Hendrie Valley this October: Cherry Hill parking closures to know

Start somewhere other than the closed lot

A Hendrie Valley walk is still worth planning, but Cherry Hill Gate’s parking closure changes where this October outing begins. Pick one of RBG’s listed alternative lots before setting off. It saves arriving at a barrier and gives you a chance to choose a route that fits everyone’s energy and the ground after rain.

Source: RBG: Hendrie Valley trails and current closures

Separate a trail walk from the pumpkin event

Hendrie Valley has a nature-trail network around Grindstone Creek. Its daytime walks are a different activity from the ticketed pumpkin evening. Closure of the main trailhead’s parking area changes the access plan even for someone who is not attending the event.

Source: RBG: Hendrie Valley trails and current closures

Choose a route from the map

RBG lists alternate access at Valley Inn, 1220 Spring Garden Road, or Laking Upper Lot, 1249 Spring Garden Road and Plains Road. Read current parking terms and notices before setting off. Do not assume every alternative has the same capacity or a level route into the valley.

Source: RBG: Hendrie Valley trails and current closures

Enjoy wildlife without feeding it

Salmon spawning in autumn is among the seasonal features the operator describes, but a sighting is never guaranteed. Do not bring seed for birds or food for other wildlife. RBG prohibits wildlife feeding. Mud after rain, steep sections and unplowed winter trails are practical limits. A short dry-weather outing may suit a family better than trying to cover every trail.

Source: RBG: Hendrie Valley trails and current closures

A wildlife walk is not the same as the pumpkin event

The October 2026 fall thread recommended Cherry Hill for a walk and possible salmon migration. The appeal is easy to understand: trees, water and a chance to notice wildlife without choosing a cliff-top hike. But seeing fish is never promised. Plan to enjoy the trail even if the stream is quiet, and watch from the path rather than disturbing banks or wildlife.

An older June 2023 RBG discussion showed how easily people mix up garden admission, trail access and parking. Replies talked about memberships, library passes and different entrances. An older hiking thread also offered informal access ideas. Those conversations are useful for understanding the confusion, but they are not permission to park anywhere or proof that a particular pass covers your chosen lot. Start with the current RBG trail and parking information.

Source: Reddit: Best Fall Activities, October 1, 2026

Source: Reddit Hamilton: RBG admission and library passes, June 2023

Source: Reddit: Local hiking and parking, October 2, 2021

Source: RBG: Hendrie Valley trails and current closures

The current closure dates are the detail that changes this weekend. Cherry Hill Gate parking at 1131 Plains Road West is closed October 15 to 18 and 22 to 25. RBG lists Valley Inn at 1220 Spring Garden Road and Laking Upper Lot at 1249 Spring Garden Road and Plains Road as alternatives. These are different starting points, so use the map to decide how far you want to walk from them.

If you are visiting with children, keep the first section short enough to retrace. If someone uses a mobility aid, look closely at the described hills and narrow sections rather than assuming a garden trail is paved and flat. Rain can bring mud, and the nature trails are not sanded in winter. Wildlife feeding is prohibited, even if an older photograph shows a bird near someone’s hand. Enjoy the animals as they are, keep snacks for your group and leave a clear path for other walkers.

Source: RBG: Hendrie Valley trails and current closures