Facebook GroupThis is a low rock rapids in the heart of downtown Merrickville. The total drop is probably no more than 2 metres or so, and no single ledge is greater than half a metre. In summer, flows can be very low as water is directed to a hydroelectric plant situated on the next channel to the north. So no, this isn't much of a falls.
* I lost my photos for this rapids! Always back up your images! Can you share an image for this project?
Still, there is water running over lots of exposed bedrock, a series of locks on the Rideau Canal, extensive ruins of early industry that you can tour just steps from the falls, an historic military blockhouse and a quaint little downtown corner. Come for the rapids, stay for everything else.
The driving directions lead to on-street parking on Main St., but any street-side parking will do. You can view the rapids by looking downstream from the brodge.
To get closer, some visitors walk north over the canal and past the blockhouse. At the historic industrial ruins, a trail to the right follows past the exhibits to a short trail into the woods. After just a minute or two walking, a short path that leads to the river. During low flow, most of the river bed is dry. I haven't visited during high flow and it may be impossible to visit the river bed at this time. VIsitors must use caution.
| Region | Eastern |
|---|---|
| County | Leeds and Grenville |
| Near | Merrickville |
| Watercourse | Rideau River |
| Watershed / % Lakes | 3 / 30% |
| Ownership | Parks Canada |
| Landscape | Suburban |
| Size | Very Small |
| Type | Rock Rapids |
| Modification | Water Level Control Dam, Road Bridge, Locks, Power generation. |
| Access | Moderate |
| Top / Bottom | Roadside Only / Moderate |
| Trail conditions | Dirt |
| Hiking Time | 5 min |
| Coordinates | 44.9176,-75.8358 |
| Parking | 44.9161,-75.8376  |
| Site ID | WOO.LEE.007 |
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