Eramosa Karst Conservation Area — Attraction in Hamilton

I really enjoy walking my dog and bringing my family hiking in this area. The forest is beautiful and my favorite but there are also small caves and wild flower fields to see. I'm only giving it 4 stars for two reasons: 1. The map signage could really improve. I have been lost in this area and my spouse on a separate occasion also got lost. It's not so big that you would end up sleeping out there but it is worrisome that both of us are active hikers with a good sense of direction and spent an extra hour trying to get back to a familiar path. If you stick to the main loop to see the largest cave you won't have any issues. I still bring my young child. 2. There are many many ticks in the area. There are informative signs helping people to identify ticks. If you go from May until winter (and even on warm days in the winter), especially in the fields, you need to cover up with clothing or deet containing repellent, and you should definitely check yourself and your family/pets before getting into your car at the very least. I've done a lazy search of myself and my dog only to come home and find 10 ticks crawling on him. Again if you stick to the main path, you don't brush up against nature/ticks. I do hope this doesn't discourage anyone. I still recommend these trails and enjoy going. In fact, I was...

UPDATED REVIEW (June 13, 2024)

Fantastic new wayfinding and directional signage have been installed around the park. Much clearer labeling of the trail loops and their connections.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: Excellent early August hike in the Eramosa Karst CA. Took a meandering route through both the meadow area and forested area. There are so many wildflowers in bloom! Wild carrot, white sweet clover, chicory, goldenrod, and more. The fissures, caves, and springs of the karst landscape are very cool to see. Some trail markers are rather faded, so pick up a paper map from the sign near the parking lot, or perhaps take a photo of the map board. Picnic tables are available under a shelter, and washrooms are present. Very well maintained trails throughout the park, many of which are stroller or walker friendly. There are access trails into the park from surrounding roads such as Highland and a parking lot at the main entrance on Mt. Albion Road. A great place in all seasons - spring ephemerals like trilliums in the forested areas, wildflowers all summer in the meadow, fall colours, and the beauty of winter snow. Worth...

Eramosa Karst is a beautiful and well maintained trail. It is very buggy/wheelchair friendly, making it very family oriented. There are bathroom facilities and free maps for visitors, and parking is simple and easy.

The trails run in a circular fashion, the longest taking about 1-2 hours to walk with children. There are shorter routes as well, the shortest takes less than 30 minutes walking.

It is also a very safe, even deep into the trails you're never too far from civilization, there is housing all around the area. The trails have visitors all hours, and I've usually seen a few people (mostly the local community) walking dogs, biking and running at any time that the area is open.

Points of interest include the interesting rock formations and cave entrances (no access), open fields and forests. Raspberries and wild strawberries, also mushrooms if you know what you're looking for.

I highly recommend this conservation area for families with young children, there is very little out there to hurt themselves on, and all trails can be accessed...