Hiking in the Devil’s Glen Provincial Park on the Niagara Escarpment part of the Bruce hiking trail were I take a break at the bottom on the Mad River.
Situated on the Niagara Escarpment 518 m above sea level this park features rock outcrops, forested slopes and wetlands, and protects a geologically significant incised river valley.
Meltwater from the last retreating glacier carved the steep gorge of Devil’s Glen. This is where the Mad River now winds its irregular route.
Be aware the park is gated and only accessible by foot. Camping and fires are not allowed. The park provides access to the Bruce Trail and a viewing platform provides a scenic view of the Niagara Escarpment.
Devil’s Glen rests on a broad terrace known as the Manitoulin Bedrock Ledge, the site of a glacial meltwater channel that flowed along the edge of the escarpment. The gorge, carved by the Mad River spreads as far as your eye can see.
The upper rim along the gorge is lined by Silurian Amabel dolomite caprock, a form of limestone.
The lower valley walls are steep and covered with dense deciduous forest, and formed bedrock fragments called talus.
Although you may not see them, the provincially rare harts tongue and smooth cliff brake ferns are found on these steep cliffs.