With beautiful streams and rushing rivers tucked around each corner, the Hills of Headwaters in Ontario’s Central Counties make the perfect backdrop for leaf gazing.
Located in the northern reaches of the Hills of Headwaters, the Hockley Valley tour is just as spectacular, but less crowded than its counterpart in Caledon. The historic Town of Orangeville is the suggested starting point for this tour. To reach Orangeville take Highway 9 west from the 400 or take Highway 10 north directly to the gateway of Orangeville. Be sure to allocate time for a stroll through downtown Orangeville, a hot spot for boutique restaurants and shops.
From Orangeville begin your scenic drive by taking Highway 10 north to the Hockley Road. Turn right (east) on Hockley Road and begin your exploration. Along the way take time out at the Farmhouse Pottery Studio or stretch your legs with a quick hike on the Bruce Trail.
At Airport Road, turn left (north) and get ready for a roller coaster ride (continuing straight on Hockley Road past Airport Road offers a side trip to the charming Hockley Village – well worth the detour). Take Airport Road for a good 15 minutes north to Highway 89, the location of the Dufferin County Museum. For those with rumbling stomachs, Mrs. Mitchell’s Restaurant, located in a refurbished one-room school house, is a quick jaunt west on Highway 89. Or travel east on Highway 89 to The Globe Restaurant for lunch, tea or dinner in a historic old hotel.
After an informative tour of the Museum, head south back down Airport Road but this time watch for Highway 8 (sideroad 20) where you’ll make a right turn (west) taking you to the hamlet of Mono Centre. For those interested in a great hiking spot to view the fall colours, look for signs to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park located just around the corner from Mono Centre. From Mono Centre, continue west on Highway 8 until you reach Highway 10. A left turn (south) on Highway 10 takes you back to Orangeville and your journey home.
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