Hiking in Haliburton

Each year I try to squeeze in some walks/hikes throughout the County where I haven't been before and with the annual Hike Haliburton Festival coming up (details further along), I was curious to check out High Falls in the eastern portion of the County, within the borders of Algonquin Park. Yesterday was a beautiful Fall day and so it was decided! Now, having never been there, the question was - is it a large rapids or truly a Falls we were going to get to discover? As we arrived at the starting point, we (my husband John and I) were perplexed. We heard it was a rugged walk requiring really good footwear and were met with a completely level walk through new-growth forest. It was like walking through a farmers' field with young trees in it! This continued for a good 15 minutes - then we turned a corner and the old-growth forest, a hiker's true love, met us. It was still an easy hike at this point but we could hear rushing water ahead. We soon came to the river, a wide area with rapids at the top. The water was very low and most rocks were high and dry. Was this it? We tried to picture it in high water and thought it would be quite pretty. The trail continued.....another pond - more rocks - the rushing water a little more vibrant this time. We rock hopped along the rapids - very easy with that many rocks! Leaving the rock hopping behind, we got back on the path and found it to be getting much more difficult - many roots, rocks, boulders with great crevices everywhere (perfect homes for wildlife), and we noticed for the first time we were travelling higher and higher. There it was - about 40 minutes into the walk - High Falls. Not Niagara Falls by any means, but incredibly picturesque, with great spots to sit and enjoy the sounds and sights. Eventually you go right to the top and if you aren't nervous about hopping (really just stepping) from rock to rock, you can sit at the top - a great level spot, and relax. It was a great day and a lovely walk - 81 photos later!

Now, as promised - Hike Haliburton Festival! This is a great excuse to come to Haliburton County. On September 23, 24 and 25 there are over 30 guided hikes held across the County. They are FREE (donations appreciated), and organizers ask that you pre-register the hikes you wish to go on. The hikes range from short and sweet, to hardy. Something for every age and ability. Pick an area of the County you haven't been to before - get out and explore this gorgeous part of Ontario. For hike info, visit www.haliburtoncounty.ca/tourism/fall/hikehaliburton.asp .