This is a unique waterfall spot. The waterfalls themselves are actually very small. Anywhere else, and they would score 1 star. But this site is made unique by the presence of the potholes. These are large circular depressions in bedrock through which the river flows.
The potholes are believed to have been carved by melting water at the base of the continental glaciers. Some obstruction under the ice likely generated a high pressure rotating flow, which used sand and gravel to drill the holes in solid rock.
In addition to the potholes, there are also some linear depressiion features in the rock surface. The river flows over and through both the potholes and the linear depressions. Where it tumbles over the edge of one of these features, a very small waterfall is formed.
It is my belief that the potholes occured here because the rock is massive; meaning that it has very few fractures. Fractures are normally the place where flowing water is able to do damage to the rock surface. In their absence, abrasion of the surface took place instead. A similar situation occurs at the Ladders (see entry).
From the parking lot, a well kept trail allows a 10 minute hike to the potholes. A boardwalk brings visitors up close to the potholes up close. I
| Region | Algoma |
|---|---|
| County | Algoma |
| Near | Wawa |
| Watercourse | Kinniwabi River |
| Watershed / % Lakes | 1 / 13% |
| Ownership | Potholes Provincial Nature Reserve |
| Landscape | Wilderness |
| Size | Small |
| Type | Cascade |
| Modification | Boardwalk |
| Access | Easy |
| Top / Bottom | Moderate / Difficult |
| Trail conditions | Dirt, boardwalk, bare rock |
| Hiking Time | 10 min |
| Coordinates | 47.9541,-84.2691 |
| Parking | 47.9583,-84.2682 |
| Site ID | WOO.ALG.086 |
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