Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.1 km
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
41 m
About High Falls
High Falls (approx. coords 45.088, -79.3022) is a natural waterfall in central Ontario near the Orillia / Parry Sound region. It is set in typical mixed-wood forest and rocks of the Canadian Shield and is likely most dramatic in spring runoff. Specifics about the official name, management jurisdiction, and exact measured height vary between local reports; the description here is conservative and may be subject to local variation.
Why This Waterfall Exists
High Falls flows over hard crystalline rock laid down over 1.4-1.6 billion years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating the falls where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Trethewey Falls (11 m) lies 11.4 kilometres to the south. Also nearby: Wilsons Falls (10 m, 3.1 km) and Bracebridge Falls (10 m, 5.3 km).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.1-km loop trail gains 41 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Trail details are not well documented in widely available sources for this specific High Falls location. Many waterfalls in this region are reached by short, often uneven footpaths through mixed forest with exposed bedrock, roots and occasional steep or wet sections near the falls. Expect a natural, minimally developed route with possible short scramble sections to viewpoints. Use caution approaching the water and cliff edges.
What to Expect
Expect a forested setting typical of the Georgian Bay / Muskoka transition: mixed hardwood and conifer forest, exposed granite and moss, and a stream channel that can vary substantially with season. Spring snowmelt and heavy rain produce the highest flows; late summer can be much lower. Trails may be muddy or icy depending on season. There may be no formal viewing platforms, railings, or facilities.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
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 for highest flows and dramatic water, and fall for foliage color. Early morning or weekday visits reduce crowds. Winter can offer ice formations but access and safety challenges (ice, snow, poor footing) may make it hazardous.
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 may include slippery bedrock and cliff edges, fast currents during high flow periods (especially in spring), sudden changes in weather, limited cell reception, biting insects, ticks, and potential wildlife encounters. Do not swim near waterfalls; there are often submerged hazards and strong currents. Wear appropriate footwear, stay on established paths where present, and do not approach edges. If visiting in winter, expect icy conditions and unstable ice near falls. Carry emergency supplies and tell someone your plan.
Current Water Conditions
10.2 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 109 years of record
0.86 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Orillia hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls lie in a rural area of central Ontario and are typically accessed via local secondary roads and forest or logging roads off the main highways serving Orillia, Parry Sound and Barrie. Exact turn-by-turn directions vary depending on the legal access point; visitors should use up-to-date mapping software and local resources (municipal sites or local trail guides) before travelling. Cell reception may be limited in places.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking may be limited to a small pullout or informal parking area near the trailhead. There is unlikely to be a large developed parking lot. Park legally and avoid blocking private driveways or gates. If unsure, plan to park on the shoulder where permitted or at a nearby municipal parking area and walk in.
Elevation
264 metres above sea level
Coordinates
45.088013° N, -79.302216° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Check recent trip reports or local park/municipal resources before travel. • Wear sturdy, grippy shoes, rocks near falls are slippery. • Stay back from cliff edges and avoid wet rocks. • Carry a map and/or GPS, signage may be minimal and cell service can be patchy. • Pack out everything you bring in. • If visiting in spring or after heavy rain, expect strong currents and higher flow; do not enter the water. • Be bear- and tick-aware: carry bear spray where appropriate and check for ticks after hikes.
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For this easy 1.1 km trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
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
Ontario Pioneer Camp
13 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby population centres include Orillia, Parry Sound and Barrie. The broader region features lakes, provincial parks, trails and Georgian Bay shoreline attractions; exact nearby parks or named attractions depend on the falls' official access point.
Wildlife
Typical Georgian Bay / Muskoka region wildlife, white-tailed deer, black bear, moose (occasional), foxes, small mammals, many bird species, mosquitoes and ticks. Be cautious with food storage and wildlife encounters.
Cities near High Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named High Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across Canada.
-
01
Bridgeville
Current flow 130 ft³/s -
02
Copenhagen
Current flow 495 ft³/s -
03
Cranberry Lake
Current flow 303 ft³/s -
04
Grahamsville
Current flow 5 ft³/s -
05
Lake Placid
Current flow 2 ft³/s -
06
Lyon Mountain
Current flow 51 ft³/s -
07
Lyon Mountain
-
08
Philmont
-
09
Prospect
-
10
Rochester
Current flow 1,650 ft³/s -
11
St. Regis Falls
Current flow 190 ft³/s
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