About this waterfall.

About Nairn Falls

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Nairn Falls has been significantly altered by the development of a hydroelectric generating station. The 5 MW generating station was constructed in 1915 to supply power to local mines. As such, it is a heritage building that some would find attractive. A spillway remains along the far left side of the building, and it is just visible in the distance from the road.

Unfortunately, you can't get close, and even if you could, during many times of the year the majority of the flow is guided through the station.

The drive along the river to the station is scenic and worth the short side trip from the highway. It features barren highlands along the river in places, and a secluded picnic spot by the river is worth searching for. That said, I visited first in 2002 and then not again until spring, 2023. I perceived that the vegetation between the road and the river was definitely getting thicker. There are still several views of the site as you cruise this road.

Some Key Facts
Region Northeast
County Sudbury
Near Nairn
Watercourse Spanish River
Watershed / % Lakes 4 / 17%
Ownership Crown waters
Landscape Semi-wilderness
Size Small
Type Dam Spillway
Modification Hydroelectric generating station
Access Easy
Top / Bottom Roadside only / Roadslide only
Trail conditions Gravel Road
Hiking Time 0 min
Coordinates 46.3443,-81.5736
Parking
46.3429,-81.5741
Site ID WOO.SUD.055
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Finding Nairn Falls

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Visiting Nairn Falls


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Waterfalls of Ontario Project

This project has been online since 1999, in print since 2003, and on social since 2011. (See archives: 2003, 2012, 2018). It was the first to inventory and map Ontario's waterfalls for recreational purposes. With your continued help, it grows. Learn more...
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This page last updated on April 20, 2024. Earlier versions can be examined on Archive.org, dating back to 2003.