Old Dundas Road Falls
Ontario • 7 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Drive Up
Trail Length
0.8 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
15 m
About Old Dundas Road Falls
Old Dundas Road Falls is one of the many small, scenic cascades tucked along the Niagara Escarpment near Hamilton, Ontario, a landscape famed for more than 100 waterfalls and the sweeping limestone cliffs that stretch from Tobermory to Niagara Falls. The falls are easy to reach from a roadside pull-off, making them a popular quick stop for hikers and photographers following the escarpment and nearby Bruce Trail. The approach drops into a short, wooded ravine where the stream threads over bedrock ledges and mossy banks. Expect a brief, out-and-back walk of roughly 0.5 miles with about 50 feet of elevation change; the setting is largely natural and unmodified, so you’ll find a peaceful, unstructured viewing experience rather than boardwalks or railings, a classic Niagara Escarpment waterfall visit.
The Setting
Old Dundas Road Falls sits at 152 metres in the coastal lowlands of Ontario. The falls drop 7 metres.
Height: 23 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Sherman Falls (17 m) lies 0.3 kilometres to the west. Also nearby: Ancaster Heights Falls (13 m, 0.5 km) and Lower Little Falls (8 m, 0.3 km).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Old Dundas Road Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
A short, informal walk from the roadside pull-off down into a small wooded ravine. The path may be unmaintained in sections, with exposed roots, rocks and muddy or slippery conditions after rain. There is unlikely to be constructed boardwalks or railings; expect a natural single-track or game-trail style descent to the creek and viewing areas.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 7 metres.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Old Dundas Road Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Old Dundas Road Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (snowmelt and spring rains) and immediately after rain events for the best water flow. Fall offers good colors for photography. Exercise extra caution in winter, ice can make approaches dangerous.
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 rocks and banks, steep or unstable edges, sudden changes in water flow after rain, ice in winter, ticks in warm months, and limited cellphone reception in some areas. Do not climb on wet rocks or near the lip of the falls. Always tell someone your plans and expected return time for remote or lesser-used roadside locations.
Current Water Conditions
0.0 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 33 years of record
0.12 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
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
Coordinates: 43.2393, -79.9696. The falls are located just off Old Dundas Road within the greater Hamilton area (roughly 5–6 miles from Hamilton proper). Use the provided coordinates for GPS. Expect to turn off a paved county/municipal road onto a short shoulder or informal pull-out and follow a brief unpaved path down into the roadside ravine to view the cascade.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
No formal parking lot is known for this site. Parking is typically limited to a roadside pull-off or small informal area, park well off the roadway, obey signage, and avoid blocking traffic. If you cannot find a safe pull-out, find alternate legal parking or consider viewing from the road.
Elevation
152 metres above sea level
Coordinates
43.239257° N, -79.969611° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Use sturdy footwear with good traction; rocks and banks can be slippery. • Park only in safe, legal locations; do not block the road or private driveways. • Respect private property, do not cross fences or enter clearly posted private land. • Expect limited or no facilities (no toilets, picnic tables or trash service); pack out what you bring in. • Watch for ticks in warmer months and for ice near the falls in cold months. • If unsure about access, consult local maps or conservation authority resources before visiting.
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For this easy 0.8 km trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface 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
circle square ranch
16.1 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Hamilton area is known for a high concentration of waterfalls and escarpment scenery (for example, well-known nearby sites include conservation-area falls in the Dundas/Hamilton region). If you plan a longer outing, check maps for Webster's Falls, Tews Falls and other conservation-area sites in the Hamilton/Dundas area (these are larger, maintained destinations).
Wildlife
Typical Southern Ontario wildlife: songbirds, woodpeckers, white-tailed deer, small mammals (squirrels, raccoons), and seasonal presence of ticks. Be aware of local wildlife and do not feed animals.
Cities near Old Dundas Road Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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