Lower Princess Falls
Ontario • 39 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Lower Princess Falls
Lower Princess Falls is one of Hamilton’s many dramatic cascades carved into the Niagara Escarpment, offering a classic Southern Ontario waterfall experience. The fall drops roughly 128 feet and is framed by the escarpment’s exposed rock and mixed forest, making it a striking stop for photographers and casual hikers following the network of paths that thread this landscape, including portions near the Bruce Trail. Access is straightforward: the waterfall is reached by a short, easy out-and-back hike from nearby parking or pullouts. The approach is forested and inviting, with viewpoints above or beside the cascade that reward a brief walk with big views, a perfect half-day outing for families or anyone looking to sample Hamilton’s famous waterfall country.
The Setting
Lower Princess Falls sits at 139 metres in the coastal lowlands of Ontario. At 39 metres, it is among the taller waterfalls in Ontario.
Height: 128 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Scenic Falls (20 m) lies 0.5 kilometres to the southwest. Also nearby: Mountview Falls (10 m, 0.6 km) and Upper Princess Falls (7 m, 0.0 km).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Approach is typically a short forested footpath from a nearby parking/pullout to a viewpoint above or beside the cascade. Expect uneven ground, tree roots, and possibly short rock scrambles near viewpoints. Trails to lower falls in the Hamilton area are frequently short (under 2 miles round trip) but can be narrow and muddy after rain. There may be informal social trails closer to the water; use caution and follow any posted signage.
What to Expect
The falls cascade 39 metres.
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 Lower Princess Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Princess Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring for the highest flows and dramatic water volume. Fall for foliage and pleasant temperatures. Early morning or weekdays to avoid crowds. Winter can be scenic (icy formations) but is more hazardous due to ice.
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, unstable edges, steep drop-offs, and cold water. Cell coverage can be inconsistent in valley bottoms. Follow posted signs, stay on designated trails, supervise children closely, and avoid approaching the water edge. In winter, ice can be thin and dangerously slippery, avoid walking on icy pools and use proper traction devices.
Current Water Conditions
0.8 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 42 years of record
6.08 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
Know when to go.
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Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Coordinates (provided): 43.246, -79.9299. The site is in the Hamilton region, approximately 3.6 miles from Hamilton, ~32.8 miles from Kitchener, and ~37.6 miles from Youngstown (as provided). Access is typically by car to a nearby roadside pullout or small parking area; trailheads for waterfalls in the Hamilton area are often reached via local municipal or conservation authority roads. Exact parking/trailhead location and driving directions can change, so check local maps or conservation authority pages before you go.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking may be limited to a small lot or roadside pullout. Expect limited spaces and potentially tight roadside parking; avoid blocking driveways or gates. Parking information is not confirmed, please verify with local signage or park/conservation authority.
Elevation
139 metres above sea level
Coordinates
43.246022° N, -79.929934° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear, rocks near the falls are often wet and slippery. • Expect limited parking; arrive early or visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. • Stay behind barriers and away from cliff edges; do not climb on wet rock near the falls. • Check local conservation authority or municipality pages for rules, closures, or parking updates. • Carry out all trash and respect any posted signage or private property boundaries. • In winter expect ice and significant slip hazards; traction devices (microspikes) may be 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
Lost Forest Park & Camping Resort
14.8 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Hamilton area is known for a concentration of waterfalls and conservation areas. Nearby attractions may include other waterfalls, local conservation areas, and regional hiking areas (check a local waterfalls or conservation authority guide for specific nearby sites).
Wildlife
Typical southern Ontario wildlife: songbirds, woodpeckers, small mammals (squirrels, raccoons), and white-tailed deer. Be aware of ticks in warmer months and avoid contact with poison ivy.
Cities near Lower Princess Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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