Niagara Section - Decew H.P (29.9 km) to Swayze Falls (42.3 km) - February 19, 2026.

 Niagara Section #3 Decew H.P. (29.9 km.) to Swayze Falls (42.3 km.) - February 19, 2026.

This week's hike was mainly inside Short Hills P. P., known for its wet and muddy trails. It was a grey day with the feeling of spring in the air. We weren't sure what the conditions would be like but we were all happy to be here. We traversed this 12.4 km area in 4 hours. 

We are 9 hikers, Steve R.(photos), Grace, Ivan, Faryde (photos), Doug (sweep, photos), Lesley (H.C., photos), Donna, Renu, Annette (photos). Starting at Decew House, specifically at the Beaver shell that commemorates the Battle of Beaver Dams where the Mohawks featured prominently in the battle. 

Walking along the shore of Lake Moodie we can tell the walking will be difficult today. 

We did not see Mr. Beaver, but could see he was working hard

Sir Hike A Lot demonstrates the depth of the snow.

Clothing adjustment as we warm up

The way to Tobermory

The Bridge at Laura Secord's Crossing, water is running high.

Twelve Mile Creek

First Street Louth crossing, glad to have our feet on firm ground.

A big smile from Donna as we descend to Walnut Creek Trail

Doug

Walnut Creek overflowed its banks and froze

We were so fortunate that the stream was frozen

Annette skates along

Ivan cracking us up

Annette nimbly navigates a stream

Doug keeping us on track

Terrace Creek Falls in full spate

So impressive, as it is just a trickle in the summer

Elevensies

Kudos to these 4 new hikers, Donna, Renu, Ivan and Faryde out on a difficult hike as they seek their E2E status. 

As H.C. I took a minute wondering whether this bridge would hold, but there was no other way across

 

The day was warming up and the trail was getting wetter

A short respite to catch our breath, the snow is deep and moves like sand 

Renu powering through

H.C. has help checking the route....Ooops that's a contour line!

Step back in time on the Palaeozoic Path

Swayze Falls

Sir Hike a Lot tries to capture Swayze Falls in full spate. 

Made difficult as the viewing platform was closed for repairs

 

See you on the trail next week!

Andrew, our H.C. of The North, sends us greetings from the bench at the top of Beaver Valley.