Cheltenham Badlands Trail

There are two formal trails on the Cheltenham Badlands property, owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust and managed by the Credit Valley Conservation (CVC): the Bruce Trail (1330m) and the Badlands Trail (325m).

The Bruce Trail runs through the property between Creditview Road and the parking lot on Olde Base Line Road. The Bruce Trail is connected to the 'badlands' shale feature through a new trail connection known as the Badlands Trail. The Bruce Trail has been re-aligned between the new trail connection and the parking lot on Olde Baseline Road in order to widen the trail and reduce the trail’s slope. 

You can gain access to the 'badlands' viewing area from the Bruce Trail if you take the Badlands Trail. Then you can view the 'badlands' from the new accessible boardwalk.

Physical access to walk on the badlands feature is no longer available as it leads to erosion of this sensitive feature. The Badlands are only available for viewing along the accessible boardwalk. The accessible boardwalk can also be accessed from the road. There is an accessible parking space adjacent to the accessible boardwalk and a sidewalk that leads directly to the 33 car parking lot on Olde Base Line Road.

Through new interpretive and wayfinding signage, visitors can learn about the Badlands feature and navigate the trails on the property. There are also trailhead maps located on the trailhead signs at each entrance to the property. Visitors are asked to stay on all trails and the accessible boardwalk in order to preserve and protect the sensitive site. For more information, visit the CVC website.

Biking and geocaching is not allowed.

What are the Badlands?

“Badlands” is a geologic term for an area of soft rock devoid of vegetation and soil cover that has become molded into a rolling landscape of rounded hills and gullies.

Such areas are rare in Ontario and in Canada and this is one of the best examples. They exhibit the reddish hue of the Queenston Shale that forms them; the iron oxide in the shale produces this colour. The narrow greenish bands that can be seen throughout the shale are due to the change of red iron oxide to green iron oxide brought on by the circulating groundwater.

The relatively soft shale is essentially clay and is easily eroded by water. This site was acquired by the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 2000 and the property is managed by the Credit Valley Conservation.

Information provided by the Ontario Heritage Trust, Credit Valley Conservation and the Bruce Trail Conservancy. For further information, contact Credit Valley Conservation at recreation@cvc.ca.

___ ______________________________________________

Thank you for your interest in the Cheltenham Badlands Trail. Did you know Ontario Trails Council provides many services to Ontario? Please be sure to get our latest guide on developing an accessible website for your trail organization!

Add this badge on your website - ask us how.

For more information on trails or to view a trail video by activity please go to the OTC Youtube Channel

Ontario Trails do not own or manage any trails. Check with the identified manager before using this trail. Do not trespass, allowed uses only.

Nearby Amenities

Characteristics & Access

Upcoming Events

• Mountain Equipment Co-op Services and Products: 2021-03-16 - 2022-03-16
  Please come in and learn the basics of equipment services and equipment to ensure your comfort outdoors.

Why donate?

By supporting the Ontario Trails Council, you will support trails, enabling delivery of services such as trail promotion, advocacy, creation and maintenance. The Ontario Trails Council is a provincial organization and registered charity. Every donation of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt. Thank you for your support!

Nearby Trails

Nearby Ammenities

Accommodations

Restaurants

Transit

Sporting Goods