The area around Kimberly is beautiful as the valley through the escarpment created millennia ago by the Beaver River has left stunning landscapes including that at nearby Old Baldy Conservation Area.
Also known as the Kimberley Rock these towering 132 metre (400 feet) tall cedar and spruce topped cliffs have trails leading to the top offering stunning views of the Beaver River valley below.
The Bruce Trail passes through the site along the Escarpment’s edge and this 72-hectare (178 acre) location is one of its most visual and photographed spots, definitely worth a quick visit before you begin heading downriver.
There are no facilities at this park. For more information visit: Old Baldy
Expect to take about 2 – 3 hours to complete the journey and along the way you will pass through the forests and wetlands of the Beaver Valley Lowlands Conservation Area.
This protected area offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife including:
- Beavers
- White tailed deer
- Various waterfowl
This portion of the journey ends at the Epping access point on Sideroad #19.
- Stage #2
This 5-kilometre (3 mile) journey takes paddlers through rolling farmlands and agricultural areas from the village of Epping to the Town of Heathcote as the river winds its way north towards Georgian Bay.
Accessed at Sideroad #19 just off Grey Road #13 on the road to Epping there is signage at the put in and free parking is available.
This part of the river has many turns and bends and will take about 2 hours to complete. Suitable for paddlers of any experience for the most part the waters are very low moving but there are a few spots where the current picks up quite swiftly.
The natural beauty of the escarpment in this area is breathtaking.
On this portion of the route you will also pass by Mill Creek, one of the Beaver Rivers larger tributaries and Flower Bridge under 21st Sideroad.
- Stage #3
This short 3 kilometre (1.8 mile) portion of the route travels from the Town of Heathcote to the small community of Slabtown.
Access is on Grey Road #13 just south of Heathcote, there is signage and free parking at the location
Free parking is also available at the Slabtown Town Dam, the journey’s ending point.
This part of the trip should only take about an hour to complete as the water is fairly swift and a number of small rapids will be encountered but it can still be completed by paddlers of all experience although extra care should be taken on this portion of the river.
Please note that the first three access points above are maintained by the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, for more information visit: http://www.greysauble.on.ca
Note: It is not recommended the paddlers venture further than Slabtown Road as the conditions on the river between here and Thornbury can become quite treacherous.