Potts Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.2 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Potts Falls
Potts Falls is a small two-drop cascade in High Falls Park, just north of downtown Bracebridge in Muskoka, Ontario, a few hundred feet from High Falls on the North Branch of the Muskoka River. A footbridge crosses the top of the falls. The names of Potts Falls and nearby Little High Falls are used inconsistently, and some maps swap them.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Potts Falls flows over hard crystalline rock laid down over 1.4-1.6 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.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Trethewey Falls (11 m) lies 11.3 kilometres to the south. Also nearby: Wilsons Falls (10 m, 3.1 km) and Bracebridge Falls (10 m, 5.1 km).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the main High Falls viewpoint, follow the paved driveway about 100 m, then take a narrow trail on the right into the woods for 20 to 30 m to the footbridge over the falls. Waterfalls of Ontario lists it as about a 5-minute walk over dirt, a footbridge and uneven rock. The Trans Canada Trail also passes Little High Falls and Potts Falls.
What to Expect
Expectation: a modest, wooded waterfall composed of ledges and cascades in a quiet, natural setting. Expect limited facilities (no restrooms, visitor center, or maintained viewpoints). Water levels change with season, highest in spring. Rocks around the falls are commonly wet and slippery. Mosquitoes and black flies can be numerous in late spring/early summer; ticks may be present in warmer months. Cell service may be intermittent in rural sections.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Potts Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Potts Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (snowmelt and rainy periods) for highest flows and dramatic appearance. Early morning or weekdays for fewer visitors. Fall for foliage and pleasant temperatures. Winter can offer frozen scenery but access can be icy and more hazardous, use caution.
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
Rock around the falls is uneven and often wet and slippery. Stay off the rock at the brink, keep children close near the footbridge, and avoid the water during high spring flows.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on North Branch Muskoka River, 14.2 km away, not on Potts Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
8.5 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 110 years of record
0.79 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
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge NORTH BRANCH MUSKOKA RIVER AT PORT SYDNEY (14 km away).
Today
Moderate
8.5 m³/s
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
9.6 m³/s
6/10Sat
Moderate
9.1 m³/s
6/10Sun
Moderate
10 m³/s
6/10Mon
Moderate
9.7 m³/s
6/10Tue
Moderate
10.0 m³/s
6/10Wed
Moderate
11 m³/s
5/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mainly sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to late 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 Orillia hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
Drive to High Falls Park, just north of downtown Bracebridge off High Falls Road near Highway 11. Start at the High Falls picnic area or the main falls viewpoint and follow the trail into the woods.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Use the parking lot at High Falls Park; a bridge from the lot crosses above High Falls. Potts Falls is a short walk from there.
Elevation
273 metres above sea level
Coordinates
45.086976° N, -79.301250° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear shoes with good grip, as the rock around the falls is uneven and often wet. Visit High Falls and Little High Falls on the same short walk. Pack out all trash.
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
Ontario Pioneer Camp
13.1 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
High Falls and Little High Falls are a few minutes' walk away in the same park, and downtown Bracebridge is just to the south.
Wildlife
Typical mixed-woodland wildlife may be present, including white-tailed deer, beaver, otter, waterfowl, songbirds, and small mammals. Black bears are found in parts of central Ontario, store food securely and be aware of bear safety if camping or hiking in the area.
Cities near Potts Falls
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