Thornton Bales Conservation Area Lower Loop is a 0.7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Aurora, Ontario, Canada that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Thornton Bales Conservation Area is famous for its steep slopes and rugged beauty. This Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) is part of the Oak Ridges Moraine, and has an elevation that drops 54 metres from its southwest corner to its northern boundary. Nicknamed "The 99 Steps", this conservation area is best suited to people who are in good physical condition and enjoy a challenge. Water bottles and comfortable footwear are strongly recommended for hikers targeting these woodland trails. Among the wildlife that can be found in this ravine-like setting are pileated woodpeckers and white tailed deer.
Free parking available on Mulock Sideroad at trailhead.
Access is off of Mulock Sideroad, 3 km west of Highway 11 (Yonge Street).
January 17, 2021Very good incline and declining trek. Great lower body workout
January 14, 2021January 10, 2021
January 9, 2021January 9, 2021December 29, 2020December 27, 2020December 25, 2020Beautiful trails with lots of ups and downs for a good workout. We came right after snowfall and enjoyed the snowy fairy tale. That said, come early: place seems to be popular, and parking is tiny. Need microspikes if even a hint of ice or packed slippery snow (we didn’t because fluffy powder wasn’t slippery).
December 22, 2020A bit icy but very beautiful
December 16, 2020Excellent variety of snakelike trials with lots of hills to get the heart pumping. Very icy but if you have the right kind of micro spikes ( the claw like not little pegs) you will be set. Do not venture out without them. You can find them on Amazon for around $20.
November 28, 2020nice beating down trails however some of them are poorly marked out of the further in you get due to trail maintenance and unclear signage
November 21, 2020November 19, 2020Beautiful scenery. Lots of different terrain. Poor signage & some trails are closed with little to no warning. Allow yourself time for changing routes.
November 8, 2020A lot of elevation change and a good workout. We entered the park from the Joker Hill trail, which was less crowded so overall a great hike.
November 8, 2020Such a great hike. So many options to take.
November 7, 2020Lovely hike, lots of fallen leaves on trail, but a unique experience in November!
October 31, 2020Completed the entire loop starting at 19th (section closed now so must use steps both ways) Lots of variation climbing up and down. Very easy to get lost. Need to follow map. Extremely limited parking. Please don’t double park in cars. Be patient and wait your turn for a parking spot!!
October 31, 2020October 31, 2020October 31, 2020October 25, 2020October 25, 2020Amazing! Lots of trails.
October 24, 2020large part was closed for research. small portion that was open was pretty with many elevation changes
October 24, 2020October 24, 2020Busy
October 24, 2020Beautiful Fall morning on the trails. For parking, keep in mind that there are only about 10 spots in the lot. Read signs carefully for street parking. Only available on the opposite side of the street as trail entrance near Dog Tails.
October 23, 2020October 23, 2020October 19, 2020
