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53. GRAND VALLEY & ELORA GORGE (21.5 KM) (10/28/2023)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Wilson’s Flats #4 - 6251 8 Line W, West Montrose

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Oct 28 2023 10:00 AM (Carpool Departure: 8:15 AM *log in for location*)

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Oct 27 2023 6:25:00 AM

Event Duration:

less than 5.5 hours for the hike (1.75 hr carpool, each way)

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Event Coordinator(s):

Fletcher
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.

Member Cost:

Voluntary Donation Only (See Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 18 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

13 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

THE CARPOOL LEAVES SHEPPARD WEST STATION AT 8:15 AM

This is my first time leading this in & out moderate to intermediate hike that involves some rolling hills, uneven terrain and probably some muddy/wet areas.

EVENT STATS

Level: Intermediate
Distance: 21.5 KM
Terrain: Single track dirt trails, tall grass, gravel roads, a few sidewalk and a rocky gorge.
Trail vs Road: 13.5 KM vs 8 KM
Elevation Range: 40 Meters
Challenging Climbs of Note: 4 climbs of at least 25 meters.
Largest Climb: 50 meters, right after lunch.
Washrooms: Yes, there will be 3 options for washrooms at the 5 KM, 10.5 KM & 15 KM points on the hike.
Highlights: 'Elora Gorge Falls' and 'The Gorge '

Please bring a lunch and at least 1-2 Litres of water. We'll stop at a lunch spot, about 10 KM into the hike in the Elora Gorge.

If you cannot walk the entire distance, please do not sign up for this hike.

DRIVERS, WHEN YOU SIGN UP, PLEASE ANSWER THE CARPOOL QUESTION REGARDING THE AMOUNT OF PASSENGERS YOU CAN TAKE IN YOUR CAR!!!

For those of you choosing to meet at the event location, instead of the carpool, please ensure that you come on time

I’ve set the maximum event count at 1 as I don’t want to add anyone to the event until I have enough carpool drivers to accommodate passengers. I'll aim to take around 20 people.

NOTE: THERE IS A CLOSURE ON LINE 1 BETWEEN ST GEORGE AND ST ANDREW STATION TODAY

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST TICKS

Wear long pants.

Tuck your shirt into your pants, and pull your socks over your pant legs. Wear light coloured clothing to spot ticks more easily.

Use bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin on your skin and clothing.

This are points with tall grass on this hike, so please be wary.

Check yourself for ticks immediately after the event, you can ask me for help for removal.
When you get home, shower and do a full body check, if you find a tick, remove it with tweezers.
If a tick is attached to your skin for less than 24 hours, your chance of getting Lyme disease is negligible.

For more information, see Ticks

Required Items to Bring:

Hiking boots
1 to 2 liters of Water
Snacks and lunch
Weather appropriate clothing
$14.00 to $28.00 to cover the cost for the carpool

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

A smile

First Aid Kit

Whistle

$20 for your 2024 TOC Badge

Change of footwear for after the hike

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

We'll meet at the parking lot for Wilson’s Flats #4.
The closest Approximate Address is 6251 8 Line W, West Montrose - 43°37'30.3"N 80°26'48.2"W

Please note that my event directions are from SHEPPARD WEST STATION
To change the map to options that better suit you, please click "MORE OPTIONS" link the 'Driving Directions' map (below) and then you can add your own address into the search.

Leaving Sheppard West - take the Allen Road south to the 401.
Travel west along Highway 401 for 69 KM.
Exit at Highway 6 NORTH (Exit # 295) towards Guelph for 16 KM
At Woodlawn Road, turn left (WEST) for 2 KM
At the third traffic light, turn right (NORTH) onto Elmira Rd N for 7 KM
After passing the traffic light in the town of Ariss, take the first available right (NORTH-WEST) at 8 Line E for 8 KM
This is an easy turn to miss as the signage is not great
The entrance to Wilson Flats #4 will be on your right side.

POTENTIAL WASHROOM STOP - 415 Woodlawn Road West
There's a Tim Hortons on north side Woodlawn Road in the same plaza as the Petro Canada.

INTERACTIVE DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS
By clicking on the blue writing below that reads "MORE OPTIONS" , you can input your own location into google maps and then use the directions provided to get to the location in the easiest way possible.

MAP OF PARKING AREA

PICTURE OF MEETING LOCATION

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

210Km

Carpool Departure Time:

8:15 AM

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $54.18 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Thursday, November 21, 2024). This is based on $0.08/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Your event coordinator will confirm exactly how much money is required from each person.

Notes:

Please ensure that you check the 'TTC service updates website' for any potential closures.

Please arrive on time, I will turn off my cell phone once the hike begins.

- We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in TOC events.
- Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
- Questions about equipment or rentals? Send them to safety@torontooutdoorclub.com.
- Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Stacy, at content@torontooutdoorclub.com.

Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!