6 Waterfall Hikes in Niagara You’ll Love!

The Niagara Region isn’t just about our famous Niagara Falls – there are lots of hidden waterfalls to discover! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a peaceful day in nature with your family, these waterfall hikes are perfect for you.

I always love walking through the trees and hearing the sound of rushing water before I can see it – and these hikes are just as magical during the winter, too.  

Put on your hiking boots, grab your camera, and let’s find the amazing beauty that Niagara has to offer! 

1. Beamer Memorial Conservation Area

Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is a beautiful spot to see some amazing views of the Niagara Escarpment. It’s one of my favourite places to see the sunrise in the region, and one of the best spots to see the fall colours! 

While the main hiking trail doesn’t lead to a waterfall, you have two options to get to Beamer Falls – one, is by hiking down the set of stairs from the top loop of the hiking trail, and following up the creek. 

This may be tricky if there is a lot of flow in Forty Creek. You can also drive to the other side of Forty Creek and park at the side of the road and take a short hike down to the waterfall. 

Cost: Free
Address: 28 Quarry Rd, Grimsby

2. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area

Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is one of my favourite places to visit for a scenic hike during any time of the year! Not only do you get two pretty waterfalls, but you can also check out the historic Glen Elgin Village and its buildings and kiln ruins.

It’s a fun spot to visit with kids and the hiking trails aren’t strenuous. If you’re looking to get your fill of waterfalls without hiking for hours, this is your place to visit.

Park and pay at the Centre for Conservation, or park along Glen Elgin Rd and hike in the back way on Twenty Valley Trail for free. It’s a longer hike and you’ll have a steep set of stairs to climb up, but if you’re looking to save some money this is the best way to do it.

Cost: $14.50 for the driver of the vehicle ($11/senior or student) plus $5 for each additional passenger ($4 for senior/student). Maximum charge is $29.75/car.
Address: 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln

Navigating Niagara Tip: If you’re a Lincoln Pelham Public Library member, you can borrow a NPCA NaturePlus Pass for up to a week, and save on admission!

3. Short Hills Provincial Park

Short Hills Conservation Area is a perfect place to visit if you’re looking for trails and waterfalls.

Whether you choose to hike the short (and accessible!) Paleozoic loop (0.8 km/30 min) to see Swayze Falls, the trail to Terrace Creek Falls (4.6 km/2 hours), or complete the entire Swayze Falls + Terrace Creek Loop and see both waterfalls, the choice is up to you! 

There are three parking lots to choose from so pick your trail ahead of time and find the best place to park.

Cost: Free
Address: Parking Lot A (Pelham Rd), Parking Lot B (Roland Rd) or Parking Lot C (Wiley Rd)

4. Louth Conservation Area

Louth Conservation Area is tucked away down the street from Sue Ann Staff Winery. It’s part of the Bruce Trail, giving you plenty of options to follow along to Rockway or Ball’s Falls.

The trail is also a short 1.8 km loop here, which is great for kids! There is a beautiful waterfall hike, not far from the parking lot. 

Cost: Free
Address: 3193 Staff Ave, Jordan Station

5. Rockway Conservation Area

Another one of my favourite places for a waterfall hike is at Rockway Conservation Area nestled in picturesque Fifteen Mile Creek valley.

There are two main waterfalls you can hike to here, including a stunning 64 ft waterfall and a mesmerizing 40 ft waterfall where you can see fish in the warmer months. There are a number of smaller waterfalls you will spot along the trails, too.

The trails are so peaceful here and the trees loom above you. The forest here is made up of mature Sugar Maples, Black Walnut, and Sycamore.

An interesting tidbit of info is Rockway was once used as a salt spring, and had some of the best quality and quantity of salt on Ontario, dating back to 1792!

Cost: $9/vehicle 
Address: 2021 Pelham Rd, Lincoln

Navigating Niagara tip: If you’re looking to save some money and if you’re up for a longer hike, park for free at Louth Conservation Area or at Short Hills Conservation Area and hike to Rockway.

6. DeCew Falls

Up for some scenic views? Head to DeCew Falls! You’ll first see Morningstar Mill originally built in 1872 which makes for beautiful photos. During warmer months you may be able to enter the mill when staff are on-site.

Part of the trails here form the Bruce Trail and the Laura Secord Legacy Trail, honouring Canada’s famous heroine and her role in warning the British of an American attack during the War of 1812.

There are two waterfalls to see here: Upper DeCew Falls and Lower DeCew Falls, the latter of which is easier to access. You can do so by following the Bruce Trail until the trail turns a sharp right; take a left and follow the river bank down, but watch your step because there is no marked trail.

You can continue up the creek to reach Upper DeCew Falls, but because of its difficulty (and history of numerous rescues needed!), I only recommend fit and experienced hikers to attempt it.

Cost: Free
Address: 2021 Pelham Rd, Lincoln

Navigating Niagara Tip: Morningstar Mill is closed until 2025 for major restoration work and no parking is available on premise. You can hike from Short Hills or from DeCew House Heritage Park and still enjoy the trails.

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