The Best Hikes Just Outside of Toronto: A Guide to Ontario’s Most Beautiful Trails

For those who call Toronto home, escaping the city doesn’t require a long drive or a packed itinerary. Some of the province’s most beautiful hiking trails are tucked just outside the GTA — quiet forests, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and rolling countryside that feel worlds away from streetcars and office towers.

Whether you’re planning a quick morning hike, a full-day adventure, or a weekend getaway built around nature, these are the best trails within reach of Toronto. Each offers a different type of landscape, and several pair perfectly with a stay at The Liberty Inn if you want to turn your hike into a restorative escape.

1. Forks of the Credit Provincial Park (Caledon)

Distance from Toronto: ~1 hour
Best for: Waterfalls, rolling hills, classic Ontario scenery

Forks of the Credit is one of the GTA’s most iconic hiking destinations — and for good reason. The park blends winding forest paths with open meadows, steep lookout points, and the sound of the Credit River rushing below. The highlight for many is Cataract Falls, a dramatic cascade tucked into the valley. The terrain is varied enough to feel like an adventure without being overly difficult. It’s an ideal middle-ground hike: peaceful, scenic, and endlessly photogenic.

2. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park (Mono)

Distance from Toronto: ~1.25 hours
Best for: Boardwalks, canyon walls, elevated lookouts

Mono Cliffs is known for its striking geological features — tall cliff faces, narrow canyons, and boardwalks that weave through crevices carved out over thousands of years. Hardwood forests dominate the park, making it especially beautiful in fall. If you're looking for a hike that feels like a blend of rugged and peaceful, Mono Cliffs offers some of the most satisfying trails in southern Ontario.

3. Rattlesnake Point (Milton)

Distance from Toronto: ~45 minutes
Best for: Clifftop views, Bruce Trail access

Rattlesnake Point offers some of the most dramatic lookouts in the GTA. Trails follow the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, revealing sweeping views over fields and forest. A mix of easy and moderate routes makes this a great hiking destination for both families and seasoned hikers. Come early — this conservation area fills quickly, especially in October.

4. Hilton Falls (Milton)

Distance from Toronto: ~45 minutes
Best for: Waterfalls, forest trails, family-friendly hikes

Hilton Falls is one of the most accessible waterfall hikes near Toronto. The trails are straightforward, looping through shaded forest before opening to the falls and its historic ruins. It’s a gentler, less strenuous option but still rewarding, especially after rain or spring melt.

5. Dundas Peak & Webster Falls (Hamilton)

Distance from Toronto: ~1 hour
Best for: Lookouts, waterfalls, dramatic escarpment scenery

This is one of Ontario’s most photographed trails — partly because the views from Dundas Peak are undeniably spectacular. The hike links forest trails, waterfalls, and high vantage points overlooking the Spencer Gorge. It’s busier than most hikes on this list, but the scenery is worth the crowds.

6. Mount Nemo (Burlington)

Distance from Toronto: ~45 minutes
Best for: Quiet escarpment trails, cliff-edge lookouts

Mount Nemo is a local favourite for hikers who want something scenic but not heavily trafficked. The trail leads along the escarpment ridge, offering clifftop views and excellent birdwatching. It’s peaceful, well-maintained, and beautiful year-round.

7. Silver Creek Conservation Area (Halton Hills)

Distance from Toronto: ~1 hour
Best for: Forested trails, creeks, rugged terrain

Silver Creek is one of the more rugged hiking areas near the city — quiet, tree-covered, and filled with narrow trails that wind through rocky terrain and over small streams. It feels more remote than it is, which is part of the charm. Great for hikers who prefer solitude and less-traveled paths.

8. Terra Cotta Conservation Area (Halton Hills)

Distance from Toronto: ~1 hour
Best for: Winter-groomed trails, peaceful forests, year-round accessibility

Terra Cotta is an underrated gem — especially in winter. The park maintains groomed trails for winter hiking, making it one of the best cold-weather destinations near Toronto. In warmer seasons, the trails wind through marshland, forests, and meadows, offering a gentle, restorative hiking experience. Its proximity to The Liberty Inn makes it an excellent option for guests who want a nature-focused outing without venturing far.

9. Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Reserve (Orangeville)

Distance from Toronto: ~1.25 hours
Best for: Elevation changes, long loops, fall colours

Hockley Valley is known for its energy — not from crowds, but from its landscape. Trails rise and fall through hardwood forests, offering some of the best cardio-friendly hiking near Toronto. A perfect destination for hikers who want to spend two to four hours immersed in nature.

10. Elora Gorge Trails (Elora)

Distance from Toronto: ~1.5 hours
Best for: River views, limestone walls, small-town charm

Elora is one of Ontario’s most beautiful small towns, and its trail system winds through limestone cliffs, riverside lookouts, and shaded forest. It’s a great pick if you want to pair your hike with cafés, shops, or a post-trail meal.

Turn Your Hike Into a Restorative Getaway

If you want to stretch your time in nature into a full retreat, Caledon is the perfect base — quiet roads, rolling hills, and some of the most scenic hiking in the province.

The Liberty Inn sits in the heart of it all:
- Across the street from Forks of the Credit
- Close to Terra Cotta, Mono Cliffs, and Belfountain
- Surrounded by woodland, trails, and fresh air
- A private Nordic spa on-site for hot–cold therapy after a long hike

A day on the trails paired with a calming spa session, a cozy suite, and a restful night’s sleep is one of the simplest — and best — ways to reset outside of Toronto.