Grey County Waterfall Tour

Published Date: January 22, 2015

 

Where the water and rocks meet, feel the rush as the river flows over the escarpment's edge. Grey County, Ontario offers an abundance of waterfalls. So appealing that they merit their own tour, these special places are often just a short drive or hike from busy roads. Whether in Owen Sound or rural areas, all have scenic settings. Visit all of Grey County's waterfalls on the 150 km self guided driving tour. Stay a night and experience small town hospitality at its best.

Visiting during the winter months? Then click here for a printable copy of the Winter Waterfall and Snowshoe Guide.

Eugenia Falls
If you've never stood at the top of a waterfall, for a droplet-eye view down the gorge, Eugenia Falls will take your breath away. Plunging into Cuckoo Valley, the Beaver River drops 30 metres over the Niagara Escarpment. One of the highest in Eastern Canada, this waterfall was the site of an early hydroelectric power station. Now, a dam upstream of the falls directs most of the flow through huge pipes, but even the trickle that remains creates a musical background to the dramatic view from Eugenia Falls Conservation Area, just off Grey County Road 13, at Eugenia .

Driving Directions:Follow County Road 40 east to County Road 7 south, through Fairmount and Epping, into the Beaver Valley. Catch County Road 13 south to Eugenia. The entrance to Eugenia Falls is diagonally across from Eugenia Falls Emporium.

Hoggs Falls
Considered one of Grey County's best-kept secrets, Hoggs Falls are tucked away a mere two-minute walk from the Lower Valley Road near Flesherton. Named for William Hogg, the waters of the Boyne River tumble seven metres in this woodland setting.

Driving Directions: Take Grey Road 4 west to the East Back Line and head north. Then very quickly turn east onto Lower Valley Road. Watch carefully; and look for the sign displaying the parking lot area on the left.  Please note that the Bruce Trail does cross the road a couple times before you get to the actual parking lot.

Holstein Dam
This charming five metre waterfall is located in historic downtown Holstein, just beyond the gates of Jubilee Park.  The waterfall is the result of the flow from the Mill Pond on Norman Reeves Creek over the Holstein Dam.  As you enter the park, you'll find a viewing area for the waterfall, the dam and the mill pond. The best view of the waterfalls is from just downstream at the entrance to the park.

Driving Directions: From Durham take Hwy. 6 south and turn left on Grey Rd.9 and then right on Grey Rd. 109 and left into the Holstein/Egremont Park, just after the creek crossing in downtown Holstein.  From Hwy. 10 take Main St./Grey Rd. 9 west and turn left at Grey Rd. 109 and left at the Holstein/Egrement Park entrance in Holstein.

Indian Falls
Almost inside a city, Indian Falls are in Sarawak Township, at the northwestern edge of Owen Sound. A one-kilometre walk through Indian Falls Conservation Area leads through ferns, trees and wildflowers. The horseshoe-shaped falls drop to a quiet pool before Indian Creek flows on to empty into Owen Sound Bay.

Driving Directions:Follow the scenic Georgian Bay Route from 2nd Avenue West to Grey Road 1. Look for Conservation Area sign directing you west to parking area.

Inglis Falls
Like many falls in one, the Sydenham River cascades over limestone shelves of an 18-metre cliff that is part of the Niagara Escarpment in the southeastern part of Owen Sound. Viewed from any angle, Inglis Falls gives a panorama of rock, water and ruralscapes that are truly spectacular in any season. Remnants of a nineteenth-century gristmill are reminders of the power in this falling water, as used by Peter Inglis. Within the Inglis Falls Conservation Area are picnic facilities, washrooms, all reached from Highways 6 & 10. Paid parking on location:  Car/Van/Pickup/Motorcycle $3.00 per day.  Season parking pass $30.00 per year.  (seasonal pass provides access to both Hibou and Inglis Falls Conservation Areas.  Second vehicle pass is available for $25.00 per year.)  Buses $1.00 per person/visit.
Driving Directions:From Springmount, follow County Road 18 south, continue on County Road 18 east, past Grey Roots. From Grey Road 18 turn left onto Inglis Falls Road, signage will direct you to the entrance of the Inglis Falls Conservation Area.

Jones Falls
Seen from the Bruce Trail, or glimpsed from Highway 21 heading west from Owen Sound, Jones Falls cascade 12 metres over the Niagara Escarpment. A one-kilometre walking trail leads through the Pottawatomi Conservation Area to the falls. This is another spot that offers year-round splendour for photographers
Driving Directions:Located on the west side of the city of Owen Sound. Follow 10th Street West to Springmount. Turn north on Highway 6. Entrance is on the immediate right. Parking available .

McGowan Falls
Within the Durham Conservation Area McGowan Falls takes the name of an early miller who used the waterpower of the Saugeen River at this site. Popular with anglers, the falls here are more gradual than some, yet scenic in their setting of cedars. McGowan Falls are portrayed in one of several murals that adorn buildings in downtown Durham.

Driving Directions:Durham is located at the junction of County Road 4 and Highway 6. The Conservation Area is located at the north end of Durham on top of the hill.

Weaver's Creek Falls
Located within Owen Sound's 40-hectare Harrison Park, Weavers Creek Falls is the opportunity to see a miniature plunge falls flanked by two cascading falls - two waterfalls in one!  The 300-metre boardwalk at the far southwest corner of the park allows you to enjoy a wilderness setting with the city limits. The falls itself is located on private property, but you can safely view the falls from park property.  Please be respectful when you visit.

Driving Directions: Take 2nd Ave. East through Owen Sound and turn into Harrison Park just south of the downtown core.  Follow the driveway to parking area beside the Harrison Park Inn.  Follow the marked trails to the back of the park and look for the boardwalk to the right of the Public Pool.  Follow marked trail to the falls.

 *Please note that some of the waterfalls may not be accessible during the winter due to heavy snowfall amounts. Feel free to call ahead if you have any questions about visiting the waterfalls during the winter. 877-733-4739*  Also see our Winter Waterfalls 101.

 *Winter Waterfall Safety Disclaimer
This Winter Waterfall Guide has been developed to assist in planning your visit to waterfalls throughout Grey County.  Users of this guide are responsible for their own safety and use these routes and trails at their own risk.  Each user should consider not only weather, road and trail conditions but also his/her own level of fitness and experience.  This guide is not intended as a guide for children.  The trails suggested are not maintained by the County of Grey, and caution should be practiced when using them.  Grey County Tourism and others involved in developing this guide are not responsible for any loss or damage any user may suffer as a result of using this Guide.  The County of Grey, and their elected officials, directors, officers, employees, owners, volunteers and staff do not warrant the safety of any route, highway, road, street, trail or designated waterfall area shown in this Guide.  While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this Guide, inaccuracies or changes may occur and the County of Grey is not responsible for any variations from the above information. 

Waiver:  Having read the foregoing material and as a condition of using this Winter Waterfall Guide, the users of this guide waive, release, and discharge, for themselves and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, any rights or claims which the users have or may hereafter have against the directors, officers, employees, owners, volunteers and staff of the County of Grey, for any and all damages which may be sustained by the users directly or indirectly in connection with their use of this Guide or the designated routes and trails.

Discover More Trip Ideas

Hoggs Falls Winter
Grey County’s waterfall tour draws many visitors to the region in the spring and summer months, but winter is a unique and amazing time to visit some of the waterfalls that are accessible during the snowy months.
Harrison Park Rink

Whether you want to round up a few friends for a game of shinny or you want to skate under the stars on a crisp, cool evening, Grey County has a few outdoor rink options to check out.

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