Upper Princess Falls
Ontario • 7 m
By Armen Suny · Last verified Jun 2026
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Upper Princess Falls
Upper Princess Falls is one of Hamilton’s many cascades tucked along the Niagara Escarpment, a geological ribbon that helps produce the region’s abundant waterfalls. The fall itself drops roughly 23 feet where water threads over layered escarpment rock, offering a pleasant, photogenic sight that’s easy to reach compared with some of the larger waterfalls in the area. The walk to Upper Princess Falls is an easy out-and-back outing suitable for most hikers and families looking to explore Hamilton’s waterfall network and nearby sections of the Bruce Trail. While the site is accessible with a relatively short approach from roadside parking, visitors should wear sturdy shoes for uneven rock and may want to combine this stop with other nearby cascades. The nearest full-service campground is about 14.8 km away at Lost Forest Park & Camping Resort if you’re planning an overnight visit to the region.
The Setting
Upper Princess Falls sits at 139 metres in the coastal lowlands of Ontario. The falls drop 7 metres.
Height: 23 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Lower Princess Falls (39 m) lies 0.0 kilometres to the north. Also nearby: Scenic Falls (20 m, 0.5 km) and Mountview Falls (10 m, 0.6 km).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Exact trail details for Upper Princess Falls are not well-documented. Expect a short approach from a nearby parking area or roadside, with a mix of worn singletrack and rocky escarpment steps. The final approach to the falls may include uneven rock, loose footing, and possibly a short scramble to better viewpoints. Trails in this region are often under 2 miles round-trip for a single waterfall, but specific length and elevation gain for this site are not confirmed.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 7 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 Upper Princess Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Princess Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (snowmelt and higher flows) and after periods of rain for best water volume. Fall offers attractive foliage, while winter can produce ice formations but also hazardous icy approaches, only attempt in winter with proper traction gear and 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
Hazards may include slippery wet rocks, steep cliffs, loose footing, unstable edges, and fast flows after heavy rain. Cell coverage can be spotty; hike with a partner when possible and tell someone your plans. Wear footwear with traction and avoid cliff edges. Do not attempt risky scrambles or cliff descents. In winter, icing and freeze-thaw conditions greatly increase risk; use appropriate traction devices.
Current Water Conditions
0.8 m³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 42 years of record
6.08 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
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Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
The waterfall sits on the Niagara Escarpment within the broader Hamilton/Regional Niagara area. The coordinates provided (43.2458, -79.9299) give the approximate location, expect to approach via local roads and short forest or escarpment trails. Access routes may be informal; check local maps or contact the Hamilton Conservation Authority, Niagara Escarpment Commission, or local municipality for any official trailheads or parking instructions before you go.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking details are uncertain. There may be small roadside pullouts or municipal/conservation parking areas serving nearby escarpment trails. Do not block private driveways or gates. If a designated lot exists it may have limited spaces and could require a day fee or permit, verify with the managing authority.
Elevation
139 metres above sea level
Coordinates
43.245837° N, -79.929906° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
• Confirm land access before visiting, some escarpment waterfalls sit on private land or on conservation authority property with rules. • Wear sturdy shoes with good traction; expect wet, slippery rocks. • Stay back from cliff edges and unstable ground; avoid descending into the gorge unless there is a maintained, official route. • Park legally and consider car security (do not leave valuables visible). • Leave no trace: pack out all trash, stay on established trails, and avoid disturbing vegetation. • Check recent trip reports or local conservation authority notices for seasonal closures, trail conditions, or safety advisories.
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
Lost Forest Park & Camping Resort
14.8 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
The Hamilton area and Niagara Escarpment host many well-known waterfalls and attractions (e.g., Webster's Falls, Tews Falls, Albion Falls, Dundas Peak, Spencer Gorge). These established sites may have more developed parking, trail information, and visitor services if you're planning multiple stops.
Wildlife
Expect typical southern Ontario escarpment wildlife: songbirds, woodpeckers, small mammals (squirrels, raccoons), and deer. Watch for ticks in warmer months and be aware of occasional garter snakes or other small reptiles.
Cities near Upper Princess Falls
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