Before you go
Parking holds about 10 cars, and the access road is not maintained from December 1 to March 31.
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Mystery Falls
Mystery Falls is a small, intermittent waterfall about 5 m (16 ft) high on a tributary of the Ausable River, in the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority's Mystery Falls Management Area near Arkona. The property is part of the provincially significant Ausable Gorge. The falls drop over a deep overhanging rock ledge and dry up for much of the year; March, April and early May are the most reliable months for flow.
The Setting
Mystery Falls sits at 226 metres in the foothills of Ontario. The falls drop 5 metres.
Height: 16 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the parking lot, walk back along Elm Tree Drive about 50 m to a signed trail on the left. The single-track dirt path has steep, uneven and slippery sections and crosses the creek on rock flats above the falls; the hike to the falls takes about 10 to 20 minutes. You can return as a loop by continuing down to the Ausable River and back to the parking area, about 40 to 60 minutes in total.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 5 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 Mystery Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs must be leashed and under control on ABCA conservation lands, and owners must clean up after them.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Mystery Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring for highest water flow and more dramatic appearance; early morning on any day for fewer visitors and calmer light for photography. Avoid high-water conditions immediately after heavy rain due to flashier flows and slippery banks.
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 and unstable rocks, steep or eroding banks, fast-flowing water after rains, cold water temperatures, and limited or no cell coverage. There may be private property in the immediate area, do not trespass. In winter, ice near falls is unpredictable and can be brittle; do not walk on frozen waterfalls or over-iced streams. Bring a companion when possible and tell someone your plans.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge SOUTH PARKHILL CREEK NEAR PARKHILL (9 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to mid April, 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 London hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The trailhead is at 176 Elm Tree Drive, North Middlesex. From County Road 7, drive about 5 km south on Sylvan Road, turn west on Elm Tree Drive and drive to the end; the Mystery Falls parking lot is on the right.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The lot holds about 10 small cars, and the ABCA discourages roadside parking. The access road is not maintained in winter and has washed out in spring, forcing some visitors to park farther back.
Elevation
226 metres above sea level
Coordinates
43.107290° N, -81.810682° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Stay on the trail: much of the surrounding land is signed private property, and traps have been reported nearby. Expect mud in spring and wear footwear that can get wet at the creek crossing.
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
Oakridge Family Campground
13.6 km away
Additional Information
Wildlife
Typical southern Ontario wildlife: white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, songbirds, and small mammals. Reptiles such as garter snakes may be present. Ticks (including black-legged/deer tick) can be a hazard in warmer months; take precautions.
Cities near Mystery Falls
Other waterfalls named Mystery Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across Canada.
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