Facebook GroupSouth River Cascade is a collection of small rapids and very small cascades that can be explored. They are right beside the road and easily accessed. The site has been modified by the installation of several water level control dams; when I visited in 2023 it was nothing like what I remembered from 20 years ago.
In spring, when flows are high, the cascades can be scenic. The bare rock around the river lets visitors wander around freely. Once river levels drop, the cascade can almost dry up. During this time, the majority of flow is diverted through a penstock (in plain view) to a power station downstream.
The cascades continue downstream of the bridge, but are off-limits due to posted private property. This area houses the hydroelectric plant, and they clearly want to keep us out. You can still get a good view downstream from the bridge.
This site offers a limited-time, special treat: a second channel just to the north. This comes to life only during high flow conditions in the river, where water is directed down a narrow cascade downstream of the road. A dirt trail leads to several rocky spots to view the cascade, if, it is flowing. So it's obvious that people visit regularly.
I didn't see any signs around this second channel; there is no hydro infrastructure here. This website does not provide permission to access any lands. If you are from the area and know whether or not this second northern channel can be explored, please let me know.
| Region | Cottage |
|---|---|
| County | Parry Sound |
| Near | South River |
| Watercourse | South River |
| Watershed / % Lakes | 3 / 13% |
| Ownership | Town of South River |
| Landscape | Rural |
| Size | Small |
| Type | Complex Cascade |
| Modification | Water Level Control Dams |
| Access | Easy |
| Top / Bottom | Easy / Moderate |
| Trail conditions | Bare rock, uneven surfaces |
| Hiking Time | 1 min |
| Coordinates | 45.848,-79.37495 |
| Parking | 45.848,-79.37532  |
| Site ID | WOO.PAR.044 |
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