Facebook GroupIn spring, when river flows are high, this is a fun find. It's at this time of year when we are all but guaranteed that flow in the river will exceed what is needed to feed the hydroelectric station. The extra flow is diverted over a dam and then along a wide, low-gradient cascade.
A wooden platform beside a dam above the falls gives a decent view looking downstream. A better view can be had by moving downstream about 30-40 m. Unfortuantely, there was no trail that I could find, and I had to make my way through the woods, staying close to the river. It wasn't too hard, but may be thicker in summer.
About 30 m from the road, visitors will find the remains of a long-abandoned wooden shack. By turning left at this point, I found a nice rocky platform overlooking the middle of the cascade.
The generating station produces up to 2.9 MW and is visible at the bottom of the hill as visitors drive in to the dam. One large penstock can be seen descending the slope towards the station. I suspect that once summer arrives, all of the flow is diverted to the station. This would leave the cascade high and dry.
Access to the falls is via a dirt road tucked at the end of Hummel Line. I believe that just about any car could navigate to the parking area beside the dam. A gate at the road was open when I visited. A canoe portage is signed in this area, leading me to believe that the public are welcome or at least tolerated.
| Region | Cottage |
|---|---|
| County | Parry Sound |
| Near | Trout Creek |
| Watercourse | South River |
| Watershed / % Lakes | 3 / 11% |
| Ownership | Crown Land, or hydro |
| Landscape | Cottage Country |
| Size | Small |
| Type | Cascade |
| Modification | Dam |
| Access | Moderate |
| Top / Bottom | Moderate / Difficult |
| Trail conditions | None, forest |
| Hiking Time | 3 min |
| Coordinates | 45.9865,-79.4217 |
| Parking | 45.9905,-79.4176  |
| Site ID | WOO.PAR.019 |
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