From the waterfall he named her, Minnehaha, Laughing Water.
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
So who doesn’t look for nice day trip getaways? I think we all do and I’m happy to share this one with you.
I hadn’t been here in quite a umber of years and last weekend I was looking for something to do outside of the usual things that seem to take up the weekend. So off to Rock Glen it was but not before making a stop at this great little find in Forest. Ill post about that soon for you!!
Rock Glen is very cool and they have some hiking trails (some of which are wheelchair accessible), 10 meter high Rock Glen falls, a fossil museum, playground and loads of picnic spots….oh and can forget the ice ream sold at the gatehouse as you come in and go out. 😉
In this day and age where we spend so much time indoor and not enough face to face time (and I dont mean “face time” on our electronics (wink wink) ) this is a welcomed reprieve where you, the children, grandparents can all get out and enjoy the day. With the exception of the crazy amount of stairs they have on a lower path the trails are quite low intensity and really well maintained. Even the stairs though they have landings all the way and even seats where you can stop and rest and or just visit. Both sets of stairs are 120 ish steps each and the stairs, boardwalks, look out points and bridge allows you to safely check out and enjoy the steep sides of the glen .
This map will give you idea of what you’re looking at.
“Rock Glen Conservation Area, Arkona, is 27-hectare park. It’s known worldwide for Devonian-era fossil deposits, its fossil and indigenous artifact collection at Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre, significant Carolinian forest and breathtaking Rock Glen Falls”. Many fossils have been found by amateur archeologists and visitors in the exposed beds dating back as far as 350 million years.
There are other exposed wall areas but this was quite the draw for many.
These are across from the falls themselves and folks would wade through the waters or take the little path to the left and go to the wall you can see straight ahead.
This is what you see when you first get to the water itself and it was really quite nice to see all the families alike to go in and cool off and just have a wee splash around.
What would a waterfall be without the sound…here’s a short video clip.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/e2K2CPxvdjo[/youtube]
And this time of year along the trails if you decide you want a little sweet something, here ya go……
Fresh berries for the pickin’
So all in all if you are looking for someplace for a family reunion or group get together this is another one you can rent the pavilions and have a great time.
Driving Directions: From Sarnia or London take Exit #44 off the 402 to Arkona on Cty Rd #79.
Park is located on Rock Glen Road, two (2) kilometers outside of Arkona.
519-235-2610 Toll-free 1-888-286-2610
Or if you are a camper there is the Rock Glen Family Resort straight across the way and you could make a weekend out of it. They have tent spots, trailer spots and even cabins for those that prefer “glamping”. 🙂
Enjoy!!
