Cheltenham Badlands
Featuring rust red undulating topography, the Cheltenham Badlands is part of an area designated as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and it plays a vital role in geographical conservation.
The Cheltenham Badlands is a landscape of rolling red rock made up of highly eroded and exposed Queenston Shale. Resulting from poor farming practices by settlers in the 1930s, the red hills were slowly revealed as the elements wore away the vegetation over the years. The bright red color is due to a high concentration of iron oxide, while the greenish streaks are a result of groundwater oxidizing the red rock.
While physical access onto the Cheltenham Badlands is no longer possible (foot traffic accounts for up to 10% of its annual sediment loss and shale erosion), you can still view them from boardwalks and trails surrounding the area. The exposed geological processes displayed by the Badlands makes it a popular educational site for geology enthusiasts and tourists alike.
The Cheltenham Badlands is located in Caledon, southeast of the Olde Base Line Road, between Chinguacousy Road and Creditview Road.
For up-to-date information and details on the Cheltenham Badlands, we recommend that you visit its website. To learn more about the Cheltenham Badlands or find other places to explore nearby, keep on reading to see what Destination Ontario has in store for you.
Accessibility Features
Wheelchair accessible
Unobstructed path through public
hallways that are wide enough to allow
people using wheelchairs and other
mobility devices to move easily through
the building.
Universal washroom
Separate, individual washroom with
adequate manoeuvring room for mobility
devices. Includes grab bars, transfer
space, accessible door latch, accessible
sink with knee clearance, easy-to-use
faucets and adult change table.
Support persons welcome
Support persons are welcome to provide
services or assistance with
communication, mobility, personal care,
medical needs or access to facilities.
Please check with the organization about
entry fees, if applicable.
Service animals welcome
Service animal can be identified by visual
indicators (guide dog or other animal
wearing a vest/harness); or
documentation available from a
regulated health professional to confirm
the animal is required due to a disability.
Information available in alternative format
Accessible formats (e.g. for menus,
brochures, etc) and communication
supports are provided in a timely manner
upon request at no extra charge in
consultation with the person making the
request.
Accessible washroom
An accessible washroom stall has
adequate manoeuvring room for mobility
devices. Includes grab bars, transfer
space, accessible door latch, sink with
knee clearance, and lever handles or
automatic sensor faucets.
Accessible drop-off location
Passenger drop-off is available by an
accessible entrance.
Accessible recreation trails
One or more accessible trails with firm
and stable surface. All slopes, ramps,
handrails, boardwalks and signage
comply with the technical requirements
of Ontario's accessibility laws.
Accessible parking
At least one identified, reserved parking
space with a safe, clearly marked
accessible route from the designated
parking area to an accessible building
entrance.
Accessible entrances/exits
A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced,
unobstructed path, no steps or equipped
with ramp connecting to a public
entrance or exit and identified by signage.
Automatic door openers, adequate
manoeuvring room in front of door.
More about Cheltenham Badlands
Visitors can enjoy a full view of the Cheltenham Badlands while along the 1,330 metre portion of the Bruce Trail or the shorter 325 metre Badlands Trail. The Bruce Trail traverses the path between Creditview Road and the Badlands parking area on Olde Base Line Road, while the Badlands Trail connects it to the popular shale feature. Learn more about the Badlands through new interpretative signage located along the trails and enjoy the renowned Caledon scenery framing the trails and Badlands.
Make the Cheltenham Badlands part of a fun-filled day trip in the great Caledonian outdoors. There are several conservation areas nearby that are under a 10 minute drive away. Visit the neighboring Terra Cotta Conservation Area, with its gorgeous lakes, forests and nature trails or the picturesque waterfalls, hanging bridges and stunning foliage at Belfountain Conservation Area. Sample the tastiest of Caledon’s ciders at Spirit Tree Estate Cidery. Serving handcrafted artisan hard ciders as well as stone oven breads and pastries on their seasonal, locally-sourced menu, you can be sure to end your day of exploration with a happy fizzle.
Last updated: August 9, 2022