Best Fall Hiking Trails in Burlington: Scenic Walks & Escarpment Views
September 11, 2025
There’s no better time to enjoy Burlington fall hiking than in the heart of autumn. As the escarpment glows with fiery reds, oranges, and golds, every hike becomes an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for cliff-top vistas, family-friendly boardwalks, or a quiet creekside escape, Burlington’s hiking trails bring fall colours to life right in the city’s backyard. Pack your walking shoes, layer up for the crisp air, and discover some of the best local spots to enjoy the season.
Table of Contents
1. Mount Nemo Conservation Area
Location: 5317 Guelph Line
Type: Cliff-top hiking and Bruce Trail connection
Best For: Fall colours, rugged scenery, epic outlooks
Difficulty: Moderate | ~5 km loop
Mount Nemo is the ultimate Burlington fall hiking destination. The cliff-edge trails open up to sweeping views of fiery red maples and golden oaks that stretch across the city and beyond to Lake Ontario. Hikers often spot turkey vultures gliding overhead, and the rocky escarpment paths add a touch of adventure. Despite its wild, rugged feel, it’s only minutes from downtown, making it an easy escape into nature with a big reward.
What to Bring & Wear: Sturdy hiking shoes with grip, layered clothing for temperature changes, water, snacks, and extra care when walking near cliff edges.
2. Kerncliff Park (Ian Reid Side Trail)
Location: 2198 Kerns Rd
Type: Quarry-edge loop with wetlands and boardwalks
Best For: Easy escarpment access, beginner-friendly trail, birdwatching
Difficulty: Easy | ~2–3 km
Once a working limestone quarry, Kerncliff Park is now a peaceful oasis of forest and wetlands that explode with colour in the fall. Trails weave between boardwalks, shady woods, and rocky ridges, giving hikers a mix of landscapes in one outing. From the escarpment rim, the view of Burlington and Lake Ontario framed by vibrant foliage is especially stunning in late September and October. Its shorter loops also make it a great spot for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a quick scenic Burlington fall hike.
What to Bring & Wear: Comfortable trail shoes, water, bug spray (ticks can still be active in fall), and a camera to capture the views.
3. Cherry Hill Gate — Royal Botanical Gardens
Location: 680 Plains Rd W
Type: Boardwalk and wooded trails through wetlands
Best For: Family walks, wildlife spotting, stroller-friendly outings
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Multiple loops 2–7 km
Cherry Hill Gate is one of the most beloved entry points into the Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Valley, and for good reason. In autumn, the wetland boardwalks glow with fall reflections while wooded paths burst with rich orange and yellow hues. Wildlife is plentiful; deer are often spotted, along with chipmunks, beavers, and hundreds of bird species. The flat, stroller-friendly paths make it a perfect choice for families, photographers, and anyone who wants to experience Burlington fall hiking at an easy pace.
What to Bring & Wear: Comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof layer in case the boardwalk is damp, binoculars for birdwatching, and a camera for wildlife sightings.
4. Kelso Conservation Area Summit
Location: 5234 Kelso Rd, Milton (just minutes from Burlington)
Type: Escarpment trails with lake views
Best For: Sweeping views, fall colour photography, varied terrain
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging | ~6–9 km depending on route
For Burlington fall hiking, Kelso offers something unforgettable, fiery forest vistas from the escarpment, a scenic chairlift ride (weekends into Thanksgiving), plus hiking trails for all abilities. Enjoy reservoir views, forest walks, and the added thrill of a chairlift descent through autumn colours.
What to Bring & Wear: Trail shoes, layers, water, check trail map beforehand, and consider booking the chairlift early; it’s a popular fall attraction.
5. Bronte Creek Provincial Park
Location: 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville/Burlington border
Type: Wooded trails, meadows, and open spaces
Best For: Family hikes, wide paths, mixed terrain
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Trails 2–6 km
Bronte Creek Provincial Park offers wide, well-marked trails through forests and meadows that glow with fall colour. With playgrounds, picnic areas, and even a historic farmhouse to explore, it’s perfect for families wanting more than just a hike. The open fields are stunning in autumn, especially at golden hour.
What to Bring & Wear: Sneakers or walking shoes work well here. Pack a picnic basket and a sweater for when the sun dips.
6. Downtown Waterfront & Multi-Use Trails
Location: Spencer Smith Park, LaSalle Park, and lakeside connections
Trail Type & Length: Flat, accessible paved paths and promenades
Difficulty: Very easy
Burlington’s waterfront trails may not take you deep into the woods, but they offer something equally special: a blend of sparkling lake views and bursts of fall colour from surrounding parks. A stroll along Spencer Smith Park or LaSalle Park in October pairs the deep blues of Lake Ontario with fiery trees lining the shoreline. These trails are also close to cafés, restaurants, and downtown shops; perfect if you want to combine a Burlington fall hike with a warm drink or a bite to eat.
What to Bring & Wear: Comfortable walking shoes, a windproof jacket (lakeside breezes can be cool), and a stop at a local café for post-walk treats.
Bonus Trails: Mountsberg & Crawford Lake
Mountsberg Conservation Area (Moderate | ~5 km): Known for its Raptor Centre and mix of lakeside and forest trails, Mountsberg is perfect for families looking to blend hiking with interactive experiences. In fall, the forest canopy and lake views are at their peak.
Crawford Lake Conservation Area (Easy | ~1.5 km boardwalk loop): Famous for its meromictic lake and unique boardwalk trail, Crawford Lake is both a natural and cultural gem. The reconstructed Iroquoian longhouses add a historical dimension, while the autumn leaves reflecting on the water create a picture-perfect scene.
Plan Your Burlington Fall Hiking Adventure
Burlington’s hiking trails capture the best of Ontario’s fall season; golden leaves, crisp air, and landscapes that change with every turn. If you’re standing atop the escarpment at Mount Nemo, wandering through wetlands at Cherry Hill Gate, or enjoying a lakeside stroll at Spencer Smith Park, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature.
Ready to dive deeper? Find all Burlington fall hiking trails, plus insider tips and seasonal highlights, on our Burlington Hiking page. Your next great autumn adventure starts there.
