of colour change. Beyond the sporadic golden tips spotted in the GTA, some shrubs begun boasting resplendent oranges and ruby reds.

​Early into the day, my watch had ran out of battery. As such, data capture duties would be transferred to my phone. The Samsung Health app conducted a decent job of tracking speed, time, and geographic location, though eliminated personal counters such as heart rate and calories burned.

For the most part, we adhered to the trail without issues. It was only until the Credit River overpass and the intersection of the Dominion, Meadow, and Ruins Trails that we stumbled upon an unexpected detour.

View the full album HERE !

​Having crossed over the train tracks, I proposed continuing on the trail parallel to Cataract Road, mistakenly interpreting it as a connector trail. Although I ought to have known when coming face to face with a CVC logo-donning map of the Elora Cataract Trail, my resolve was resolute.

The Elora Cataract Trail was entirely flat and offered abundant tree cover. Its function could be likened to an unpaved multi-use path, for our encounters comprised exclusively of cyclists and one stroller-wielding mother. 

With increasingly load groans from my birthday buddy, Google Maps was consulted after thirty minutes of walking. Instead of heading east in the direction of McLaren Road, it was learned that we had actually veered west, passing Mississauga Road and nearing Shaws Creek Road instead. Backtracking would be necessary to resume trails within the provincial park.

​Chuckling slightly at my birthday buddy's complaints, I declared that the presence of trail maps and markers was inadequate for wayfinding. The locations appeared random, did not inform of the transition from one trail to another, and were poorly maintained - either partially scratched out or vandalized.

​The main trails did not have much tree cover, thus our hike became extremely toasty as the sun made its way across the sky. That said, the solely difficult part was a short, uphill stretch on small stones. These fixtures were smooth, nicely compacted, and relatively symmetric - essentially nowhere near as tragic as the tree roots, slick asymmetrical rocks, and mud of other parks. Conditions were generally dry and somewhat bit dusty, which is always better than damp and mucky.
This didn't stop my birthday buddy from huffing and puffing, however. Our conversations would come to a screeching halt in the latter half of the hike as differences in activity levels and cardiovascular endurance became evident. The once-exuberant smile would vanish from her face: "I'm vetoing the second hike!" was announced with ire.

I must admit: the Elora Cataract Trail detour was utterly unintended. Save the brief transition period between my watch and phone, my data capture approximated a total hike of 9.62 km spanning 2 hours and 45 minutes. Of course, this is, by no means, a mild undertaking for those that seldom hike or partake in outdoor events.

Personally, the trip concluded that Forks of the Credit was an easy hike, albeit not one to offer tree cover in combat of rising mercury levels. Scenery was largely suburban, accentuated only with sightings of varied buds in bloom, chipmunks, a caterpillar, a teeny snake, and even a copper-toned cricket that somehow crawled into the driver's seat as we departed. With the removal of the Falls lookout, there leaves little to be ecstatic about. Should fields and flowers excite you, I'd recommend a brisk stroll through the provincial park. Otherwise, avid Ontario hikers are better off seeking out a more rugged terrain with lofty trees.

​We returned to the parking area around 12:20 PM, laying eyes on a distinctly busier space. Those that had arrived in the early hours hovered about retirement age, while those entering the park after noon were seemingly younger (in their late 20s or early 30s).
Outhouses could be found between the gravel lot and the trailhead, though indoor plumbing facilities were unavailable. McDonald's in Mono would be our next stop.

While my birthday buddy took to a Creamy Avocado Ranch McWrap and refilled her water bottle, I eagerly redeemed a Cheeseburger. Hunger hadn't hit yet, but I reasoned some form of sustenance intake would be necessary in advance of my subsequent hike.
Let it be known that any additions to a free item, such as shredded lettuce on a Cheeseburger, does not incur extra charges. Let it also be known that the water in the soft drink machine at this location tasted absolutely repulsive, leading us to question its potability.

We'd then continue with the planned itinerary, reaching the gates of Mono Cliffs at 1:30 PM. It was pivotal to enter the park as soon as possible, for my reserved booking would only enable the vehicle on site until 4 PM.
Alas, the absence of signal would pose difficulties in bringing up my confirmation email and barcode. In hindsight, I ought have been mindful of the park's treacherous lack of signal given the two previous experiences. For those finding themselves in similar situations, I'd recommend downloading the confirmation email and barcode for offline use. Thankfully, I was able to retrieve some connection in standing near the bushes by the entrance.

As expected, Mono Cliffs remains as well-loved in the warmer months as it does in the autumn. Space was limited in the gravel lot and trails were brimming with visitors, for reasons beyond me. It is also worth noting the trails were occupied by ostensibly occasional hikers, namely those in casual clothing unfit for long periods outdoors (ie. matching gym sets with biker shorts, lounge pants and sneakers, board shorts and Keds, etc.). The attire differed greatly from the elderly residents who had equipped themselves with hiking boots, hiking poles, visors, and windbreakers.

​Mono Cliffs would tackled solo, for my birthday buddy declared the dire need to recover in the shade after the morning's venture. I acknowledged this need, then warned her of nonexistent cellular connection. Should she decide to roam the grounds, she'd need to find her own way back. But a sketchbook and picnic table under the shade emerged as sufficient; she confirmed that she'd stay put until my return.

Having been unable to complete it last time, the South Outlier Trail was my sole objective of the trip. It was a standalone loop that neither provided lookout points nor connected to the other main trails. These factors alone would have deterred the average visitor.
The trail was also marked exclusively for hiking; biking and horseback riding would be prohibited, and I'd soon learn why.

The start of the trail was a challenging zigzag: a steep climb over rocks and tree roots. When I had visited in the winter, the grounds were covered in snow and ice, obscuring underlying elements and making for hazardous conditions that incited an immediate downclimb. Since two years ago, the trees have been painted with markers to denote the direction - and limits - of the trail. These additions were extremely helpful, for low foot traffic made for barely distinguishable pathways. Nevertheless, the ascent was tricky to maneuver. My camera would be tucked away such that I could acquire a firm grasp on tree trunks and mossy rocks for stability.

​Upon reaching the top of the hilly region, the trail was discovered perfectly flat. In spite of temperatures hovering about the mid-20s, plenty of breeze and tree cover ensured pleasant walking conditions.

View the full album HERE !

Some parts of the trail were exceptionally narrow, with a width no greater than one foot, while others infiltrated by overgrown shrubbery or obstructed by branches and fallen trees. For intermediate hikers, the South Outlier Trail was incredibly fun and fulfilling. I'd not recommend it for beginners or those without proper gear.

After speed walking for what seemed an eternity - there were no views, after all - I arrived at a fork. The South Outlier Trail connected to Bruce Trail at its midway point. Visitors had the option of diverting onto Bruce Trail, connecting to Walter Tovell, then returning to the park entrance via Spillway Trail and Carriage Trail. This route would be arguably similar in distance, yet eliminate the need to retrace one's path downhill in a steep zig-zag format.
Two-thirds of the way was a connection to the Whitewater Refuge Side Trail. Due to both time restrictions and fatigue, I'd adhere to the South Outlier Trail. The mission at hand was to complete the yellow loop and return before 4 PM.

​I relished in my exclusive use of the trail, for connecting trails would not have provided the same peace of mind. Between countless sightings of fungi, a handful of early fall foliage, and crunchy leaves on the ground, I'd encounter just one other group during my trek. The party was travelling in the opposite direction, and it was likely for them to have connected from Bruce Trail, given its constituents of one elderly, a mother with a baby, and a man in business casual, complete with knitted pullover and slacks.

​As with all of Mono Cliff's trails, traversing the loop required far longer than anticipated. The sight of barren trees offered relief, for I was more than ready to call it a day after 90 minutes of continuous activity. While my knees cried out in agony with every step down the slope, my new Terrex shoes provided me enough grip to bounce from one surface to another without endangering already frail ankles. While still vulnerable to invasion of fine rocks, The waterproof low-tops halted infiltration of dust and moisture.

​The South Outlier Trail is finally complete!

Thirty minutes later, we were back at the same McDonald's - this time for a S'Mores McFlurry (me) and Iced Coffee (my birthday buddy). By some sad twisted fate, the coveted, chocolate-y dessert reared its head on the counter in the form of diarrhea-looking splatters within a disgusting paper container. The portion was also much smaller than my go-to location - truly a disappointment despite embracing the same delectable crunchiness atop vanilla soft serve.

​To replenish the body and soul following high-energy exertion, a Chocolate Brownie Muffin was acquired afterwards. The description had alluded to the infamous Olympic favourite, though, in reality, the specimen was quite dry with a few crusty chocolate chips adorning the surface. The muffin crumbled throughout the consumption process, its delicate crumb indicative of a baking soda- and oil-based composition. While the muffin fell below expectations, it was thankfully still very affordable at $2.30 after tax.

The last stop of the day would be IKEA in Vaughan. Approximately one hour of driving and 77 km later, we reached the Swedish homeware giant. The trip marked my second visit to the York Region outpost, with the last trip concluding with explosive stomach pains.

Perusal of Halloween merchandise, procurement of more RYKTA bins, and discussions over the best Nordic Fruit Water flavour (we deemed Pear as best) would precede an evening at the upper-level Bistro.

Though the restaurant section wasn't slated to shutter until 9 PM, offerings were decidedly paltry at 7:30 PM. A single shrivelled Vegetable Medallion and crumpled slice of Garlic Bread were found in the self-serve hot food aisle. Meanwhile, the refrigerated shelves were barren with the exception of wraps, sandwiches, and Gravlax (cured salmon strips with dill).

We took to orders of Salmon Fillet and Meatballs with Mashed Potato, excluding carby sides on the bases of their scanty quantity and dismal quality.

Although passable for the price, my Salmon Fillet was rigid with fishy odours. Furthermore, the string beans were wrinkly and bland, and the Cauliflower Rice crumbly. Decent were the pickled beets, yet essentially texture-less like the canned varieties. The accompanying red sauce was a tad spicy, though the presumed contents of roasted bell peppers (and possibly tomato?) did assist with neutralizing the unpleasant odours of the fillet.
My birthday buddy noted cold meatballs sloshed in thin gravy, but decent mashed potato - which I could confirm.

​Needless to say, the limited selection and depressing-looking assortment had diluted our initial enthusiasm exceedingly.

​Another forty minutes would be required for the trip home, bringing the total driving time to about 4 hours.

​​The day's adventures concluded with planned indulgences of Sparkling Choya Plum Wine and Nihonsakari Honjozo 19.5% Sake. With both of us having perspired substantially, squatting in the garage proved the most feasible choice. This was, of course, also due to unavailable seating area within the house.

​When my birthday buddy eventually departed, laundry was commenced accordingly. Drowsiness/tipsiness and exhaustion would overwhelm me before the load was finished. I plummeted into bed, then, as expected, welcomed a horrific hangover headache the following day. It was likely the worst edition experienced thus far, for the throbbing pains were accompanied by nausea, chills, and eradication of appetite. One could liken the sensation to one's body shutting down - unpleasant and jarring, to say in the least. The result enforced the importance of drinking early to allow for water intake, as well as pacing oneself throughout the process.