Hiking Skinner’s Bluff: One of Grey County’s Best Hikes
Sweeping views of Georgian Bay make my heart beat faster and give me starry eyes for days. So, it’s no surprise I love hiking in Ontario’s Grey County. The area is full of amazing hiking trails that will give you everything from clifftop views to stunning waterfalls. And while it doesn’t have a waterfall, hiking Skinner’s Bluff is has those cliff top views and so much more.
Where is Skinner’s Bluff?
The trail head for the Bruce Trail that takes you to Skinner’s Bluff can be found along Colploys Range Road in Grey County, Ontario. This is a long, narrow dirt road, so be mindful. Skinner’s Bluff is 30 mins north of Owen Sound and approximately 2.5 hours north-west of Toronto. Note, this is not the Skinners Bluff at Colpoy’s Lookout Conservation Area off of Grey Road 1.
Skinner’s Bluff Hike
On a beautiful spring day, accompanied by my quirky father, I set off for one of the best places to hike on the Bruce Peninsula, Skinner’s Bluff. After a long ride down a narrow dirt road we arrived at the trail head for the Skinner’s Bluff trail. This hike has all the classic attributes of the Niagara Escarpment. The footpath is rocky, full of tree roots, and the landscape is littered with crevices.
From the road, follow the blue blazes of the Chris Walker side trail. This side trail links back up with the Bruce to form a two kilometre loop that takes you through the forest and along the cliff edge to multiple scenic lookouts, including the Skinner’s Bluff lookout point.
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Hiking Skinner’s Bluff is pure magic, especially in the spring, will moss-covered rocks, ferns coming to life, and a canopy of brilliant green. And your soundtrack is provided by the incredible bird song that echoes through the trees. I saw so many bird species during my spring hike; downy woodpeckers, scarlet tanager, vultures, grosbeak, and so many more. Even the forest floor is blanketed in trilliums and other delicate flowers.
With hints of blue peeking out in front of you through the trees you’ll make your way to one of the first viewpoints is of the stunning sparkling waters of Georgian Bay. Below you is a forest stretching towards the waters and to either side you can see rocky outcrops, one of which you’re standing on.
Following the trail around you’ll make your way to the spectacular Skinner’s Bluff lookout. Jutting out into the sky is a giant slab of rock. Standing on it all I could think of was Lion King’s Pride Rock. Que the ‘Circle of Life’ – Ingonyama nengw’ enamabala (se-to-kwa!). This precipice gives you 180 degree views over rural landscapes, Georgian Bay, and even some of its islands, Griffith, White Cloud, and Hay Islands.
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But be aware that there are steep drop-offs on all sides as well as crevices around the area. Be mindful of where you step.
So, whether you’re looking for a great trail in Ontario with epic views or an easy Bruce Trail day hike then consider hiking Skinner’s Bluff. But before you go, be sure to check out my hiking tips for a successful Skinner’s Bluff hike first!
Tips for Hiking Skinner’s Bluff
1. Best Time to Hike Skinner’s Bluff
You can visit Skinner’s Bluff from spring through fall as the road is not well maintained in the winter. But the best time to hike Skinner’s Bluff is mid to late spring when all the wildflowers are in bloom and the migratory birds are coming through. Another great time to go is in the fall when Ontario’s fall colours are at their peak.
2. Parking
There is no parking lot for Skinner’s Bluff. So, you’ll have to park on Colploys Range Road near the trail head. But make sure not to block any farm gate or driveway. And there is no parking during winter through early spring.
3. What to Bring
To ensure you have the best hike at Skinner’s Bluff there are a few things I recommend you bring. Make sure to bring comfortable hiking shoes. I love my keen hiking shoes! Pack your reusable water bottle, binoculars (to spot all the birds), a good camera, and some good bug spray. Another thing I always bring is a backup power bank to charge my phone just in case. A couple of other great things to have, especially for any of the Bruce Trail hikes is the Bruce Trail guide or the Bruce Trail map. Here’s a list of all my hiking must-haves for a day hike.
4. No Services
There are no services at Skinner’s Bluff. Meaning that there is no parking lot, no washroom facilities, no garbage bins, nor any real signage beyond the Bruce Trail blazes and side trail plaques. So be sure to track out any waste.
5. Where to Eat Nearby
Whether you enjoy an early morning or afternoon of hiking Skinner’s Bluff and are looking for where to eat lunch or dinner there are a bunch of great options. You can eat in Wiarton which is 15 minutes west of Skinner’s Bluff trail head. And two of my picks are Dockside Willie’s and The Green Door Café. If you choose the Green Door Café you may have to reserve your table ahead of time as they are always busy. Or you can head to Owen Sound which is 30 minutes south of the trail. And one of the great options for places to eat in Owen Sound is the Mudtown Station Brewery & Restaurant.
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For those looking for things to do in Owen Sound or Wiarton, I highly recommend adding hiking Skinner’s Bluff to your itinerary!
More Hiking Trails near Skinner’s Bluff
Bruce’s Caves Conservation Area
Spirit Rock Conservation Area
Indian Falls Conservation Area
Pottawatomi Conservation Area
Hibou Conservation Area
Have you ever hiked Skinner’s Bluff?
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