About this waterfall.

About The Potholes

Waterfalls of Ontario is a book!
Waterfalls of Ontario is also a book! 280 pages, full colour, $29.95. Available online and in stores. Learn more...
Our Responsibility
Waterfalls get closed when people are injured or ruin lands.

Please don't trespass, don't litter, and stay on the trail.
Warning: Waterfalls are dangerous - You aren't permitted to use this site unless you read, understand and accept the Website Disclaimer

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

Some Key Facts
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
About Image

Finding The Potholes

Warning!

You could be injured, lost, or die visiting waterfalls. You are responsible for your safety. Learn your Risks and Responsibilities.

You don't have permission to use this website unless you click and agree with the Full Disclaimer
About Image

Visiting The Potholes


User Reported Conditions

Visit Date
Flow
Access

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...
Waterfalls of Ontario is a book!
The book
Waterfalls of Ontario is a book!
Badges
Join the Facebook Group
Stickers
Follow on instagram
Wall Maps
Join our Facebook Community!
Search this web site:
About Image

Important Stuff

This page last updated on April 20, 2024. Earlier versions can be examined on Archive.org, dating back to 2003.