Bruce Peninsula National Park - Grotto Loop (3.0 miles; d=3.60)
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The Grotto Loop Hike Route Map
The approximate track of our hike around The Grotto Loop, at Bruce Peninsula National Park, depicted a la Google Earth...
The Grotto Loop Hike Route Map
The approximate track of our hike around The Grotto Loop, at Bruce Peninsula National Park...
Head of Trails - We were recommended a visit to Cyprus Lake and The Grotto area of Bruce Peninsula National Park. Its about a 2-mile round-trip to The Grotto from here at Head of Trails. About a half dozen trails branch off from here into the park.
From Head of Trails the path briefly runs along the shore of placid Cyprus Lake.
The trail passed this pretty little cascade as it crossed the outlet stream from Cyprus Lake.
A crappy shot of the woods, but it was all I had...
The Georgian Bay Trail reaches its namesake at Indian Head Cove after about a half mile. According to the trail guide this area is a popular swimming and Scuba area in the summer.
The Georgian Bay Trail reaches its namesake at Indian Head Cove after about a half mile. According to the trail guide this area is a popular swimming and Scuba area in the summer.
Turning onto the Georgian Bay Trail, you shortly pass a small interpretive area with this view of Horse Lake.
Indian Head Cove
Indian Head Cove Panoramic Shot
It is a bit of a climb down to the rocky "beach" at Indian Head Cove.
Heading north on the rugged Bruce Trail from Indian Head Cove you soon reach The Grotto. The awesome power of the lake is clearly visible here.
Heading north on the rugged Bruce Trail from Indian Head Cove you soon reach beautiful cliffs of The Grotto.
This interesting formation is located near The Grotto area along the Bruce Trail.
You round a point just north of The Grotto and are treated to this view. This is the first glimpse of the immense rock-strewn beach we would have to cross to get to the Mar Lake Trail, our return route.
If you look close you can see the white blazes that mark the path of the Bruce Trail along this section of rock. The half mile or so of trail we followed was all like this. It was rough with just my camera, it would be brutal with a full pack.
Another shot of the rugged shore north of The Grotto.
Water & Rock
Alex getting a hand from Grandma & Grandpa...
The terrain became more irregular as we neared the rocky beach. This shot shows a typical view of the shoreline forest.
Taking a breather as things flatten out...
I have visited many rock-strewn beaches along the Great Lakes but this one takes the cake. It is a mystery to me how so many stones would be deposited in this one spot.
The Bruce Trail is no less rugged north of the beach but is less exposed. The overlook is not well marked so you just have to check out the numerous side trails until you get a view.