NIAGARA ESCARPMENT

The Niagara Escarpment is a UNESCO world biosphere reserve site, which aims to promote sustainable development of the flora and fauna in the area.  Beginning in Niagara Falls, the escarpment meanders north towards Manitoulin Island, where it emerges as the world’s largest freshwater island. 

Drive along Grey Road 13, in the Beaver Valley, and you will view the escarpment rising to your east and west. The cliffs, slopes and plains rise 130 m above the Beaver Valley floor, which make for breathtaking views, and excellent picture taking opportunities.

There are two points of interest to take into consideration when visiting the Beaver Valley section of the escarpment.  The first landmark is the bluffs of Old Baldy, which gets its name from the vision of the bald rock face surrounded by lush greenery.  Old Baldy’s sheer cliff has a vertical drop of 30.5 m, illustrating one of the most dramatic elevation changes in Grey County.  The other landmark is known as Kimberley Rock, which is one of two towers of rock that stand separate from the rest of the bluffs.  After crossing a stone bridge, this spire offers the more adventurous hikers an opportunity to sit atop and view the valley down below.  If rock climbing is of interest to you, there are approximately 80 bolted routes that can be used after paying a small annual fee to the Grey-Sauble conservation authority. 

Whether it is hiking, rock climbing, or picture taking that interests you the escarpment will provide it.