Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.2 km
About Neuvième Chute
Neuvième Chute (literal: Ninth Fall) is a relatively remote waterfall site in the Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, located near Dolbeau (approx. 13.2 miles / ~21 km). It is best known as a natural, scenic cascade rather than a developed park attraction. Public information is limited; the site may be reached via local/forest roads and short unmarked trails. Expect a natural, undeveloped setting with few or no visitor facilities. Flow and appearance change dramatically with season and recent precipitation; spring snowmelt typically produces the highest flows. Exact details about official access routes, signage, or facilities are not well documented and may vary by year.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Neuvième Chute flows over hard crystalline rock laid down over 1.4-1.8 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
The Approach
No hiking required. Neuvième Chute is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
Public descriptions of a formal maintained trail are limited. Approach likely involves walking from a roadside pullout or informal trail through mixed forest and possibly over uneven, rocky ground to reach viewpoints. Trails, if present, may be unmarked and short but could include steep or slippery sections near the riverbank. Visitors should be prepared for route-finding and natural footing (roots, rocks, mud).
What to Expect
An undeveloped natural waterfall setting with limited or no infrastructure (no guardrails, no boardwalks). Seasonal variation in water volume, high in spring, lower in late summer/fall. Potential for slippery rock and muddy approaches. Limited signage and few fellow visitors compared with major provincial parks, but some visitor/angler traffic on nearby waterways may occur. Cell coverage may be spotty; emergency response times can be longer in remote areas.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Neuvième Chute?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Neuvième Chute?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring (during snowmelt/after thaw) for highest flow and dramatic scenery. Early fall for colorful foliage and generally stable weather. Summer for easier road access but potentially lower flow. Winter offers icefall views but requires winter experience, proper footwear/traction and awareness of shorter daylight hours.
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 rocks and riverbanks, cold and fast-moving water, changing weather, limited cell coverage, and potential for remote/isolated conditions. Wear appropriate footwear, avoid approaching edges, do not climb on wet rocks, supervise children closely, and avoid swimming near the falls. If driving forestry roads, be aware of seasonal closures, soft surfaces during thaw, and the need for a suitable vehicle. During hunting season, wear bright clothing. If uncertain of access legality, confirm you are not on private land.
Know when to go.
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Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Coordinates: 48.9991, -72.3922. The waterfall is in the Lac-Saint-Jean region near Dolbeau-Mistassini. Reach the general area by driving from Dolbeau along regional and forestry roads toward the indicated coordinates. Final approach is likely on unpaved forest/secondary roads and may require a high-clearance vehicle. Exact public access roads and legal access points are not consistently documented; check with local municipal offices, Quebec forest rangers (Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs) or recent visitor reports before travel.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
No confirmed formal parking lot. Parking may be roadside or on informal clearings near trailheads. Expect minimal to no facilities (no toilets, no marked lot). If parking on a public/forestry road shoulder, ensure you are not blocking gates or private access.
Elevation
151 metres above sea level
Coordinates
48.999075° N, -72.392161° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
1) Confirm route and road conditions ahead of time (local municipality, forestry service, or recent trip reports). 2) Use a high-clearance vehicle if planning to travel unpaved forestry roads; avoid low-clearance cars on rough roads. 3) Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear and bring trekking poles for stability on wet/rocky sections. 4) Leave no trace, pack out all trash. 5) Tell someone your route and estimated return time; cell service may be unreliable. 6) Be cautious near edges and slippery rocks; currents can be deceptively strong. 7) Check for hunting seasons and use bright clothing if visiting during fall hunting months.
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
Camping municipal Albanel
13.8 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Dolbeau-Mistassini and the greater Lac-Saint-Jean area (lakes, rivers, provincial parks). Other local cascades/rapids may exist along nearby rivers and forestry roads; check local guides or visitor centers for nearby named chutes.
Wildlife
Typical boreal/mixed-forest wildlife: white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, foxes, small mammals, and a variety of birds. Be prepared for insects (mosquitoes, black flies) in spring and summer.
Cities near Neuvième Chute
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