The Town of Mono is situated in south-central Ontario, just north of Caledon. Mono has received the title “the heart of the headwaters” because of the towns proximity to three rivers – the Humber River, the Nottawasaga River and the Credit River. The area is alive with farms that dot the tree covered hills. The town is home to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. The dominant features of this park are three rock outcrops known as the Mono Rocks. The Bruce Trail also meanders through this region. The Hockley Valley puts on a dazzling display of fall colours every autumn.
Mono Cliffs contains a significant section of the Niagara Escarpment, including crevice caves, an upland limestone plain, and talus slopes. The park features two prominent masses of rock, separated by erosion from the main rock body. When this occurs, the resultant feature is called an outlier.Botanists have noted that the local vegetation includes a particularly rich diversity of ferns.
Mono is essentially rural in both geography and character. The rolling, tree-covered hills hold streams and creeks which form the headwaters of three rivers - the Humber, Nottawasaga and Credit. Mono's approximately 6,900 residents make their homes on farms, rural estates and in small settlements, and include the farming community, local businesses, numerous artists and artisans, commuters to neighbouring towns and cities, and weekend escapees from the urban bustle.
The region is fast becoming known as horse county. The pastoral setting, meadows and protected greenbelt areas are home to many horse farms and equine related endeavours. The equine industry is booming in the area and the horse population is steadily growing. The Town of Mono's economic development committee has established the equine industry as focus for growth and tourism experience.
Discovering Mono on foot is by far the best way to take in nature's splendour and her changing seasons. The Bruce Trail threads right through the town starting at the south eastern corner and heading up Airport Road (County Rd 18). A left turn in Hockley Valley and then the trail proceeds north to Mono Centre, Mono Cliffs Park and exits Mono at Hwy 89 near Violet Hill.
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park - Owned and managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources, this park of over 1,300 acres is home to many rare plants. Consequently, activities are strictly controlled, as set out in the recently completed Management Plan. Situated in the Second and Third concessions EHS between the hamlet of Mono Centre and the Twenty Five Side Road, the park encompasses part of the Niagara Escarpment. The entrance to the park is on the Third Line EHS between the Mono Centre Road and the 25 Side Road. Hiking (Bruce Trail) and cross-country ski trails are well-maintained in terrain which is spectacular year round.
The region is home to many painters, potters, photographers, musicians, actors and writers, just to name a few of the diverse people you'll find making magic in the area. Artists' studios dot the hills and are cleverly tucked away on quaint country side roads. Some studios are open year round and others are available by appointment only - it's best to call first to inquire about hours of operation. The fall months of September and October see many studio tours in the Hills of Headwaters region. It coincides with a great time to tour our area and view the splendour of fall colours.
