Chimney Bluffs Loop

The hike starts at behind the lavatories (Clean and well maintained, but no running water) along the East/West Trail then turns left at the junction of the Drumlin Trail.  The Drumlin Trail climbs a steep hill to the top of the bluffs.  Besides the rock formations the other draw of the park is the flora.  Spring wildflowers are often seen blooming here before almost anywhere else in the region.  If you visit the park in the early spring around Easter look for flowers blossoming along the trail. 

When you reach the top of the bluffs you will immediately see the geologic formations.  Danger!  Do not walk to the edge of the cliffs.  The cliffs edges are often overhangs with no support.  People have been killed or injured from the ground giving way.  In addition to the perils of falling down the cliff, mud slides can envelope the injured.

If you continue on along the cliff, walk slowly and watch where you are putting your feet.  The trail is crossed by roots that could trip you and send you stumbling off the cliff.  Stop frequently and view the geologic formations from several perspectives.  Stopping every few yards yields a new and interesting perspective of the cliffs, the geologic formations and Lake Ontario.  Contemplate that these formations will not look the same if you come back ten years later.  The larger formations will still be there, but they will be modified by the constant erosion cause by water and wind. 

Continuing west you will notice that the cliffs taper off to the shore of the lake.  As the trail descends it goes through some muddy places that remain muddy year round.  As the trail reaches the water's edge you will see some trees that have recently fallen off the cliff and others than fell a long time ago.  The older trees often look like bones in the sun, because their bark is gone.

At the water's edge you will see a beach made up of rounded rocks ranging in size from pebbles to boulders.  The wet rocks glistening in the sun often look like jewels or are shot through with beautiful striations of color.  As the rocks dry they will loose their luster, but you can take them home and put them in an aquarium or water filled jar.  You may even want to consider spraying them with a high gloss clear acrylic spray. 

From the beach you can turn inland on a trail that will lead to the formal park visitor center.

Alternate hike

If you plan to spend the day at Chimney Bluffs explore the inland trail that starts at the top of the ascent from the parking lot.  This trail heads inland and is parallel to the road.  The trail affords views of the East Bay estuary.  This is the area to search for the several varieties of Trillium that blossom in the park.  On cold windy days a walk into the woods is a welcome relief.  The trees break the wind and reduce wind chill.  On dry warm days it is a pleasant walk.  The main trail gently slopes down to the road.  In the spring, you can see daffodils near the gate. 

Click on the map above for a larger map of the park trails.

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