Geology & Discovery.
Rock Glen Conservation Area at Arkona exposes 380-million-year-old Devonian fossil beds along the Ausable River — trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, and corals from the Hungry Hollow Formation — and a 12-metre waterfall on the same site. A short stair-and-ramp trail descends the gorge from the parking area to the streambed below the falls, where visitors can collect loose surface material under Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority rules.
The brief.
Rock Glen is one of the more accessible public Devonian-fossil-collection sites in southern Ontario; the ABCA permits collection of loose surface material in the streambed but prohibits collection from rock faces. The trail is short but includes stair sections and rougher footing in the gorge — sensible footwear required.
Stair access can close in icy conditions, so April through November is the practical window. The same site has the 12-metre waterfall on the Ausable; the falls are best in spring runoff and after rain.
Arkona is inland from Grand Bend on the Ausable; allow ~30 minutes' drive from Pinery's gates.
1. places.
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Rock Glen Conservation Area (Arkona)
Devonian fossil beds (Hungry Hollow Formation, ~380 Mya — trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, corals) and a 12-metre waterfall on the Ausable River; stair-and-ramp access from the parking area to the streambed.
Today's read.
Cold but firm — winter-ready conditions · light winds · clean air.