When we first arrived in Meaford, we took immediately to exploring the winding trail down the Bighead River, accessible from the Bakeshop Bridge, right in the middle of Meaford. Within a minute of venturing into the woods, all traces of the town disappeared, and you could imagine yourself in the wilderness. The trail, worn by hikers and fishermen and kids on bikes, wound through dense cedars, lofty open hardwood bush, and sometimes right along the Bighead – lazy and inviting in the summer. The usual goal was the ruin of the old turn-of-the-(last)-century hydro dam about 2 1/2 kilometres down. Here, weathered concrete ruins, like old castle walls, leaned over the river and formed a small labyrinth.

Once, we saw kids from a family picnic on the other side jump off a section of the wall into a deep pool in the river. Another time, after biking down, we crossed and discovered a flat raised area, now overgrown with trees, that we figured must be the site of John Muir’s old cabin, built when the now-famous naturalist and environmentalist arrived here in 1864. Well, we were wrong. A few years later, an archaeologist working with a group known as the Friends of John Muir identified the site a couple of minutes eastward. Around the same time, another group, The Bighead River Heritage Association, embarked on further establishing and marking the trail to complete a 14 kilometre route from Meaford to the 7th line and back.

The inaugural hike of the Trout Hollow Trail included historical talks, an introduction to rare ferns of the region by the late Nels Maher, and somewhat unnecessary (but fun) assistance crossing the river from military Zodiacs.

Today, the trail is well-established and includes wooden walkways and stairs at some of the more challenging obstacles. Along the way, you visit the ruined dam, pass the site of Muir’s cabin and the old Trout Hollow sawmill, follow the old water race to the power station, and wander among the ruined grey walls of the old station.

Power station ruins

Old Power Dam

The trail is mainly easy to moderate hiking with some difficult steep ridges. Access points at either end allow you to hike half the trail if you have a ride arranged. Be sure to wear hiking shoes, protect yourself during peak mosquito season, and keep an eye out of poison ivy.