David Erwin

This is great little hike. It offers you more solitude when compared to the more popular trails around the bluffs and it gives several vantage points for great photos. If you pick the right time of day, you get the secluded stone beaches all to yourself. There are several other llittle beaches along this trail offering unique views of the bluffs and the lake.

You need good shoes for this trail and it is not friendly to people with mobility issue. There is one steep section and many areas of large lose stones - be careful in wet weather.

There is ample street parking near the trailhead. The trail begins right behind the yellow gate posts. You start by descending a steep hill. At the bottom of the hill, the main trail is on your left and to your right is a less travelled trail that goes down to quiet stone beaches - I save these beaches for the end of my hike.

So if you follow the main trail you will get a peaceful walk and if you willing to climb over some large stones, the trail will lead you into Bluffers park. I usually turnaround at Bluffers Park and head back for those secluded stone beaches near the start of the trail.

So when your back at hill by the trailhead you see a little trail to your right descending into the bush . Follow that trail to some of the quietest beaches in the city.

It is about 5k if you do both sections of the walk.

This is a great little oasis in the city, high a top a hill. The tennis courts are always humming, pick up basketball is just a jump shot away and a small grass area set aside for a unleashed dog area with fountain for thirsty friends. I usually make a stroll through Witchwood park and make my way to Hillcrest - it's a great evening walk.