Exploring Walter's Falls in Winter
by
Sandra J. Howe for theFlesherton.ca
In
1887 Walter's Falls was a bustling community of over 200 people. A
sawmill, woollen mill, and grist mill all driven by the creek
employed dozens of men. The churches and Foresters' Hall were active.
Stores and businesses thrived. Today this sleepy little town is
quieter. The rushing of Walter's Falls as it drops 14m over the cliff
edge is often the loudest noise around. It remains, though, a place
full of history and natural beauty. Winter lends it a particular
charm, inviting casual strollers and hard-core hikers to explore.
Walter's
Falls is named for John Walter who built the first sawmill in 1852.
The sawmill stood at the lip of the falls until it burned in 1984.
Foundation walls and machinery are still visible at the site. The
other historic building just upstream was the woollen mill. The feed
mill on Victoria St., the main road into town, remains one of
Ontario's few water-powered mills. The history of the village and
creek are inseparable.
To
begin your journey, park in the large cleared lot provided by The
Falls Inn, downhill off Victoria St. For an easy stroll wander to the
lookout platform over the falls. The bridge just upstream provides a
lovely view of the dam and millpond. As you face the inn, look uphill
to your right for a glimpse of St. Philip's Anglican Church. Follow
the road in this direction to visit the beautiful old church and
graveyard. The tombstone of John Walter and his family is just inside
the gate. The rest of the village offers good walking, or return to
The Falls Inn for refreshments.
For
a more rigorous adventure, the Bruce Trail offers a 4.5km loop of
moderate difficulty which follows Walter's Creek downstream and back
up the other side. The trail is rugged and steep in places. It is
suitable for winter hiking or snowshoes but not for skiing. Choose
weather-appropriate footwear and clothing. Head west across the
bridge on the white-blazed Bruce Trail and turn right into the high
meadow. As you enter the forest an old forklift and mill machinery
attest to the area's past industry. The trail meanders through
hardwood forest, then switchbacks steeply down the escarpment to
creek level. Use extreme caution on this descent; this is the
toughest bit of this loop.
The
trail levels out now, winding along the creek flats. There are
hemlock and cedar with mixed maple forest on higher ground. The creek
bubbles along beside you. Chickadees, blue jays, and cardinals call
out. Watch for wildlife signs in the snow. The air feels peaceful and
pure. Soon you come to Grey Rd.29 with an option to continue straight
across or shorten your loop to about 2km. For the shorter loop, walk
north, a right turn onto the road, to the junction with
Holland-Sydenham Townline. Just to your right, the white blazes of
the Bruce Trail enter the forest heading back upstream along the
creek.
The
longer loop continues across Grey Rd.29. The Bruce Trail Conservancy
(BTC) completed a land purchase here in 2015 for the new Walter's
Creek Nature Reserve. Sydenham Bruce Trail Club Trail Director, Ron
Savage notes,”This new property extends the BTC's ownership in the
area, securing an additional section of conservation corridor
containing the Bruce Trail. Most of this loop is now on conservation
lands because Grey Sauble Conservation Authority also owns property
along Walter's Creek. Fifty percent of the Bruce Trail is on private
land, and is therefore not secured for public access. BTC membership
fees and donations are essential for land acquisition to secure the
whole Bruce Trail permanently.”
From
Grey Rd.29, you enter a wood of young cedar, beech, and maple. Ruffed
grouse may erupt from the dense undergrowth. The trail climbs out of
the valley, along a ridge and pasture, and re-enters a hardwood
forest. Descending again to the creek, you cross Townline Rd. A right
turn onto the road here will connect you at the corner with the
return trail heading back upstream to Walter's Falls. Continuing on
across Townline, the trail meanders through huge, old beech and
hemlock trees. Some of these may be remnants of old growth forests
that were logged out in the late 1800s.
After
crossing 3 wooden foot bridges, you will see Walter's Falls Side
Trail. It is marked with blue blazes, on your right with a creek
bridge. In its early years the Bruce Trail bypassed Walter's Falls,
and this was the main trail. When the Hallman Family built The Falls
Inn they agreed to a loop extending to the falls. Dwayne Hallman
said, “the Bruce Trail is a point of interest for our guests, and
brings many people to our doors. We are happy to have it cross our
lands.” Follow the blue blazes through plantation and pasture, past
an old farmstead full of fruit trees, until it meets the main trail
again.
Turn
right to follow the white blazes back upstream to Walter's Falls.
There are some steep and rocky sections here so be cautious. Many
springs emerge from the hillside making the trail wet and slippery at
times. One bubbling spring flows directly out of a rock face but
don't assume it is safe to drink. Take in the winter scenery. Listen
for birds. Soak up the sound of flowing water. Soon you find yourself
back at the falls. You can cool down or warm up with food and
refreshments at The Falls Inn. For a more traditional diner
experience, try The Corner Gas General Store uptown. I hope you've
enjoyed exploring Walter's Falls in winter. Happy trails!
