Thornton Bales Conservation Area

Nice park for hiking, but there are only a small area for parking, if you park on the road side, you will get a ticket.

Good if you like a little bit of challenge, not busy at all. Beautiful in spring and fall.

It was a nice walk with a little ups and downs. The view was pretty good with fall colors. Would have been better if there was a lake.

Get on your hiking boots and spend an afternoon on a trail. The Thornton Bales conservation area is conveniently located an hour from the GTA. A canopy of mature trees, local plants, rolling hills, and wildlife brings tranquillity to the area.

The trailhead is at the top of a hill. Be prepared to walk down a steep set of stairs to explore the area.

Note there is limited parking at the trailhead. Additional parking is available on the shoulder of the road.

Mid Oct 2022 weekend. Together with 99 Steps, Joker Hill trail, it could be a 2 hours hiking with strides. Joker Hill has more parking spaces.

Nice easy loop trail with the 99 steps up/down the hill. There is a longer side trail that connects all the way over to Jokers Hill. Parking is very limited so keep that in mind when going. I’m sure this trail would be beautiful in the fall time with the foliage

We like the length and the varieties for this trail. Even within such a short trail (we chose to take a shorter route, didn't go to Joker's Hill, but this part could connect to there), there are different elevation levels already. It's very good for toddlers and young kids too (saw many young families)! Most of the parts of the trail are covered by trees so lots of shades! We counted the steps, and it's indeed 99 steps (but if you count 1 from the flat, it could be 100 steps!). Along the trail, the signs for the main route are very clear, it's very helpful. I'd like to give 5 stars but couldn't because of the parking area. It's very limited and not too convenient, but we would come again for sure in the future!

Amazing walk thru here, for beginner hiker to advance. You can walk for a little bit to a lot 1-10 kms.you can bring your kids, your friends or family!

Nice trail, well marked. Not very busy as I went during the week after lunch. A bit muddy but that was to be expected as it's been raining the last 2 days.

Nothing says autumn more than the 99 steps of stairs at the golden trail.

We went there on Oct 17th, and the leaves are all yellow. The sun's rays spill over the leaves on the trees and in the ground in a forest of maple and pine. It's like a dream.

The trail could use more markers and maps along the way. There are a few confusing loops and entrances, so you better remember where you entered.

The forest floor is easy to walk. The surrounding is clean and open.

Fantastic trail. Lots of people at the beginning of the walk. But the deeper you go the quieter it becomes.

Parents, make sure to not take a stroller. That climb back up is no joke! Especially if you are carrying a baby or a stroller.

What a beautiful spot. We went in off Bathurst st and ran into quite a few people walking their dogs off leash. Once we got deeper into the forest it was like we we're the only 2 people. Found our way to the 99 steps. Busier with people. Was worth the 45 minute drive from Dufferin County.

Really nice for a family nature experience. Has a couple moderately difficult hills so not recommended if you can't carry your kids or have older people with you.

You will get a ticket if you park on the street. Consider it $40 King City Improvement Fund to visit.

Visited the park for the famous 99 Steps but parking is very challenging. There's only about 8 to 10 spots or so and parking on the street is prohibited. Signs everywhere indicating no parking on 19th Sideroad but others did park on the street which is only 2 lanes and near a tight turn. Others have mentioned getting a ticket for 50 bucks so definitely not worth the consequences and a potentially tow.

We decided to drive around further but there's no spot to park. We ended up leaving the area and drove to Bathurst to start on the other end to Joker Hill parking which was only slightly better.

Note: During our hike we did see a few no trespassing signs, as the hike from one trail connecting to another does take you through UofT properties.

Absolutely beautiful forest. Stunning in the fall season. I would say it is an absolutely must see. Would like to try the blue trail next time as it is longer than the red trail.

The only reason why I give it a 1 Star is because of the cash grab the King Township has going on there. One of the most popular trail people visot. The trail has made news article as being a must see and enjoy trail. BUT there is only parking for 8 max 10 cars. We went there yesterday and there were over 100 cars parked on the road and the city has put no parking sign along the road. Seen a few cars with $40 tickets on them and the signs also saying your can may be towed.

Come on King Township wake up and put more parking spots or allow parking on the side of the road. We left and returned today in the morning. There was about 50 car at this time and by the time we left it was pushing 100 cars again.

Hard to enjoy the beautiful trail when you are worried about whether it will cost you $40 or worse you car may not even be there.

One of the best trail in Ontario to enjoy the fall colours. It’s peaceful and the scenic beauty is great!

Been coming to this spot for many years. Its peaceful and nicely maintained. Magical in Autumn!
Minimal parking ensures crowd control.
Of course I can't leave a park review without a complaint about litter. Ugh. Please be kind.

Today me and my family decided to go on an evening walk at 99 steps. It was very beautiful and peaceful, however the trail is marked SO POORLY that we got lost. We followed the blue stripes marked on the trees (sometimes there were two sometimes there was one - I’m not too sure the difference) and at one point in the trail the blue paint marks disappear. We became worried but assumed that the trail will eventually loop around. After about 45 minutes of aimlessly walking around we ran into a couple that knew the trails well and showed us the way out. They told us we were very far from the entrance of 99 steps and that they will have to guide us to the entrance from Bathurst street and then drive us to our car. They told us that this wasn’t the first time they had to guide people out of the forest because of the poorly marked trail. Town of Newmarket - PLEASE remark the trail so that hikers can feel safer while enjoying the beautiful nature Ontario has to offer!

Good trail. Needs better markings as it's easy to get lost on the trail. People also need to keep their dogs on a leash, there is a sign that clearly states that dogs should be on a leash yet people do their own thing.

A great hike, but a huge part of the marked trail from Thornton to Joker Hill has been closed. You are forced to detour and find your own way around since the alternative routes are not well marked. I spent almost an hour trying to find my way back. Having a map with the alternative routes posted would be extremely helpful.

Thornton Bales Trail is a nice trail to explore in. I wish that the arrows on posts showing where to go would be more detailed in showing what trail and distance we were doing. Also we counted the steps and it's 80 not 99 which was a let down. The trail is beautiful and quiet.

Awesome hike through the forest, connects to Joker Hill trail loop. Trail is marked really well, adding a garbage can near the entrance would be very helpful to keep trash levels down. Moving a few dead trees to be used as benches would be nice. Parking is free which is nice. Map of the trail would be helpful.

It’s unofficial off leash dog park. Not all dogs are friendly or trained. Would not go there with a kid.

Great place for a short hike. Dog tales is also in the area which is a nice bonus if you happen to be there on a Sunday

Both fall and winter are beautiful. Make sure to give yourself enough time to walk back as you might get lost easily.

One of my favourite hikes in the area. So quaint. You feel like you are hours away from the city! Make your escape today

Great Hiking and amazing view. A little difficult on way back upstairs But good if you're in shape. Great workout.

Lots of side trails with many levels. Very rich and woody even in winter. Wear cleats for ice and snow

Some of the trails aren't very well marked, ended up getting a bit lost. Love that it's a bit more challenging though, and is beautiful in the fall with the leaves changing

I go here quite often to walk the dog. Great Forrest with many trails. Good for both short and long hikes.

Went last week. The trail is well maintained and not difficult at all. It took our group of 3 around 2 hours at a regular walking pace.

The trail begins well marked. Just follow the blue markings on the trees. However, it does become more difficult as one progresses further.

We were able to figure out the loop but only because we took the time to stop and pinpoint markers and had help from two locals who had gone further ahead and had to turn back.

We followed blue markers until the Joker Hill sign and then we proceeded to follow small pink ribbons tied on trees (seems sketchy to be markers). This eventually lead us back to the beginning.

Btw none of us counted 99 steps. We all counted less.

Love Thornton bales. Lots of different terrain. Not a long hike, but it's a good one. Most dogs are off leash, just a heads up