About High Falls
High Falls is a waterfall located at coordinates 44.5981, -78.0883 in southern Ontario, roughly 25 miles (40 km) from Peterborough and within driving distance of Belleville and Oshawa. The site is a natural waterfall in a largely forested area. Specific published trail descriptions and official management details for this exact named feature are limited; visitors should treat published coordinates and on-the-ground signage as the primary guide. Flow and appearance vary seasonally (highest flows in spring).
Why This Waterfall Exists
High Falls flows over Flinton Group, a hard metamorphic rock layer deposited about 539 million to 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.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Detailed, widely published trail descriptions for this specific High Falls location are limited. Access may be via a short spur trail from the nearest road or an informal footpath; trails may be unmarked, narrow, and include uneven or rocky surfaces. Expect tree roots, loose rock, and damp/mossy sections near the water. If an official trail exists, consult local park or conservation authority maps prior to hiking.
What to Expect
A natural waterfall in a forested setting. Spring melt and heavy rains produce higher flows and more dramatic appearance. In summer the flow may be lower and pools at the base (if present) can be muddy or filled with debris. In winter the falls may form ice features but are hazardous due to slippery surfaces and falling ice. Views may be from a modest overlook or from rock ledges; there may not be handrails or interpretive signage.
Accessibility
Accessibility is likely limited. Trails (if present) are probably uneven, narrow, and not wheelchair accessible. There may be rock ledges and no handrails.
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 fuller waterfall display; fall for foliage and cooler, clearer conditions. Summer can be pleasant for access but flows are often lower. Winter offers ice formations but increased hazards, only visit in winter if you are experienced with winter hiking and aware of ice-fall risks.
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 wet rock, unstable cliff edges, sudden high water during/after rain, cold water shock, hidden underwater hazards, ice in winter and falling ice, limited cell service, and ticks. Always avoid going onto wet rock close to the lip of the falls, supervise children closely, and do not attempt climbing or cliff-jumping. If unsure about land ownership or trail conditions, contact the local conservation authority, municipality, or landowner before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
Based on a Water Survey of Canada gauge 30.2 km away
1.3 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 51 years of record
12.33 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 regional waterway. Conditions at the falls may differ, especially after local rain.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge CROWE RIVER NEAR GLEN ALDA (30 km away).
Today
Low
1.3 m³/s
5/10Tomorrow
Low
1.3 m³/s
5/10Tue
Moderate
1.4 m³/s
4/10Wed
Moderate
1.3 m³/s
5/10Thu
Low
1.2 m³/s
5/10Fri
Moderate
1.3 m³/s
5/10Sat
Moderate
1.2 m³/s
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, cloudy (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early June, 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 Peterborough 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 provided GPS coordinates (44.5981, -78.0883). The falls lie in a rural/forested area outside of major urban centers. Nearest city is Peterborough (≈24.9 miles). Expect to travel on secondary and local roads; cell service may be intermittent. Follow private property signs and stay on public roads and trails.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is likely limited to a small roadside pull-off or an informal lot; formal parking facilities and restrooms may not be available. Do not block driveways or gates. If the access route crosses parkland or a managed conservation area, use designated parking areas if provided.
Elevation
248 metres above sea level
Coordinates
44.598111° N, -78.088262° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Check local maps and landownership before visiting; some areas may be on private land. • Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear with good traction. • Expect limited or no facilities (toilet, water). • Keep clear of cliff edges and wet rock, slippery and unstable. • Avoid approaching the base when flow is high. • Carry a physical map or pre-download maps; cell reception may be unreliable. • Follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out what you bring. • Be tick- and insect-aware in warm months; use repellent and check for ticks after the hike.
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
471
9.6 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearest notable population center is Peterborough (~25 miles). The broader region includes parts of the Kawartha Lakes area and provincial conservation lands; specific nearby attractions depend on the precise local access route, check local tourism or conservation authority resources for validated nearby parks and trails.
Wildlife
Typical southern Ontario forest and freshwater species may be present, including white-tailed deer, beavers, raccoons, small mammals, songbirds, waterfowl, and occasional black bear sightings in some parts of the region. Be aware of ticks (Lyme disease risk) in warmer months.
Cities near High Falls
Other waterfalls named High Falls
31 other waterfalls share this name across Canada.
-
01
Bridgeville
Current flow 127 ft³/s -
02
Copenhagen
Current flow 346 ft³/s -
03
Cranberry Lake
Current flow 185 ft³/s -
04
Grahamsville
-
05
Lake Placid
Current flow 1 ft³/s -
06
Lyon Mountain
Current flow 107 ft³/s -
07
Lyon Mountain
-
08
Philmont
Current flow 93 ft³/s -
09
Prospect
Current flow 5 ft³/s -
10
Rochester
Current flow 891 ft³/s -
11
St. Regis Falls
Current flow 172 ft³/s
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