Buttermilk Falls can be impressive but it can also be very underwhelming. The waterfall is fed by an entirely urbanized watershed that is mostly comprised of storm drains. This means that flows are often very low to dry.
Following a major rain event, however, the stormwater network can send a torrent of flow to the falls which is often over before you know it. If you take a close look at the gorge, you will note that it seems to be oversized for the small creek. I wonder if this creek once had a much larger watershed prior to city development.
Access to the base of Buttermilk Falls is currently prohibited. As with Albion Falls nearby, it is actually quite likely that someone entering the gorge will be caught and fined. The City of Hamilton does not want visitors in this gorge.
The silver lining is that you can examine the falls and the gorge right from the sidwalk along Mountain Brow Blvd. A dirt trail leads into the woods and allows a view of the falls when the leaves are off.
Region | Hamilton |
---|---|
County | Hamilton |
Near | Albion Falls |
Watercourse | Red Hill Creek Trib |
Watershed / % Lakes | 1 / 0% |
Ownership | City of Hamilton |
Landscape | Urban |
Size | Small |
Type | Plunge with Culvert |
Modification | Culvert |
Access | Easy |
Top / Bottom | / |
Trail conditions | |
Hiking Time | 5 min |
Coordinates | 43.2053,-79.8196 |
Parking | 43.2059,-79.8188 ![]() |
Site ID | WOO.HAM.007 |
Join our Facebook community to share tips, photos and updates. Operating since 2011, this well-moderated, respectful, and informative group is the hub of Ontario's waterfalling community. (Photo by Martin Van Opstal)