Bruce Trail: DeCew House to Shorthills Provincial Park

Hiking trails & Routes

Canada

Ontario

Thorold

Bruce Trail: DeCew House to Shorthills Provincial Park

Hard

5.0

(2)

hikers

Bruce Trail: DeCew House to Shorthills Provincial Park

06:19

23.1km

320m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 27, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Short Hills Provincial Park

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

35 m

DeCew House

Highlight • Historical Site

The stone ruins of DeCew House are what’s left of the former home of John DeCew, an early settler, mill owner, and captain in the 2nd Lincoln Militia. During the War of 1812, the house served as the headquarters of Lieutenant James FitzGibbon, where Laura Secord famously delivered her warning of a planned American attack before the Battle of Beaver Dams. Today, the preserved limestone ruins stand as one of Niagara’s most significant War of 1812 landmarks.

Tip by

3.18 km

Bridge at Laura's Crossing

Highlight • Bridge

The Bridge at Laura's Crossing, also known as the Laura Secord Heritage Trail Suspension Bridge, spans 20 metres across Twelve Mile Creek, and is part of the Laura Secord Legacy Trail. This bridge marks the supposed location where Laura Secord is believed to have waded across the creek in 1813 during her trek to warn British troops of an American invasion. The bridge's design was modeled after eco-friendly New Zealand bridges, where the "Zero Instream Footprint" does not disrupt river habitats below.

Tip by

7.79 km

Terrace Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Nestled within Short Hills Provincial Park, Terrace Falls is a beautiful cascade that drops over layered dolostone and shale into a forested ravine below. Surrounded by mature Carolinian forest, it’s a peaceful spot to pause and enjoy the natural beauty of the escarpment.

Tip by

10.6 km

Short Hills Provincial Park

Highlight • Forest

Short Hills Provincial Park protects more than 700 hectares of forest, meadows, streams, and deep ravines along the Niagara Escarpment. There are over 20 kilometres of hiking trails, offering plenty of options to explore one of southern Ontario’s largest remaining natural areas. Along with a wide variety of birds, you might even spot white-tailed deer and wild turkeys while you’re here.

Tip by

11.5 km

Swayze Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Swayze Falls is a seasonal cascade that drops down into a deep, forested gorge. The falls are at their most impressive after spring snowmelt or periods of heavy rain, and this is one of the many beautiful places to visit in the park as you explore the scenic trail network.

Tip by

23.1 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types