Solo Hike to Hogg’s Falls: A Quiet Escape into the Woods

Sometimes you just need a break from people, from noise, from your own head. That’s how I ended up on a solo hike to Hogg’s Falls near Flesherton, Ontario—just me, a packed lunch, and the kind of silence you don’t realize you’ve been craving until you find it.

The trail to Hogg’s Falls isn’t long—maybe a 15-minute walk from the small parking area off Lower Valley Road—but it’s the kind of short hike that still feels like you’re stepping into something a bit more wild. Right off the bat, the forest wraps around you in that dense, green way that Ontario does so well in summer. The air was damp and earthy. I could hear the falls before I saw them.

Hogg’s Falls isn’t massive, but it’s beautiful. Water tumbles over a limestone ledge into a cold, clear pool below. There were no crowds, no fences—just raw nature. I sat on a mossy rock near the edge and ate a peanut butter sandwich while watching the water spill over in an endless rhythm.

I followed the Bruce Trail for a bit afterward. It was muddy in places, and the tree roots kept me on my toes, literally. The trail meanders along the Boyne River, with enough ups and downs to get your legs working. I passed exactly zero people the entire afternoon. That might not sound exciting to some, but if you're hiking alone on purpose, it's a gift.

No dramatic wildlife sightings—just a chipmunk, a few birds, and the buzz of insects—but that quiet was kind of the whole point. I wasn’t out there looking for a thrill. I just wanted space to breathe, to think, or not think at all.

If you’re ever near Flesherton and want a short, peaceful hike with a bit of a waterfall payoff, Hogg’s Falls is worth the detour. Go on a weekday if you can. Bring your boots and leave your expectations behind. You won’t be out there long, but it might be just long enough.