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We took a short drive from Earl Rowe to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park so that we could hike their Lookout Trail. We decided to take the multi-use trail since it was wider and we figured it would be less buggy. To the left of this access point is a ‘stile’, which is a two sided ladder or steps that allow you to go over a fence. The stile gives you access to the Walter Tovell Trail that also will take you to the Lookout Trail.

Trail access at 25th Sideroad and 2nd Line EHS

 

The trail is more of a horse cart path; very wide and fairly flat. It was a very hot day, so we were happy with the amount of shade the surrounding forest provided for most of the hike.

Horseback riding, hiking and biking allowed along this portion.

 

There were many skippers along the way. Skippers fly in an erratic, darting flight pattern and are often mistaken for moths but are actually more closely related to butterflies. In Ontario, skippers are usually small and often gray or orange/brown in colour.

One of many skippers we saw during the hike.

 

While we were quietly hiking the trail and looking for wildflowers, butterflies and other interesting sights, we were delighted to hear the sounds of a chorus coming from a Mennonite barn across the field. We weren’t quite close enough to hear it clearly enough but it was lovely just the same.

The sounds of Mennonites singing from this barn was beautiful.

 

Scattered throughout the forested trail, we saw several different wildflowers in various stages of bloom.

Orange Hawkweed, otherwise known as Devil’s Paintbrush.

 

Wild Basil

 

Red Baneberry

 

The trail had obviously been recently used by horseback riders as there were many signs that couldn’t be missed. Since this is a multi-use trail, should the riders have to put ‘bags’ on their horses so that their ‘business’ is picked up like we are required to do for dogs? Just a thought.

Signs of horses.

Little Wood Satyr Butterfly

 

The Little Wood Satyr Butterfly is the only satyr that has eyespots in pairs on both of their wings. They can thrive in many different habitats since they only need a small amount of woods, brush, grass and moisture for food and shelter. They have a slow, dance-like flight but can fly for a fairly long period. The Eyed Brown butterfly is similar, but larger.

Little Wood Satyr Butterfly with damaged hind wing.

 

The Pearly Crescent Spot Butterfly is one the most common meadow butterflies. You will see it flying low over grasses while alternating between flaps and glides. They can often be found taking nectar from asters, fleabanes and thistles.

Pearly Crescentspot Butterfly

 

Mono Cliff trails are very well marked and easy to follow. Taking a copy of the map with you is always a good idea though, especially when trails intersect with each other.

Trail signs.

Field of wildflowers.

 

Beautiful old maple tree.

 

At the top of the trail, we took a break and had some snacks while enjoying the views of the valleys and cliffs off in the distance. There are many hills and cliffs in this park, as you can see in the following pictures.

Views from the top.

 

Views of Mono Cliffs Provincial Park and surrounding farmland.

 

We will definitely come back to Mono Cliffs to hike some of the other trails in this park. With the number of trails and variety of landscapes, this park is definitely a good representation of what the escarpment in the Bruce Trail has to offer. Watch for the many different fern and cedar species throughout the park and always carry water and a map with you.

Walter Tovell Trail – 4.8 km

McCarston’s Trail – 3.6 km

Carriage Trail – 1.3 km

Spillway Trail – 1.3 km

Cliff-Top Side Trail – 2.8 km

South Outlier Trail – 3.5 km

Lookout Trail – 600 m

Link Trail – 600 m

See all of our posts from Mono Cliffs Provincial Park.