01. BALLS FALLS + WINE TASTING LUNCH STOP (11 KM) - Sat, Aug 5 2023

01. BALLS FALLS + WINE TASTING LUNCH STOP (11 KM) (8/5/2023)

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.You will then make your payment for this event at the venue, NOT in advance to the TOC.

You are STRONGLY encouraged to read this page in its entirety before signing up. If you'd like to attend, we ask that you abide by our rules and procedures as a time/cost saving process (with an end result of keeping membership free and lower cost events).

The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Jordan Hollow Park, 3039 King St, Jordan Station
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Aug 5 2023  11:00 AM  (Carpool Departure: 9:30 AM   *log in for location*)
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Aug 4 2023 11:55:00 AM
Event Duration:less than 5 hours for the hike (plus 1.5 hrs for carpool each way)
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Event Coordinator(s): Fletcher
You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.
Member Cost:$20.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 18 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:1
Minimum Group Size:1
Number Registered So Far: 20 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

THE CARPOOL LEAVES KIPLING STATION SOUTH PARKING LOT AT 9:30 AM

So, the 2023-24 out of town hiking season (for me) kicks off with what I was hoping in 2019 being an annual hiking/wine tasting TOC event.
Sadly, the pandemic changed that, so the 2nd edition of this hike is now 4 years later, lol

    Short Itinerary for the Day
  • Meet for hike at 11 AM
  • Hike will be about 1.5-2 hours along the trails where we will pass 2 waterfalls for about 7 KM.
  • We'll stop for about 1-1.5 hours at Featherstone Winery for lunch, where I've pre purchased a wine tasting for all participants.
  • Then, its a 4 KM walk back to the cars. Should take about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes.

Please bring a lunch and at least 1-2 Litres of water.
We'll stop at the winery for our tasting and for lunch.
NOTE: The winery does have a few food options, but they are more snacks, so I suggest bringing your own.

    IN TERMS OF THE WINE TASTING:

    I've pre purchased a wine tasting for everyone at lunch.
    Please ensure that you bring $20 CASH to pay me for the tasting

If you cannot walk the entire distance please do not sign up for this hike.

    EVENT STATS
  • Distance: 11 KM
  • Terrain: Some rocky sections, primarily single track dirt trails.
  • Trail vs Road: 9 km vs 2 km
  • Elevation Range: 100 meters
  • Challenging Climbs of Note: 3 climbs of at least 25 meters, 1 of which is at least 50 meters near the beginning of the hike.
  • Largest Climb: 55 Meters, right at the start of the hike
  • Washrooms: We'll hit a washroom around 2 KM into the hike and there will be one at the winery.
  • Highlights: 'Lowe r Balls Falls', 'Uppe r Balls Falls' & 'Feat herstone Winery'

Those willing to drive, will get first priority on the wait list, should they be needed.
DRIVERS, WHEN YOU SIGN UP, PLEASE ANSWER THE CARPOOL QUESTION REGARDING THE AMOUNT OF PASSENGERS YOU CAN TAKE IN YOUR CAR!!!

For those of you choosing to meet at the event location, instead of the carpool, please ensure that you come on time

I’ve set the maximum event count at 1 as I don’t want to add anyone to the event until I have enough carpool drivers to accommodate passengers.
I will try accommodate up to 20 people.


PRECAUTIONS AGAINST TICKS

  • Wear long pants.
  • Tuck your shirt into your pants, and pull your socks over your pant legs. Wear light coloured clothing to spot ticks more easily.
  • Use bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin on your skin and clothing.
  • Avoid tall grass.

    Check yourself for ticks immediately after the event, you can ask me for help for removal.
    When you get home, shower and do a full body check, if you find a tick, remove it with tweezers.
    If a tick is attached to your skin for less than 24 hours, your chance of getting Lyme disease is negligible.

    For more information, see Ticks


  • Required Items to Bring:
    • hiking boots or hiking shoes
    • 2L of water
    • snacks and lunch
    • weather appropriate clothing
    • $20 cash per person to cover the cost of the wine tasting
    • $11.00 to $25.00 cash for passengers to cover the cost of the carpool
    Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • A smile
  • First Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Change of clothes and/or footwear for post hike
  • Bug Spray
  • Sunscreen

  • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:

    So, we'll meet in the parking lot of Jordan Hollow Park.
    The closest approximate address 3039 King Street, Jordan Station - 43°08'31.4"N 79°22'21.6"W

    Please note that my event directions are from Kipling Station (South Parking Lot)
    To change the map to options that better suit you, please click "MORE OPTIONS" link the 'Driving Directions' map (below) and then you can add your own address into the search.

  • Exit the TTC Parking Lot and turn right (SOUTH) onto Kipling Avenue for 2 KM.
  • Take the Gardner Expressway WEST and merge over 2 lanes very quickly to stay on the QEW to continue west.
  • Follow the QEW approximately 90 km and exit at Victoria Street (Regional Road #24), which is exit # 57.
  • Exiting the highway off ramp, turn right at the first road to get out to Victoria Street.
  • At the first light turn left (SOUTH) onto Victoria Street for 4 KM.
  • Turn left (EAST) onto King Street (Regional Road # 81) for 2 KM.
  • Take the first left immediately after the bridge into Jordan Hollow Park.
    If you get to the Esso Gas Station, then you've gone too far by about a KM.

    POTENTIAL WASHROOM STOP
    The closest washroom is a Tim Hortons, located just off the highway at exit 64, Ontario Street (RR 18).
    Turn right (south) at the off ramp traffic light and then right again at the first light.
    The Tim Hortons will be on your right.
    To get back to highway, just go back to Ontario Street, turn left and the entrance of the QEW will be on your right.

    INTERACTIVE DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS
    By clicking on the blue writing below that reads "MORE OPTIONS" , you can input your own location into google maps and then use the directions provided to get to the location in the easiest way possible.

    MAP OF PARKING AREA

    PICTURE OF MEETING LOCATION

  • Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):184Km
    Carpool Departure Time: 9:30 AM
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $47.47 (calculated at total Km * $0.258, effective Wednesday, December 11, 2024). This is based on $0.08/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divide by 9. Your event coordinator will confirm exactly how much money is required from each person.

    Notes:

    Please ensure that you check the 'TTC service updates website' for any potential closures.

    Please arrive on time, I will turn off my cell phone once the hike begins.


    - We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in TOC events.
    - Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
    - Questions about equipment or rentals? Send them to safety@torontooutdoorclub.com.
    - Notice any errors or problems in the information on this page? Please notify our Content Editor(s), Stacy, at content@torontooutdoorclub.com.


    Cost & Payment:
    Member Cost:$20.00/Person
    Cost Includes:

    I've pre purchased a wine tasting for everyone at lunch.
    Please ensure that you bring $20 cash to pay me for the tasting

    Make a Payment:Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the TOC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.
     
    Voluntary Donation:What is this?)
    Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
    Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!