Top 5 Nature Trails Near iConnect and the Greater Hamilton Area

As much as you’ve probably heard or read about the importance of spending time outdoors, the positive effects on your mental and physical health can’t be overstated. Increase your fitness levels. Absorb some valuable vitamin D. Reduce your anxiety. Improve your sleep habits, focus, and immunity. And it’s an inexpensive way to stay social! 

The iConnect Community boasts an intricate network of trails. The path running parallel to Borers Creek leads and through the middle of iConnect connects the low-rise residential community to the east, and under Highway 6 to Harry Howell Arena (and beyond!) to the west. Our trail system winds through the business park to Shepard Quarry to the south, joining up with the Bruce Trail to give you a virtually endless list of hiking options. 

This is all just the beginning! iConnect is working with the city to improve the existing trail system to make it more pedestrian, stroller, and bicycle friendly. And as we continue to expand our residential developments, we’ll expand and build new trail systems and connections, making for a truly connected community, connecting your future LIVE to WORK, SHOP, and PLAY.  

These exciting plans for the current and future trail systems at iConnect have inspired us to assemble a list of our favourite nature trails, all just a short drive away. Hopefully a couple of them will pique your interest as well. 

1. Rockcliffe Loop 
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate 
⏳ Distance: 5.5 km loop 

As part of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area, Rockcliffe Loop is home to some stunning scenery. The variety of interconnected trails and terrain and elevation changes makes it as popular for trail runners and mountain bikers as it does hiking enthusiasts. You’ll have opportunities to spot wildlife, like deer, songbirds, and, well, other hikers. It’s a very popular destination. 

2. Smokey Hollow Trail 
🥾 Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 
⏳ Distance: 11 km out-and-back 

This is a long but enjoyable route, good for a casual hike with the family or a group of friends, where you can enjoy the trail and social time with each other. While the native flora is captivating, with huge trees and mossy rock everywhere, Smokey Hollow Falls is the star of the show. The trail starts with a clear viewing overlook and takes you past the base of the falls. Hope you have lots of space on your camera roll! 

3. Shepard Quarry Trail  
🥾 Difficulty: Easy 
⏳ Distance: 4.5 km loop 

If you’d prefer a more secluded hiking experience, check out this route tucked behind the Walmart at iConnect. This trail is rarely busy, especially compared to the other options on our list. You can choose your difficulty as well: the trail branches into narrower, more technical sections, and connects with numerous other routes including the Bruce Trail. 

4. Grindstone Marsh Trail 
🥾 Difficulty: Easy
⏳ Distance: 3 km loop 

Being part of the Royal Botanical Gardens means this trail is well maintained and easy to get to. The boardwalk through the marshlands offers unique views, which become fully breathtaking at sunset and sunrise. This is another route where you can enjoy the scenery instead of focusing on hiking technical, challenging trails. 

5. Bruce Trail: Snake Road to Borer’s Falls  
🥾 Difficulty: Moderate 
⏳ Distance: 6 km out-and-back 

This segment of the renowned Bruce Trail provides a bit of a challenge, but it’s a worthwhile one; the views are stunning. You’ll get a good look at Cootes Paradise and the Dundas Valley as you trek along this moderately challenging route. Be aware that portions of the route may be closed depending on conditions, and you may be rerouted as necessary.