Snakes and Ladders of Dufferin County
The Hockley Lines are very well known for runners and cyclists from all over Ontario because they are challenging to run or ride. They are located just north of Orangeville, Ontario, Canada. The route is between Hockley Rd and 5th Sideroad in Dufferin County from 1st Line to 8th line to the General Store and back plus running around Island Lake Conservation Area to make an 81 km route that is 90% road/gravel road with 10% gravel path.
You start at the Island Lake Conservation Area North Parking lot across from the Mono Amaranth Public School (MAPS) 246303 Hockley Rd, Mono, ON L9W 6K4.
The journey begins running East on Hockley Rd towards 1st line, then heading south on 1st line towards 5th Sideroad, turning east along 5th sideroad before making your way towards 2nd line. Running North on 2nd line back to Hockley Road, then turn east again towards 3rd line. Run South on 3rd line back to 5th Sideroad and repeat this pattern on 4th line, 5th line, 6th line/Airport Road . When you are running east on Hockley Road you pass the iconic Rosebud Motel from the hit show Schitt's Creek. Of course, you must stop and snap a picture!
It should be noted that this route passes several entrances to the iconic Bruce Trail - Ontario's longest continuous hiking trail - over 1,000 kilometres in length.
Continue on towards and North on 7th Line until you make your way down 8th line towards the Hockley General Store,
After reaching the General Store and capturing a moment with one of Headwaters Painted Horses out front, head back towards 7th line on Hockley Rd. Turn south on 7th line and retrace your steps all the way back to the starting point at the north Island Lake parking lot from where you started. But the challenge isn’t over yet.
Next, you run around Island Lake, taking a left turn on the North Baker Trail, passing the dam continuing on the Vicki Barron Lake Side Trail. Stay on trail you will cross over some bridges all the way to the beach area and Amphitheatre, running under the covered bridge, where you will take the second right running up a hill crossing the Park road. Stay on Trail passing the Main Park Entrance. Stay on the Vicki Barron Lake Side Trail making your way back to the dam your final turn left before heading towards the finish line.
After a grueling 81K of climbing 1456 m of ascent and descending those lines and running around the Lake, you have successfully completed the course. This FKT is known as the Snakes and Ladders of Dufferin County.
