Rockway

rockway Conservation Area Enhancement Project

The NPCA is pleased to announce that Rockway Conservation Area has been enhanced to improve public safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience at this protected natural area.

Key improvements include:

• A new permeable paving stone parking lot was installed to provide better access. This improved feature reduces the amount of stormwater runoff leaving the site, improves the quality of that stormwater runoff, and serves to enhance the local groundwater regime.
• Increased tree canopy and greenspace.
• Bicycle racks, safety fencing, new lookout and seating areas, and a granular accessible trail are now available for all to enjoy nature and the unique views of the Niagara Escarpment safely.
• A new one-kilometer trail with a granular stone pathway, improving accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs.
• New trail system to complement the Bruce Trail, with improved wayfinding coming soon.
• Installation of EV Stations

To ensure the responsible year-round management of the protected area for public access and enjoyment, NPCA will introduce automated gates for paid parking at the site in April 2024. Paid parking will commence in May 2024. Rockway will always remain free to access for walk-up visitors and users who access the site by bike or other modes of active transportation.

To encourage community access to these natural spaces, NPCA has enhanced its Library NaturePlus Pass program, which offers the NaturePlus Pass for a complimentary one-week loan through local libraries and communirty hubs. The pass allows the holder to park for free at any NPCA park. NPCA recently doubled the number of passes available to 120 across the Niagara Peninsula watershed. These passes are valid at all NPCA conservation areas where parking fees apply and are often accompanied by a backpack equipped with binoculars and guidebooks. More information on our Library NaturePlus Pass Program can be found HERE. In the interim, the site can be accessed at no-cost.

Learn more about the Rockway Conservation Area Enhancement Project at Get Involved NPCA. To provide feedback or input on these enhancements, please use the online engagement options available at the previous link, or contact conservationareas@npca.ca.

Rockway Conservation Area is part of the Niagara Escarpment and offers history and beauty in a remote setting. Hike the trail into the Fifteen Mile Creek valley to experience mature Basswood, Sugar Maple, Black Walnut and Sycamore trees.

Two spectacular waterfalls plunge from heights of 19.5 meters and 12.2 meters. The watercourse continues downriver, surging over a series of rapids.

Boasting some of the best quality and quantity of salt in Ontario, the salt spring dates as far back as 1792. Area facilities include limited parking off 9th Avenue on escarpment tablelands.