Cheltenham Badlands
Photo Credit: Day Trips Canada
The Cheltenham Badlands are a bizarre geographical spectacle that lies hidden in the Caledon Hills. This area consists of bare, windswept red hills and gullies that are very similar to that of the Alberta badlands. What makes them so bizarre is that they are found in Ontario.
The reddish hue of the Queenston Shale is caused by iron oxide, while narrow greenish bands show where groundwater has transformed the rock from red to green iron oxide. The cause of this phenomenon was poor farming practices in the 1930’s which caused overgrazing of this land and the resultant exposure of the Queenston shale that supports little or no vegetation.
Although the Cheltenham Badlands span a vast area, the best location for visitors is along Old Base Line Road, just east of Creditview Road. Care should be taken as this area is very fragile. Visitors should not climb on the hills after a rainfall or when the ground appears soft. Bring your camera in the afternoon for some fantastic "Mars" like shots.
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Year round
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Comments
This is a great place to
Reminds me of Mars
Winter visits
Has anyone visited the badlands in the winter? Is it worthwhile or should I wait until the summer?
If you go when there is only
If you go when there is only a little snow on the ground it's ok. But I would recommend you wait until at least the spring.
Re: Cheltenham Badlands
I love the natural colors and exposures of the badlands. I have some of the most gorgeous photos from this location and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
Re: This is a great place to
One note: You probably shouldn't eb walking around on them - what makes them so beautiful is that the soil is HIGHLY erosion prone... so just walking around on them serves only to erode them even further... Better hiking spots can be found in the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. So when you go to the Badlands, stay off and take pictures only! That way they can be here for future generations to enjoy. Cheers :)
Re: Cheltenham Badlands
our kids (age five & eight) loved climbing on them, bring hiking shoes (not flip flops, like many were wearing), and wear long pants just in case you slip (if shorts, then sunscreen, antibiotic, gauze/tape and bactine) for minor scrapes. Also bring a good camera...lots of memorable shots! Enjoy!
Re: Cheltenham Badlands
fantastic place, good for kid climb.
Re: Cheltenham Badlands
was there this weekend with my family, my first time to see and walk into this lands. i want to share pictures to my family in california. maybe, one day, they come and i'll bring them there to see for themselves especially on the autunm season.
Re: Cheltenham Badlands
The previous commenter who said people should stay off the Badlands was right on the money. The Bruce Trail Conservancy, which manages this property on behalf of the Ontario Heritage Trust, would like all visitors to stay completely off the hills and gulleys that form the Badlands. There is a viewing area at the top of the hill, close to the road. This is the only area where people are allowed. Anyone who ventures down into the gulleys is trespassing, and contributing to the destruction of this natural wonder.
Parking in the area is also very limited and can be dangerous at times.
The clay mud from the site also sticks like glue to shoes or anything else that touches it.
So, basically, I would recommend that people stay away from the Badlands.
Dave M