Easy hikes and walks around Meaford

The Sydenham River flows through the heart of Owen Sound, beginning at the junction of the Rocky Saugeen and Beatty Saugeen Rivers before emptying into Georgian Bay. This section through Harrison Park winds through the wooded valley lined with walking paths, bridges, and gardens, creating a peaceful setting that feels surprisingly natural within the city. The calm stretch of water, mature trees, and seasonal wildlife make this section of the river a popular place to pause and enjoy the scenery.

Weaver Creek Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into a wooded ravine within Harrison Park, where spring-fed water drops over a rocky ledge before continuing through the park to the Sydenham River. Reached by a short boardwalk through hardwood forest, the falls feel surprisingly hidden despite being only a short walk from park facilities. The waterfall itself sits on private property, so it’s important to stay on the boardwalk while you enjoy the view.

Boyd Crevices Nature Reserve protects one of the most unusual sections of the Niagara Escarpment, where deep limestone fissures split through dense forest beneath the cliffs. The cool shaded crevices create their own microclimate, supporting mosses, ferns and plant species more commonly found much farther north. Wooden staircases, narrow passages and rocky escarpment terrain give the reserve a far more rugged feel than many other sections of the Bruce Trail.

Parking is along the side of 10th Concession South road near the small Bruce Trail entrance sign, with just a few gravel pull offs tucked beside the road. It’s an easy spot to miss on the first drive through, especially since the trail disappears straight into the forest without a formal lot or facilities nearby.

The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, stretching more than 900 kilometres along the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory. Following cliffs, forests, waterfalls and rocky escarpment terrain, the trail passes through some of the most biologically diverse landscapes in southern Ontario, including a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Sections through Boyd Crevices are especially known for narrow limestone fissures, cool shaded microclimates and rugged escarpment scenery shaped over millions of years.

This bridge is a beautiful crossing over the Pottawatomi River, and is a perfect spot to pause and enjoy the slow moving, peaceful water. If you listen carefully, you can hear the low rumble of Jones Falls ahead, even though the drop is still hidden by the curve of the escarpment.

The Pottawatomi Conservation Area is picturesque, covering 119 hectares of hardwood forest, escarpment edge, and river valley, with hiking trails, and the impressive Jones Falls cascading into the Pottawatomi River. Parking is free, and there are no entry fees. It’s a great place to visit for year-round, especially in fall when the leaves change to vibrant autumn colours.

Jones Falls is a beautiful 12-metre cascade that drops over a rugged section of the Niagara Escarpment. The water spreads into several tiers as it flows down the rock face, creating a wide, picturesque curtain, especially in wetter seasons. Surrounded by forest and steep escarpment walls, the falls are breathtaking, and worth capturing a few memorable photos while you’re here.