You might have seen glimpses of them in ads and wondered where on earth is this? If you look at it on Google Satellite, you’ll see a strange wrinkled patch of pink dirt lined with white stripes. It looks even more surreal when you see it for real. (To show you what I mean, here's a little clip of Cheltenham posted on YouTube by TorontoHD, they feature 170 Toronto clips).
Cheltenham Badlands, managed by the Bruce Trail Association, is a very special place and thanks to the fact that it is a shot drive from Belfountain Conservation Area, it is very popular during Tahnksgiving long weekend. I recommend that you visit before Thanksgiving or that you commit to arriving no later than 10 a.m. to beat the crowd.
The unique red landscape is surrouned by leafy trees, which means cool fall colours! Most people stick to the section devoid of vegetation but it is worth walking past it and follow the path on the edge of the badlands. It runs up and down through trees but you can still see the pink and white clay-rich soil amidst the bushes. We just walked 10 minutes into it so I don't know where it leads but it was a lovely stretch where very few venture. Both times we visited, there was a rope hanging from a bush by the side road, offering a more adventurous way to ease ourselves into the badlands. A big hit with the kids!
With big kids, I've combined this family outing with a visit of the lovely Belfountain Conservation Area. Note that they have the Salamander Festival going on September 28 (your chance to see real salamanders). See our blog for more photos. Like us on for updates, last-minute suggestions and fun bits.
