Scout Falls
Ontario • Short Hills Provincial Park • 6 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.8 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
15 m
About Scout Falls
Scout Falls is a relatively obscure, locally known waterfall near coordinates 43.1013, -79.2746 in Ontario, Canada. It lies roughly 11.4 miles from Niagara Falls, 11.9 miles from Niagara University, and 16.9 miles from Youngstown. Detailed official documentation is limited; the fall appears to be on a small creek or tributary and is not a major tourist attraction. Many specifics about access, maintained trails, and exact height are not well documented, so visitors should verify local access and ownership before visiting.
The Setting
Scout Falls sits at 145 metres within Short Hills Provincial Park, in the coastal lowlands of Ontario. The falls drop 6 metres.
Height: 20 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Decew Falls (21 m) lies 1.3 kilometres to the northeast. Also nearby: Lower Decew Falls (8 m, 1.1 km) and Terrace Falls (6 m, 0.8 km).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.8-km out-and-back trail gains 15 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
There is no widely published, maintained trail description for Scout Falls. Access may be a short, informal path or a brief scramble from a nearby road or parking spot. Surfaces are likely uneven, with tree roots, loose rock, and mud in wet seasons. Trails (if present) may be unmarked and could cross or follow small streams. Because authoritative trail data is not available, assume minimal infrastructure and plan for off-trail walking.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 6 metres.
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 Scout Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Scout Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (high water from snowmelt and rain) and early summer for best flow. Fall is attractive for foliage color. Winter can offer ice formations but poses increased risk from icy surfaces and unstable banks; visit only 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
• Banks and rocks around small waterfalls can be slippery and unstable, stay back from edges. • Flow can increase rapidly after heavy rain, avoid low-lying crossing points during or after storms. • Ice in winter can create stunning scenery but also extremely hazardous footing, use traction devices and exercise caution. • Watch for poison ivy, ticks, and thorny vegetation in warmer months. • If the site is on or adjacent to private land, respect property boundaries to avoid confrontation or fines. • There may be little or no cell service; carry necessary safety gear and inform someone of your plans.
Current Water Conditions
0.3 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 20 years of record
5.06 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
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: 43.1013, -79.2746. Use a GPS device or mapping app to reach the coordinates. The waterfall is in the Niagara region; depending on the exact stream, access may be from a minor road or by a short walk from a nearby parking area. Local roads may be narrow; confirm public right-of-way and avoid trespassing on private property.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking information is not well documented. There may be roadside parking or small informal pullouts nearby. Do not block driveways or private gates. If no designated parking is present, park legally on the shoulder where permitted and walk in. Expect limited or no official parking facilities.
Elevation
145 metres above sea level
Coordinates
43.101329° N, -79.274602° W
Land Management
Managed by Ontario Parks
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Verify land ownership and access before visiting; some nearby access points may be on private property. • Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear, rocks and banks can be slippery and muddy. • Bring a map, charged phone/GPS, and let someone know your plans if you go to a little-visited spot. • Stay back from the edge; banks and rocks can be unstable. • Be prepared for limited or no cell service in some pockets, download offline maps if possible. • Respect posted signs, fences, and private drives. Pack out all trash. • Check local conditions and recent visitor reports where available (local hiking groups, municipal websites).
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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
Shangri-La Family Campground
7.3 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Niagara Falls (approx. 11.4 miles), Niagara University (approx. 11.9 miles), Youngstown (approx. 16.9 miles), Niagara River and Niagara Parkway, historic and wine-country destinations in the Niagara region. Exact nearby parks and trails depend on the waterfall's precise stream location.
Wildlife
Typical Niagara-region wildlife may be present: songbirds, waterfowl near waterways, white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, and small mammals. Be aware of ticks in warmer months; take precautions.
Cities near Scout Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Scout Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across Canada.
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