The Spencer Gorge Overlook at Spencer Gorge Conservation Area in Hamilton, Ontario is an easy 0.3 km out-and-back walk that leads to a scenic view of the gorge with the city of Hamilton in the background.
Walk
This short out-and-back walk began as an idea to hike to Webster Falls; however, we quickly realized that the trail was gated-off just 0.1 km into the hike. Along the way, we found this beautiful view of Spencer Gorge with its cliffs and view toward Hamilton in the distance. While this is more of a walk than a hike, if you plan to hike to Tew Falls, you might as well take a couple of extra minutes to explore this view as well -- especially if you don't have time to hike to Dundas Peak.
Trail closure to Webster Falls -- note that there was no signage about the trail closure and despite the park's map that shows the trails connecting, it looks as though this path might only lead to private property. Or, if it does lead through public land, the trail might have eroded so badly that the park has officially cut-off access any further. Please respect the rules and don't hike further than the black gate, if it's closed. And please stay out of adjacent private land.
Parking & Fees
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the main entrance for Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, located on the south side of Harvest Road in Hamilton, Ontario. The lot is large enough to fit a few dozen vehicles as of August 2024. Note that there's an entrance fee per park within the Hamilton Conservation Authority. For the most updated information, please check out the park's website for entrance fee information. During our visit in August 2024, we purchased a day pass good for all of HCA's properties, which cost ~$35 or so.
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
Warning
Steep cliffs: This hike leads to steep cliffs with sheer drop-offs. Stay back from the ledges and stay on-trail for your own safety.
Walk
This short out-and-back walk began as an idea to hike to Webster Falls; however, we quickly realized that the trail was gated-off just 0.1 km into the hike. Along the way, we found this beautiful view of Spencer Gorge with its cliffs and view toward Hamilton in the distance. While this is more of a walk than a hike, if you plan to hike to Tew Falls, you might as well take a couple of extra minutes to explore this view as well -- especially if you don't have time to hike to Dundas Peak.
Trail closure to Webster Falls -- note that there was no signage about the trail closure and despite the park's map that shows the trails connecting, it looks as though this path might only lead to private property. Or, if it does lead through public land, the trail might have eroded so badly that the park has officially cut-off access any further. Please respect the rules and don't hike further than the black gate, if it's closed. And please stay out of adjacent private land.
Parking & Fees
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the main entrance for Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, located on the south side of Harvest Road in Hamilton, Ontario. The lot is large enough to fit a few dozen vehicles as of August 2024. Note that there's an entrance fee per park within the Hamilton Conservation Authority. For the most updated information, please check out the park's website for entrance fee information. During our visit in August 2024, we purchased a day pass good for all of HCA's properties, which cost ~$35 or so.
Pets
Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after.
Warning
Steep cliffs: This hike leads to steep cliffs with sheer drop-offs. Stay back from the ledges and stay on-trail for your own safety.
