10 Scenic Hamilton Hikes with a WOW Factor Under 3km for Families

You don’t have to travel far for big family adventures. In Hamilton, unforgettable hikes are hiding just minutes from the city — and many are short enough for young kids, beginner hikers, or anyone who wants a little nature break without the full-day commitment.

These trails might be small in distance, but they’re packed with drama: think waterfalls, escarpment views, mossy forests, and secret bridges. Whether you’re starting a new family hiking tradition or just chasing a quick breath of fresh air, these 10 Hamilton hikes will wow you — without wearing you out.

1. Tiffany Falls Trail

A short, magical trail that winds gently through the forest to a breathtaking waterfall surrounded by moss-covered cliffs.

• Location: Ancaster
• Distance: 1.2 km round trip
• Best For: All ages
• What You’ll See: Tiffany Falls, wooden footbridge, forest canopy
• Why It Wows: Feels like a fairytale tucked into the city
• Insider Tip: Visit in winter to see the falls freeze into shimmering ice columns

2. Borer’s Falls and Rock Chapel Trail

An escarpment-edge loop with sweeping views, old stone walls, and a hidden waterfall that feels like a secret. The terrain is beautiful — but requires a bit more caution.

• Location: Dundas
• Distance: 2.5 km loop
• Best For: Families with older kids or experienced hikers
• What You’ll See: Borer’s Falls, escarpment views, wildflowers
• Why It Wows: Combines scenic lookouts with waterfall magic
• Insider Tip: Some sections run close to steep edges and footing can be uneven. Keep kids close, especially near drop-offs. Trail signage can be confusing — a map helps.

3. Chedoke Radial Trail to Scenic Drive Lookout

Part paved, part crushed gravel — this section of the Escarpment Rail Trail leads to one of Hamilton’s best urban lookouts.

• Location: West Hamilton
• Distance: ~2.8 km round trip
• Best For: Stroller-friendly hikes, mixed-age families
• What You’ll See: Hamilton skyline, the Bay, wildflowers
• Why It Wows: Big-city views with forest on both sides
• Insider Tip: Park at Chedoke stairs (but skip the stairs!) and walk the upper trail

4. Hermitage Ruins Trail at Dundas Valley

Short and sweet, this forested loop takes you to the hauntingly beautiful Hermitage ruins — a fun dose of mystery for curious kids.

• Location: Ancaster
• Distance: 2 km loop
• Best For: Families with young explorers
• What You’ll See: Historic stone ruins, forest, streams
• Why It Wows: History meets hiking in a beautiful forest setting
• Insider Tip: Great photo ops — especially in early fall

5. Felker’s Falls Conservation Area

A waterfall you can see from the parking lot, with short wooded trails that are stroller- and toddler-friendly.

• Location: Stoney Creek
• Distance: 1.5 km loop
• Best For: Little legs, stroller walks
• What You’ll See: Felker’s Falls, forest trail, creek crossings
• Why It Wows: Waterfall access with almost no elevation
• Insider Tip: Bring snacks for a quick picnic near the falls

6. Canterbury Falls Trail (via Lions Club Road)

This gentle forest trail leads to a narrow, ribbon-like waterfall and is a peaceful option for young hikers. If you’ve got more energy, you can extend to a second waterfall nearby.

• Location: Ancaster
• Distance: 2.2 km out and back to Canterbury Falls only
• Best For: Beginner hikers
• What You’ll See: Canterbury Falls, forest bridge, shaded canopy
• Why It Wows: A quiet forest walk to a tucked-away waterfall
• Insider Tip: Add ~1.6 km round trip to visit nearby Sherman Falls — just follow the connecting trail past the Canterbury bridge

7. Devil’s Punchbowl Lower Trail

Skip the top and hike the winding trail to the base for a completely different perspective — it feels like a natural amphitheatre.

• Location: Stoney Creek
• Distance: 2.4 km round trip
• Best For: Tweens and confident hikers
• What You’ll See: Bowl-shaped gorge, creek, waterfall base
• Why It Wows: A dramatic geological experience up close
• Insider Tip: Go after rain — the waterfall flows best then

8. Broughton East Trail

A peaceful suburban trail that’s perfect for younger kids learning to hike, with gentle hills and tall grasses.

• Location: East Hamilton
• Distance: 2 km loop
• Best For: Young kids, nature walks
• What You’ll See: Meadow views, wildflowers, forest edge
• Why It Wows: A quiet hidden gem
• Insider Tip: Great for bug-catching, frog-spotting, or simply meandering

9. Sherman Falls Trail

Another iconic Hamilton waterfall that’s close to parking and easy to reach, with a magical atmosphere in any season.

• Location: Ancaster
• Distance: 1.5 km out and back
• Best For: Families of all ages
• What You’ll See: Sherman Falls, stone bridge, mature trees
• Why It Wows: The perfect starter waterfall hike
• Insider Tip: Visit early — this one gets busy on weekends

10. Princess Point Trail

This paved waterfront trail is rich in natural views and wildlife, especially in spring and fall migration seasons.

• Location: West Hamilton (near Cootes Paradise)
• Distance: 2 km loop
• Best For: Strollers, birdwatchers
• What You’ll See: Wetlands, water birds, boardwalks
• Why It Wows: A peaceful pocket of nature right near downtown
• Insider Tip: Bring binoculars — and watch for swans and herons

Final Thoughts

Hamilton is proof that you don’t need to go far — or hike far — to experience wild beauty. From waterfalls to lookouts, ruins to boardwalks, these short hikes are filled with the kind of wonder that builds lasting memories.

So go ahead. Bring the snacks, grab your boots, and set out on one of these mini-adventures. Because magic happens when families slow down, look up, and take those first steps into nature — together.

You only get one chance to live this life with your kids.

Let’s make it count — outside.
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