This is a long, gentle step falls about 50 to 60 m long and 15 m wide, right behind the main street (Dundas St) in Napanee. The falls is comprised of multiple short steps over thinly bedded limestone, sort of giving the illusion of a long, gentle staircase.
Likely as a check on erosion, parts of the waterfall have been edged by a concrete wall and concrete riprap. This includes the uppermost lip of the falls, which is too perfect to be natural. This is only visible at low flow.
The concrete lining along the near side of the river doesn't spoil the view of the falls but reminds us that waterfalls were once seen as features to be controlled, not to be enjoyed in their natural state.
The only unfortunate thing about this falls is that it is completely surrounded by chain link fence. Given the urban setting, where just any old person can visit, this safety feature is justified. I've seen people fishing on the far side of the river, but I don't know if you can get there legally.
A large paved parking lot is right in front of he waterfall site.
Region | Eastern |
---|---|
County | Lennox and Addington |
Near | Napanee |
Watercourse | Napanee River |
Watershed / % Lakes | 3 / 25% |
Ownership | Town of Napanee |
Landscape | Urban, open |
Size | Medium |
Type | Block Step |
Modification | Small water level control weir, landscape stones |
Access | Easy |
Top / Bottom | Easy to view / Easy to view |
Trail conditions | Paved |
Hiking Time | 1 min |
Coordinates | 44.2503,-76.9456 |
Parking | 44.2502,-76.9449 ![]() |
Site ID | WOO.LEN.008 |
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