Are there fees or permits required for High Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit High Falls.

Is swimming allowed at High Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at High Falls.

High Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at High Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at High Falls.

Ontario • 23 m

By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026

Also For 31 other waterfalls also named High Falls, see below

Photo Credits (1)

Troy B Thompson CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

Trail Length

0.2 km

Trail Type

Out And Back

About High Falls

High Falls is a scenic waterfall located a few miles outside of Wawa, Ontario (approximately 4.2 miles from town). The falls sit on a local river/stream draining toward the Lake Superior basin and are a popular short-stop for visitors to the Wawa area. Exact on-site facilities are minimal; viewpoints are generally natural (rock/soil) rather than developed. Seasonal flow varies, with highest water in spring runoff and lower flows in late summer. Winter creates dramatic ice formations but can make access hazardous.

The Setting

High Falls sits at 251 metres in the foothills of Ontario. The falls drop 23 metres.

Why This Waterfall Exists

High Falls flows over hard volcanic rock, primarily basalt and iron formation, laid down over 2.5-3.2 billion years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating a 75-foot drop where softer material downstream has already eroded.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Doré Falls (1 m) lies 9.7 kilometres to the west.

Doré Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. High Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

Expect a short, generally easy walk from the parking/pullout to a natural viewing area. The path may be a foot-trail over uneven or rocky ground and can be steep or slippery near the water's edge. There are likely no boardwalks or railings; viewpoints are natural rock ledges or cleared areas. Trail length and elevation gain appear to be short/low but are not documented precisely here.

What to Expect

The falls drop 23 metres over hard volcanic rock.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at High Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at High Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring (high flows and full falls) and fall (color and cooler temperatures) are excellent for photography. Summer offers easier travel and warm weather but can mean lower flows. Winter provides ice formations but presents increased hazards and likely requires winter hiking/traction gear.

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

Primary hazards include slippery and unstable rocks near the falls, steep drop-offs without railings, unpredictable water flow (especially after heavy rain), cold water temperatures, and winter ice. Cell service may be limited, plan accordingly. Wildlife encounters (including bears and moose) are possible; carry bear deterrents if appropriate and know how to respond. Always stay on stable ground, supervise children closely, and do not approach the edge for photos. If visiting in winter, use appropriate traction devices and be aware of avalanche/ice hazards on exposed slopes.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Wawa hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

From Wawa, travel roughly 4.2 miles along the local roads/Trans-Canada corridor toward the coordinates 47.9601, -84.829. The falls are reached by a short turnout or an informal spur/trail from the highway or a nearby secondary road. Signage and formal trailheads may be minimal or absent, follow local signs where present and use GPS coordinates if available.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is likely informal, a roadside pullout or small dirt lot rather than a developed parking lot. Space may be limited and there are typically no restroom facilities. Park clear of the highway and avoid blocking the shoulder.

Elevation

251 metres above sea level

Coordinates

47.960140° N, -84.828951° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy, grippy footwear, rocks near the falls are often wet and slippery. Stay back from cliff edges; there may be no railings. Bring insect repellent in spring/summer (black flies and mosquitoes can be abundant). Carry warm layers in shoulder seasons and winter; conditions change quickly. Leave no trace and pack out all trash. Cell service may be spotty; let someone know your plans if you hike beyond the immediate viewpoint.

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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Nearby Campground

Driftwood Beach

5 km away

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Town of Wawa (notable roadside attractions such as the Wawa Goose statue), lakeshore and provincial park areas on Lake Superior, other local waterfalls and rivers in the Wawa/Michipicoten region. Exact distances vary; plan additional travel time if visiting multiple sites.

Wildlife

Typical northern Ontario species: black bears, moose, white-tailed deer, beavers, and a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. Exercise standard wildlife precautions: store food securely and give animals space.