Little High Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
9 m
About Little High Falls
Little High Falls is a small cascade on Pott's Creek where it tumbles into a bay of the Muskoka River just below High Falls, near Bracebridge. Potts Falls is about 100 m upstream, so most visitors see all three falls together. A head-on view is hard to get unless you are on the water.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Little 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 11.3 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 0.6-km out-and-back trail gains 9 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
From the fence overlooking High Falls, walk back along the paved driveway about 100 to 125 m. A path leads into the woods to a footbridge over Potts Falls, and Little High Falls is about 100 m downstream. A steeper shortcut through the woods starts near the rock outcrop at the end of the High Falls safety fence.
What to Expect
A small cascade a few steps from the much larger High Falls on the North Branch of the Muskoka River. Sources disagree on which of the two small falls is Potts Falls and which is Little High Falls; Waterfalls of Ontario calls the lower one Little High Falls. The path is dirt and uneven rock with a small hill.
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 Little High Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little High Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late March–May (spring melt) for highest flows and dramatic water. Early fall offers good foliage color and comfortable temperatures. Summer is fine but flows may be lower; winter can produce frozen falls but is icy and risky.
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 rock surfaces, fast or cold water, undercut ledges, unstable banks and limited or no cell service. Do not climb on wet ledges or attempt to stand near the edge for photos. In winter, icefall and hidden thin ice are significant risks. Respect posted signs and private property boundaries. If you are unfamiliar with the area or conditions, consider going with someone who knows the route.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on North Branch Muskoka River, 14.1 km away, not on Little High Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
8.5 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 110 years of record
0.79 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 nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge NORTH BRANCH MUSKOKA RIVER AT PORT SYDNEY (14 km away).
Today
Moderate
8.5 m³/s
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
9.6 m³/s
6/10Sat
Moderate
9.1 m³/s
6/10Sun
Moderate
10 m³/s
6/10Mon
Moderate
9.7 m³/s
6/10Tue
Moderate
10.0 m³/s
6/10Wed
Moderate
11 m³/s
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mainly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late 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 Orillia hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Drive to High Falls Park near Bracebridge and park at the High Falls lot. Walk to the High Falls viewing fence, then follow the driveway and woods path described in the trail section.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Use the High Falls parking area (about 45.0864, -79.2997), roughly a 5-minute walk from the falls.
Elevation
260 metres above sea level
Coordinates
45.087474° N, -79.302254° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Combine the visit with High Falls and Potts Falls. Some visitors rock-hop across the top of the falls to reach trails on the other side; take great care on wet rock.
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For this easy 0.6 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.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
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
High Falls and Potts Falls are steps away. Wilson's Falls and Bracebridge Falls are a short drive away in Bracebridge.
Wildlife
Expect typical central Ontario wildlife: white-tailed deer, beaver, raccoon, a variety of songbirds and waterfowl. Black bears and moose may occur in the wider region, practice standard wildlife safety and store food securely.
Cities near Little High Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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