Outdoors with Kids Log

Devil's Pulpit day hike, Bruce Trail, Ontario, Canada

• Posted on April 22, 2007 at 9:12 PM
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Since we had to be at my mother in law's for a family lunch at 2pm, we did not have time for a long hike. We decided to check out the Devil's Pulpit day hike on the Bruce Trail adjacent to the Credit River. This hike was listed in the guidebook as being just under 3 kilometres, but with 300 feet of rapid elevation gain and the reward of a lovely view from the top of the Niagara escarpment at the mid point of the hike. (This was not a loop hike.)

As with the previous week's hike in Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, we accessed the route description on the main website for the Bruce Trail Assocation (http://www.brucetrail.org/) under the "40 Great Years, 40 Great Sites" page. The route is accessed by turning West off of Highway 10 onto the Forks of the Credit Road and following the road to Chisholm Road. One can park on the north side of the street beside the gently rolling Credit River. The hike begins on Chisholm Road and then ascends fairly steeply and directly up the trail, through massive jumbles of moss covered limestone boulders to a 10 metre cliff known as the Devil's Pulpit. The hike continues up a set of steep steps beside which the Trail staff have fixed a cable for hikers to hold while climbing the steps to the top of the precipice. The view from the top of the cliff is pretty, although somewhat limited by the trees on either side. The top of the climb is bordered by fenced-in private property, which removes any wilderness ambiance to the climb. There is room to have a picnic and rest at the top.

While the hike is modestly technical, we had no difficulties, despite the fact that we had forgotten to bring our Snuglis and were carrying our babies in our arms while negotiating the terrain. Good footwear and moderate fitness is useful on this hike, but it is so short that most hikers can accomplish it without strain. After a rainfall, the difficulty of this hike would rise significantly, especially on the steeps and when negotiating the short stretch of moss covered boulders midway into the hike.

I would rate this short hike as good, and suitable for children under close supervision from adults, particularly when on the top of the cliff and when ascending and descending the steep portion.

The only specialized gear used was a pair of hiking poles and a MEC Happytrails child carrier.