Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.2 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Fourth Chute
Fourth Chute is a chute-style waterfall on a river in Renfrew County, Ontario, located near Pembroke (approx. 19.8 miles away) at the supplied coordinates (45.5043, -77.0104). The feature is a bedrock chute/cascade where water is funneled through a narrower channel; flow and appearance vary seasonally (typically highest in spring). Facilities are minimal or non-existent and access may be informal.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Fourth Chute flows over layered sedimentary rock laid down about 458-470 million years ago. Over time, the stream has worn through these layers at different rates, creating the step that forms the waterfall.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Fourth Chute is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Access to the chute may be via a short unmaintained path or a roadside scramble. Expect rocky, uneven terrain and possibly wet sections close to the water. Trails (if present) may be poorly marked and can include steep or slippery rock steps near the chute. There are likely no built boardwalks, railings, restrooms, or visitor infrastructure.
What to Expect
A compact chute or cascade set in a rocky river channel. Flow is highly seasonal, strong in spring snowmelt and after heavy rain, lower in late summer. Limited viewpoints; you may need to approach the riverbank for the best view. Expect native forest, rocky cliffs or slabs, and limited visitor facilities.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Fourth Chute?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Fourth Chute?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (high water and dramatic flow) and fall (foliage) are typically the best visual seasons. Summer offers easier travel but potentially lower flows. Winter can produce ice features but is hazardous due to freeze/thaw and thin ice, only visit with proper experience and equipment.
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 wet rock, fast currents near the chute, unstable riverbanks, and sudden water-level changes during/after heavy rain. Ice in winter can be deceptive and dangerous. Cell coverage may be unreliable; let someone know your plans and expected return time. If wildlife (bears) are in the area, store food securely and make noise while hiking. Do not attempt technical climbing or swimming near the chute without appropriate experience and equipment.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a Water Survey of Canada gauge 33.5 km away
8.0 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 27 years of record
3.81 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
This gauge is on a regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Pembroke hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Use the supplied GPS coordinates (45.5043, -77.0104). Access is likely from local secondary roads off the regional highway network around Pembroke/Renfrew County. Expect to travel on rural paved or gravel roads; cell coverage may be spotty. There may be no formal signage, use map/GPS and local contacts for the final access details.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There may be limited or informal roadside parking or a small pullout near the access point. Do not block private driveways or gates. No formal parking lot or services are known; park only where explicitly allowed.
Elevation
143 metres above sea level
Coordinates
45.504327° N, -77.010406° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy, grippy footwear; use caution on wet and slippery rock. Bring a map or GPS and a charged phone (but do not rely on cell service). Do not climb on unstable ledges or descend unsafely to the river. Pack out all garbage. Respect any posted signs and private property; ask landowner permission if access crosses private land. Check local conditions (high water, ice) before visiting.
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
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Serenity Bay Cottage & RV Park
5.5 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Pembroke (services, lodging) is the nearest larger town (~20 miles). The general Renfrew County/Bonnechere Valley region offers additional outdoor recreation, local parks, hiking, and rivers, but confirm exact nearby attractions locally before planning.
Wildlife
Typical eastern Ontario wildlife: songbirds, waterfowl, small mammals, white-tailed deer and other forest species. Black bear and moose may be present in the region, exercise usual wildlife precautions. Aquatic species and beaver activity may be present in the river.
Cities near Fourth Chute
Writing about Fourth Chute? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.