DIANE'S DRIVES
Hockley's hills and valleys
Roller coaster landscape entices and entertains

Less than an hour's drive from downtown Toronto, near Orangeville, lies Hockley Valley, one of Ontario's most scenic regions.

Drive around this area and you'll appreciate that this is the birthplace of four major river systems: the Nottawasaga, the Credit, the Humber and the Grand.

As these rivers begin their journey to the Great Lakes, they pass through a dramatic landscape. To the west are the sweeping hills of Erin. In Caledon, the hills follow the back of the Niagara Escarpment. In many places, the escarpment lies buried beneath the landscape, but it erupts dramatically above the Forks of the Credit, creating a sheer face.

To the north of Hockley Valley, the escarpment rears vertically again at the Mono Cliffs. The spirit of the region is defined not only by rivers, but by the dramatic hills - ideal for skiing - and the roller coaster landscape.

To reach this serene region, drive up picturesque Airport Road, which has trees, farms and horses grazing in white-fenced pastures.

Located near the crossroads of the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridges Moraine you will find Glen Haffy Conservation Area (on Airport Road, south of Highway 9). Visit here for an hour to see dramatic hills and mature forests that offer breathtaking views.

Nature trails wind through the forest and the Bruce Trail passes along the escarpment. Glen Haffy is also home to a fish-rearing facility, which raises thousands of rainbow trout each year for stocking the ponds here and at other conservation areas.

Fishing equipment is available for rent and bait can be purchased in the park. Two of the picnic sites have shelters, and barbecues are available to rent to cook your catch of the day.

Turn left on Highway 9 and you'll see a sign for Hockley Valley resorts, Orangeville and Mono Third Line.

You'll pass by a golf course on your left and Hockley Highlands Inn and Conference Centre resort on your right.

Hockley Highlands is ideal for a relaxing getaway. Further up on the right you will see the Hockley Valley Inn and Conference Centre. This is another resort that features conference facilities for up to 200 people, a championship 18-hole golf course, full-service spa, skiing and snowboarding in winter (golf and tennis in summer), award-winning dining and banquet facilities.

Either resort would make a pleasant lunch or dinner spot for your day's drive - and staying overnight is sure to be tempting.

Past these resorts the roads are very steep and curve to the right and left so slow your speed to about 60 km/h.

Turn right on Hockley Road. The asphalt is a bit rough but it is a busy road with fast drivers. You will see places to stop and buy honey along here in season. You'll also pass Cedar Highlands Ski Club for a future ski excursion.

At County Road 18 turn left. You'll pass Hockley Valley Tree Farms where Christmas trees are born.

Airport Road approaching Highway 8 has very steep downhill dips. Stop at the King Ludwig Bavarian Outpost on the right for a drink or get gas at the Esso station on the left.

If you have time, consider turning around and going back the way you came. However, not only are the hills steep on the way back (the sign says they are for 19 kilometres), but so are the fines for speeding. For example, if you go over the speed limit by 13 km/h it will cost you $50 and three points if you get caught.

If you don't have the time and need to head back home fast, however, turn left on Highway 89 going west. It's a major road that's fast. You'll pass through Violet Hill, a small subdivision of homes. Turn south on Highway 10 and you'll drive through the town of Caledon.

Highway 10 is a quick route to get to major highways and home.

Diane Tierney is editor of Leisureways, Journey and Going Places, member publications for the Canadian Automobile Association.