Rockway Falls
Ontario • Rockway Conservation Area • 20 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 km
About Rockway Falls
Rockway Falls drops about 19.5 m (64 ft) over the Niagara Escarpment on Fifteen Mile Creek in Rockway Conservation Area, run by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) in Lincoln, west of St. Catharines. A second fall in the area drops 12.2 m. The conservation area is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, admission is free, and a 1 km granular trail leads to lookouts at the top of the cliff.
The Setting
Rockway Falls sits at 170 metres within Rockway Conservation Area, in the foothills of Ontario. The falls drop 20 metres.
Height: 64 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Swayze Falls (14 m) lies 2.6 kilometres to the southeast. Also nearby: Lower Decew Falls (8 m, 4.5 km) and Louth Falls (7 m, 2.7 km).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
From the parking lot, a 1 km granular stone trail, built to be wheelchair accessible, leads to lookouts and seating at the top of the cliff with views of the falls and escarpment. Other trails drop into the Fifteen Mile Creek valley and connect with the Bruce Trail.
What to Expect
The falls drop 20 metres. Dogs are welcome.
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 Rockway Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
The NPCA asks visitors to keep dogs on a leash and stay on the trails.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Rockway Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Late spring (after snowmelt and spring rains) for the most robust flow and summer/fall for comfortable hiking and scenery. Winter can be scenic when frozen but is more hazardous due to ice and slippery approaches; only visit in winter if you have appropriate footwear and experience.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Rockway Conservation Area for current conditions.
Safety Information
The lookouts sit at the edge of a high escarpment cliff; stay behind the fencing and keep children close. Trails into the creek valley are steep and slippery when wet or icy.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the Water Survey of Canada gauge on Twelve Mile Creek, 4 km away, not on Rockway 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 (4 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
The conservation area's address is 2021 Pelham Road (Regional Road 69), Lincoln, ON. Limited parking is off 9th Avenue on the escarpment tableland; automated gates open at dawn and close at dusk.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Limited parking in the NPCA lot off 9th Avenue, with accessible spaces. Parking fees are suspended until further notice, and the lot gates close at dusk.
Elevation
170 metres above sea level
Coordinates
43.111195° N, -79.323134° W
Land Management
Managed by Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
Visitor Tips & Gear
Stay on the marked trails and behind the safety fencing at the cliff top. Arrive early on busy weekends because the lot is small. Check the NPCA flood status page after heavy rain before hiking into the creek valley.
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
3.4 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Niagara Falls (major tourist attraction) is about 14 miles away; Niagara University and local Niagara-region parks are also within driving distance. The general Niagara Peninsula offers wineries, parks, and Lake Ontario shoreline areas for additional visits.
Wildlife
Typical southern Ontario species: songbirds, waterfowl near larger water, small mammals (raccoons, squirrels), and insects including ticks and mosquitoes during warmer months. Observe wildlife from a distance.
Cities near Rockway Falls
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