SUMMER EVENTS 2026
Short Hills Provincial Park Phased Trail Reopening Update
Short Hills Provincial Park is pleased to announce a phased reopening of several trails following extensive damage assessments and restoration work completed after recent flooding events. While many areas are ready to safely welcome visitors back, some sections remain closed while significant repairs and infrastructure replacement projects continue.
Trails Reopening Week of August 24
The following trails have been assessed and are considered safe for public access:
• The Pines Trail
• Laura Secord Trail
• Paleozoic Path
Minor trail maintenance and cleanup will continue over the coming week to address localized damage and improve trail conditions.
• Swayze Falls Trail (Partial Reopening)
• A portion of Swayze Falls Trail will reopen to visitors.
Open sections will provide:
A route from the Roland Road Parking Lot to the Bruce Trail entrance on Effingham Road along the west side of the park
A travel corridor connecting the Roland Road Parking Lot and Black Walnut Trail near the Pelham Road Parking Lot.
For more information and for the current timeline for the opening the remainder of the trails, go to the Ontario Parks Alert Page. https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/shorthills/alerts
General Meeting and Potluck BBQ – Wednesday, July 8, 2026 – 6:00pm Camp Wetaskiwin As in the past, this is a low waste event – please bring your own cutlery, plates and cup as well as a dish to share. The Friends will provide burgers and if you prefer a meatless option – please let us know when you register. Please confirm your attendance via shorthillspark@gmail.com by Saturday, July 4th. This year apart from a general meeting we will be having more of a social event with the option to stroll the grounds of the scout camp.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Summer Bird Hikes – Our fearless birder, Brad will continues his popular bird hikes this summer, with July 5 as the next date. To learn more and register – go to: https://eventbrite.ca
Trail Work Days – NEW DATE! Saturday June 13. Meet at 8:30am at the Short Hills maintenance building at 2884 First street Louth. For more information please email lumdig58@gmail.com
Thanks to the St. Catharines Game and Fish Association for their generous donation of $3000 to the Friends! We are looking into doing some stream restoration work on the Twelve with these monies.
Trail Alerts– To protect Niagara’s trails and surrounding ecosystems—including the Laura Secord Trail, Twelve Mile Creek trails, and Short Hills Provincial Park—please follow these guidelines:
Stay on marked trails. Do not cut corners or create new paths. Do not use muddy trails – clay-based trails are easily damaged when wet.
Using muddy trails causes: Trail widening as users go around mud, damaging nearby ecosystems. Deep footprints and tire ruts that hold water, slow drying, and increase erosion. Hardened, uneven surfaces when trails dry or freeze, creating safety hazards. Greater spread of invasive plant species from seeds carried on footwear and tires. Your cooperation helps keep trails safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you.
Over summer 2025 staff at Ontario Parks have re-routed and closed some of the trails in the park. Check this site for the updated trails, primarily Terrace Creek and the amalgamation of the Scarlet Tanager and Hemlock Valley.
Volunteer at the Park
Some of our events require a volunteer agreement be completed. At larger events these agreements (eg. trash bash) will be available from the park staff. For smaller events (eg. trail maintenance) we’ll likely be on our own and want to have the volunteer agreements in place before starting. Please download the volunteer form, fill it out and return to our membership chair Ryan Haanappel – haanappel@gmail.com.
Friends of Short Hills Park 