The Hidden Gem of Simcoe County: Finally Discovering Freedom Rock
Today marked a milestone in my journey as a self-described explorer of Simcoe County’s hidden treasures — I finally found Freedom Rock! The journey was as thrilling as it was challenging, filled with bouldering and traversing the most otherworldly rocky terrain. Early Sunday morning, I set off to find Freedom Rock for the second time. Last Sunday, I searched in the rain for hours and eventually gave up. This time, after searching high and low for hours and just when I was about to give up, I found it!
The Journey to Freedom Rock
My hike began with the anticipation of uncovering one of Simcoe County’s best-kept secrets. Freedom Rock is not just any landmark; it’s a piece of history etched into the landscape presumably by a local 19th-century farmer. The inscriptions, including one that reads “DO GOOD” in what locals call The Tomb, tell a story of a bygone era.
The path to Freedom Rock is not for the faint-hearted. The area is characterized by limestone cliffs, wetlands, crevices and fissures, loose rocks, and moss-covered walls. These natural features make the journey both breathtaking and perilous. The bluffs rise stories high, and without caution, one could easily fall off a cliff or into a 50-foot crevice.
The Modern Graffiti
While the historical inscriptions of Freedom Rock were awe-inspiring, I was also struck by the amount of modern graffiti in the area. It’s more than any other park I’ve seen in Ontario. Some carvings, like “J+J” by hikers, were meticulously chiseled into the rock face but most is simply scratched into the rock face presumably by loose rock. Almost every cliffside and cave had evidence of people on the walls.
This blend of old and new graffiti makes Freedom Rock a unique and fascinating site.
Why the Secrecy?
Freedom Rock’s location is seemingly kept secret, and there is very little literature about it. It has been removed from current maps and trail guides, and listed in the wrong location on many guides. I believe this is likely due to the immense danger posed by the terrain. The cliffs, crevices, and loose rocks make it a hazardous place for the unprepared.
This secrecy helps protect both the visitors and the preserve the site itself.
Capturing the Adventure
My adventure was further enhanced by the use of 21st-century technology.
(I wonder what the original artist would think of that)
I used a drone to capture stunning images of the terrain and the rock formations. The images highlight the stark beauty and the challenges of the landscape around Freedom Rock. (I’ll post those at a later date)
Finding Freedom Rock was an exhilarating experience that combined physical challenge with historical discovery. This hidden gem of Simcoe County offers a unique glimpse into the past while highlighting the interaction between nature and human activity over the years.
Inscription Details:
As you can see someone was here relatively recently with chalk, writing their own inscriptions. However, the items the farmer chiseled onto this rock face include:
“THE GREATEST FREEDOM OF ALL IS THE ??? TO SPEND YOUR OWN MONEY”
“WHEN POLITIANS THROW MONEY IN THE GUTTER FOR THE MOB CIVILIBATION HAS REACHED THE RI E ??? PEAK TAG”
“A PESSIMIST A COWARD AN OPTOMIST A LIAR A REALIST A HERO”
“WORSHIP OF GOD INSTEAD OF STATE INTEGRITY OF FAMILY”
“TO BE FULLY EDUCATED ONE MUST FARM 5 YRS”
“CANADA FOR CANADAINS CHINA FOR CHINESE”