Feb 19, 2016 - One of my all-time favourite Caledon Hills Section hikes includes the Ring Kiln Side Trail. For me, this
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CaLedon hILLs
r i n g K i l n s i d e Tr a i l One of my all-time favourite Caledon Hills Section hikes includes the Ring Kiln Side Trail. For me, this 600 m side trail embodies everything that the BTC stands for. It is a perfect example of the incredible results that we can accomplish through teamwork, persistence, good planning and hard work. This short side trail required permissions from seven landowners and because it hugs the Escarpment cliff face, trail building was a challenge. Volunteers negotiated the handshake agreements and then helped coordinate a couple of land donations. They surveyed, built treadway, constructed stairs, chainsawed, installed a 3 ton chimney cover at the kiln and researched history for an interpretive sign - all done to create, maintain and enhance a stunning trail for visitors to enjoy. A truly amazing part of the whole effort is that every volunteer is helping to achieve a greater goal – to create and maintain a stunning trail system that helps to ensure that a conservation corridor is in place in perpetuity. Visit the Ring Kiln Side Trail and as you walk along give thanks to all our talented volunteers - I do. – Jean Kerins suGGesTed hIKe: The Ring Kiln Side Trail, near Forks of the Credit, is a short but hilly hike to the remains of an old lime kiln from the late 1800’s. From the roadside parking on the Forks of the Credit Road, head south along Chisholm Street following the white blazes. At the end of Chisholm St., the Trail continues straight ahead and your uphill climb begins. As you ascend the Trail above the railway tracks, you will notice some old railway rails that cross the Trail. Here you turn right (west) to take the blue-blazed Ring Kiln Side Trail. In 600 m you’ll reach the ruins of a Hoffman Ring Kiln. The kiln, built with local sandstone now covered in mosses and ferns, was used for burning dolostone to create lime, a vital ingredient for early industry and agriculture. Explore the looping end of the side trail as it leads through a narrow passage between the old kiln chimney and the ruins, eventually reaching the base of the chimney. A grate covers the hole at the base of the chimney, once a towering stack. Retrace your steps to return to your car.
BruCe TraIL reFerenCe:
Map 14 d I s Ta n C e :
2.0 km
dIreCTIons: 1. From Hwy 401, take Hwy 410 north through Brampton to Hwy 10. 2. Take Hwy 10 to Forks of the Credit rd/Peel regional rd 11 in Caledon (21.5 km)
Photo: Gary Hall
pa r K I n G :
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BruCe TraiL Magazine
3. Turn left onto Forks of the Credit rd for 4.5 km. roadside roadside; Forks of the parking on Forks of the Credit Credit road, Caledon road, between Chisholm St. 43.803809, -79.993002 and Dominion St.
S P r i n g 2016
