North Eller Falls
Ontario • Short Hills Provincial Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Before you go
Short Hills Provincial Park is closed to the public on Oct. 28, Nov. 14, 15, 28 and 29, and Dec. 12, 2026 for a deer harvest. As of October 2026, Terrace Creek Trail, the northern Swayze Falls Trail and the northwest Black Walnut Trail were closed for bridge failures and washouts.
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Type
Out And Back
About North Eller Falls
North Eller Falls is a very small plunge waterfall, only a few metres high, on Eller Creek deep in the woods of Short Hills Provincial Park in the Niagara Region. It drops into a short, small gorge lined with mossy rocks. The creek is dry for most of the year, so visit in spring or after heavy rain, and expect it to be one of the harder falls in the park to find.
The Setting
North Eller Falls sits at 140 metres within Short Hills Provincial Park, in the coastal lowlands of Ontario.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Swayze Falls (14 m) lies 1.6 kilometres to the west. Also nearby: Terrace Falls (6 m, 0.3 km) and Scout Falls (6 m, 1.1 km).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The Waterfalls of Ontario guide lists about 25 minutes of hiking on dirt with some hills, off the beaten track, and does not publish a route. Short Hills trails are restricted to hiking.
What to Expect
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 North Eller Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Ontario Parks requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 2 metres (6 feet) at all times.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at North Eller Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring is typically best for higher flow and fuller cascades. Early summer can be pleasant for warmer weather, and fall offers foliage colors. Winter may produce ice formations but can be hazardous due to ice, hidden thin crusts, and extremely slippery conditions, only visit in winter if experienced and properly equipped.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Short Hills Provincial Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Rocks around the falls are mossy and slippery, and ticks are present in the park. Stay back from the gorge edge, especially when wet or icy.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Twelve Mile Creek, 2.5 km away, not on North Eller Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
0.2 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 20 years of record
5.09 m
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge TWELVE MILE CREEK NEAR POWER GLEN (3 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
0.2 m³/s
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
0.2 m³/s
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
0.2 m³/s
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
0.2 m³/s
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
0.2 m³/s
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
0.3 m³/s
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
0.3 m³/s
3/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, cloudy (trip score 4/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February 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 Hamilton hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Short Hills Provincial Park is reached from Cataract, Roland or Pelham roads. The Waterfalls of Ontario guide lists parking at about 43.1023, -79.2722, roughly 1.3 km northeast of the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The park has three parking lots, each with a vault toilet, and no other visitor facilities.
Elevation
140 metres above sea level
Coordinates
43.092957° N, -79.282016° W
Land Management
Managed by Ontario Parks
Visitor Tips & Gear
Check Ontario Parks alerts before you go: several Short Hills trails were closed in 2026 for failed bridges and washouts. Ticks are present in the park.
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
Shangri-La Family Campground
7.2 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Swayze Falls Trail and other hiking trails in Short Hills Provincial Park; the Bruce Trail can be reached via the park's Very Berry and Laura Secord trails.
Wildlife
Typical Niagara-region wildlife may be present: white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, various songbirds, waterfowl near larger water bodies, and ticks. Be aware of ticks in warm months and take precautions.
Cities near North Eller Falls
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