Mountview Falls
Ontario • 10 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.9 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Mountview Falls
Mountview Falls is a tall, nearly vertical waterfall on a buried branch of Chedoke Creek on the Niagara Escarpment in west Hamilton. The water emerges from a large storm sewer pipe at the top of the escarpment, and city crews have placed armour stone at the base to slow high flows. The falls are on City of Hamilton land and are seen from the Chedoke Radial Trail.
The Setting
Mountview Falls sits at 180 metres in the foothills of Ontario. The falls drop 10 metres.
Height: 32 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Lower Princess Falls (39 m) lies 0.6 kilometres to the west. Also nearby: Lower Westcliffe Falls (9 m, 1.1 km) and Upper Princess Falls (7 m, 0.6 km).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the small parking lot on Scenic Drive, follow the Chedoke Radial Trail east for almost 1 km; the falls are visible on the right. The trail surface is gravel, and the walk takes about 15 minutes each way.
What to Expect
The falls drop 10 metres. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Mountview Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
City of Hamilton by-law requires dogs on city trails and parks to be on a leash shorter than 2 m (6 ft) and under control at all times.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Mountview Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (higher flows) and fall (foliage) are likely the most rewarding times. After heavy rains will increase flow, while late summer may yield lower water levels. Winter may create icy conditions and frozen features but increases hazard from ice and slick surfaces.
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
The top of the falls is dangerous, and escarpment slopes are slippery when wet or icy. Flow rises quickly after heavy rain because the falls drain a storm sewer.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Spencer Creek, 4.1 km away, not on Mountview Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0.7 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge SPENCER CREEK AT DUNDAS (4 km away).
Today
Moderate
0.8 m³/s
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
0.8 m³/s
6/10Sat
Moderate
0.8 m³/s
6/10Sun
Moderate
1.0 m³/s
6/10Mon
Moderate
1.0 m³/s
6/10Tue
Moderate
0.9 m³/s
6/10Wed
Moderate
0.9 m³/s
6/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mainly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early 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 Hamilton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Park in the small lot on Scenic Drive in west Hamilton and walk east on the Chedoke Radial Trail for almost 1 km.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking lot on Scenic Drive at the Radial Trail access.
Elevation
180 metres above sea level
Coordinates
43.245468° N, -79.921412° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
View the falls from the Radial Trail; the top of the falls is rated dangerous by the Waterfalls of Ontario guide. Keep dogs leashed, as City of Hamilton by-law requires.
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
14.7 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Hamilton / Dundas area of the Niagara Escarpment is known for many waterfalls and conservation areas (for example, Tew's Falls, Webster's Falls, Albion Falls and nearby escarpment trails). If you cannot access Mountview Falls, those established sites offer maintained trails and visitor facilities.
Wildlife
Typical southern Ontario escarpment wildlife: white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, various songbirds, and occasional coyotes. Watch for ticks and poison ivy in warmer months.
Cities near Mountview Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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