Iroquoia Section - Rattlesnake Point and Crawford Lake Blue Side Trails - March 26, 2026.
While Hiking With Friends is best known for maintaining a high performance level on the main Bruce Trail (white blazes), we also respect the beauty and challenge that the myriad of Blue Side Trails have to offer and, on occasion, have been "taking our show on that road"...this past week, we decided to visit the familiar confines of Rattlesnake Point and Crawford Lake Conservation Areas to spend time traversing 14 km or so on several of these trails... the aerial view shown above depicts our "lollipop" route that involved 3 side trails (connected by some of the main trail)...so let's get ready to snake, rattle and roll!..
One aspect of today's hike is that no shuttling is involved!..so we obviously had some extra time to catch up in the parking lot and prepare for our outing...coming along for today's ride are 15 members, including myself, Annette, Frances, Josie (photos), Diane, Rita, Donna, Barbara, Steve R, Lesley (H.C), Faryde, Ivan, Georgia, Sandra, and Steve K...there is some rain in the forecast later today but conditions are pretty spot on right now, so let's get going!..
The Rattlesnake Point Side Trail will take us from the parking lot off of Appleby Line along the edge of the escarpment for 2.5 km...it has had some nice upgrades since I was last here and it's a smooth start to our day, with an early view of Mount Nemo in the distance...
A quick stop at Pinnacle Lookout is in order before heading out again...the pace is quick and the trail is smooth...great hiking conditions...
There's a bit of climbing to do (overall, we will ascend 350 meters today which is a decent amount) before hitting the boardwalk...which has taken on a case of "fun house warp" to it in places...unfortunately, there are none of those fun mirrors to make us look thinner though...
Many of the trail intersections are sporting these sign post/mini-benches, which are nice additions to the hiking experience...and a good place to "hang your hat"...
After transitioning to the main trail for a short while, the terrain becomes a touch more technical and a bench provides a nice break after some hard work...
I call this piece..."Waiting for Spring".
The Nassagaweya Canyon area is renowned for its large bird population and we get a great view of a couple of turkey vultures hanging out on a roost...we prey for moments like this...
Having crossed the canyon using the Leech Porter Side Trail, and once again transitioning back to the main trail for a while, we are greeted at the Crawford Lake Conservation Area by the well recognized wood carvings that grace the area...
While the group takes a well deserved refreshment break outside the Visitor's Center, I decide it has been a long time since I've had a look at the famous long houses that have been here since long ago...pretty unique structures...but it's soon time to get along...
Returning via the Crawford Lake Side Trail, the impending inclement weather appears to have made it's way into the area a bit earlier than expected, and many in the group scramble to don their rain ponchos...some with more grace than others?..Barbara is pointed out as an example of the correct technique...
Fortunately, the precipitation never really amounts to much (until after we're done), and it's pretty smooth sailing the rest of our way back to the parking...this tree growth reminds me that I need to pick up some cauliflower on the way home...
Our day on the trails is finished in fine fashion...friends feeling the finality of a fun and first class fitness foray...thanks for joining along in our fellowship...see you again soon!
The End
Sir Hike-a-Lot reminds us all...Don't be that guy!
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