Dundas Valley Conservation Area — Attraction in Hamilton

I would rate this lovely park 5 stars, but for ONE MAJOR POINT: DANGEROUSLY SELF-ENTITLED BICYCLE CYCLISTS. For most horse riders, it becomes extremely dangerous. I know of one horse who was sadly put down after a cyclist came barreling over a wooden walkway at the bottom of a hill, spooking the horse and resulting in the horse falling into the river, sustaining internal injuries and subsequently DYING. 😢😭💔🐎🐴💫 The saddest part, is that the cyclist didn't even slow down after the accident, nor did they look back. Authorities never found out who the person was, who was responsible for that horse's painful fate. The person who carelessly, shamelessly, didn't slow down, and never looked back.

CYCLISTS, you can do better. PLEASE SLOW DOWN NEAR HORSES. 🙏❤🐴🐎 Make way for others, and share the trail. This is not a bicycle park--careening down hills may thrill, but it can also kill a horse.

Fellow pedestrians, we must not contribute to the problem by giving right-of-way to the cyclists. It is the CYCLISTS who are now so self-absorbed in their own fun, that they now EXPECT walkers and horses to make way for them as they jet down the conservation area's many, many hills. Horses have the right-of-way ✅ above walkers, with walkers above cyclists. In practice, however, it looks to be the complete opposite. Cyclists barrel through, walking people make way, and then horses are made to wait even longer for their own safety.

SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY!

That said, let's all enjoy the richness that this gorgeous land has to offer! Endless trails, loops, streams, hills and valleys, deer trails, coyote, phenomenal variety of birds including wild turkey, vultures, swallows, jays, woodpeckers, hawks and the very occasional owl. Bunnies, chipmunks, and squirrels, galore! This gem-of-a-greenspace where Dundas-meets-Ancaster and Greenbelt-meets-Conservation Authority does not disappoint! ❤ (...except where horses n cyclists are...

Extensive network of trails that are great for biking or running, but it doesn't make for a challenging or interesting hike.

There are different access points, the main one being from the north, off of Governors Rd (there's a sign and the entrance is clearly visible; $10 per car).

Most trails are wide (approx. 8'), with a packed dirt and gravel surface. Some side trails are narrower (I haven't explored all of them). There are no tree roots, obstacles, or narrow sections, but there are many twists and elevation changes on all trails, except the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail (like the name indicates, it's flat and straight).

This makes it perfect for biking, assuming you don't mind the occasional short uphill climbs. It's also great for running, or very easy hiking (if you have young children). But do not go there if you prefer challenging hikes! It's fairly scenic, but the surface is just too wide and flat.

There are many hikers, cyclists, runners, and some horse riders. The landscape is nice, large trees, small cliffs, rivers,...

Absolute gem! The best conservation I've been to within an hour or 2 drive! The landscape is BEAUTIFUL!!!! The trails are great for family or the more experienced hiker! You want to go with the family? Then try this place out for sure! Wide trails for strollers if you have young ones (however the hills can be brutal pushing a stroller, make sure you've got bigger tires to roll easier on the crushed gravel and are willing to get a good workout!) Yet there are also narrow trails that wind around trees and up hills! Spectacular for jogging or more intense hiking on your own or with a group :) the falls are cool too, they aren't big falls, like Webster's, in fact they are quite small but still pretty cool! Worth a checkout If you're out for a hike anyways.

Note: entry fee to park is 10 dollars, you can pay by credit or debit. Cash is accepted at the main entrance. But if you walk in it's free of charge! But definitely worth the cost in my opinion! Definitely worth checking this place out!! You'll...