Chedoke Falls
Ontario • 18 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Before you go
Going to the base of Chedoke Falls has been treated as trespassing since July 2018, and visitors have been ticketed even where the trail had no signs. Hamilton bylaw officers issued 25 tickets near the falls on one weekend in May 2021.
Photo Credits (5)
About Chedoke Falls
Chedoke Falls is an 18 m (60 ft) ribbon waterfall on the east branch of Chedoke Creek. It sits in a deep, narrow gorge in the Niagara Escarpment above the city-owned Chedoke Civic Golf Course in Hamilton, and it flows year-round. There is no legal hike to the falls: going to the base is treated as trespassing, and visitors have been ticketed.
The Setting
Chedoke Falls sits at 197 metres in the foothills of Ontario. The falls drop 18 metres.
Height: 60 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Cliffview Falls (15 m) lies 0.6 kilometres to the west. Also nearby: Lower Westcliffe Falls (9 m, 0.8 km) and Lower Cliffview Falls (4 m, 0.8 km).
Trail & Hike Details
What to Expect
The falls drop 18 metres.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible. Access involves uneven terrain, stairs, and narrow trails with steep sections, not suitable for strollers or mobility devices in most places.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Chedoke Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Chedoke Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (snowmelt and spring rains) for the most impressive flow. Early morning on weekends to avoid crowds. Fall for foliage and pleasant hiking conditions. In winter, the falls may form ice features but are often very slippery, only attempt with proper equipment and experience.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Hazards include slippery and muddy trails, steep drop-offs with limited or no barriers, loose rocks, strong currents near the creek, sudden changes in water level after rain, and hazardous ice in winter. Cell coverage may be limited in the ravine. Keep a safe distance from edges, supervise children, and do not attempt risky scrambles to get closer to the water. In winter, expect icefall and unstable iced-over surfaces.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Spencer Creek, 5.8 km away, not on Chedoke Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0.7 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 42 years of record
6.08 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge SPENCER CREEK AT DUNDAS (6 km away).
Today
Moderate
0.8 m³/s
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
0.8 m³/s
6/10Sat
Moderate
0.8 m³/s
6/10Sun
Moderate
1.0 m³/s
6/10Mon
Moderate
1.0 m³/s
6/10Tue
Moderate
0.9 m³/s
6/10Wed
Moderate
0.9 m³/s
6/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mainly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Hamilton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Elevation
197 metres above sea level
Coordinates
43.241736° N, -79.900668° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Do not go to the base or climb the falls; it is treated as trespassing and people have been ticketed. Hamilton has many other waterfalls with legal trails and viewing areas.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Lost Forest Park & Camping Resort
15 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Hamilton is known for a large number of waterfalls in the escarpment region. Nearby attractions include other escarpment falls and the Chedoke Radial Trail, plus well-known sites across Hamilton such as Webster's Falls, Tews Falls, Albion Falls and Devil's Punchbowl (distances vary).
Wildlife
Typical urban-ravine wildlife: songbirds, small mammals (squirrels, raccoons), occasional deer, and various insects. Ticks and poison ivy may be present in warmer months; take precautions.
Cities near Chedoke Falls
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