11 Wonderful Waterfalls in Grey County
Forget about travelling halfway across the globe to find magical waterfalls. Locals and visitors alike will find hundreds of waterfalls in Ontario! The most famous being, Niagara Falls. However, one of my favourites are the waterfalls in Grey County. This incredible stretch of the province is full of small towns, scenic hiking trails, and over 10 waterfalls. In addition, thanks to its great location, Grey County is an ideal day trip destination.
Where is Grey County?
Grey County is located in Southwestern Ontario. It extends from Highway 89, just west of Shelburne, up to the coast of Georgian Bay, just west of Collingwood. It covers half the base of the Bruce Peninsula and includes a large portion of the Niagara Escarpment.
Where else can you find waterfalls in Ontario?
Ontario is home to hundreds of waterfalls. Hamilton, even holds the title of Waterfall Capital of the World, with over 100 waterfalls just in its region alone. Another great place to visit is Muskoka! There are over 10 beautiful waterfalls in Muskoka to explore.
For adventure seekers, plan an epic Northern Ontario road trip that’s full of waterfall stops. Or head straight to Thunder Bay, where you’ll find a bunch of massive waterfalls!
Top Waterfalls in Grey County
If you’re looking for things to do in Collingwood, Owen Sound or one of the nearby towns then consider chasing some of the amazing Grey County waterfalls. From north to south, here are 11 of the top waterfalls in Grey County and why you should add them to your next Ontario road trip!
Walter’s Falls
In the small town with the same name, Walter’s Falls may be small but it makes up for it in beauty and power. Situated beside The Falls Inn, that offers views of the falls, Walter’s Falls is a double plunge falls that drops 45 feet into Walter’s Creek.
There’s a metal bridge over the top for viewing or you can take the trail leading from the parking lot. The trail leads you through the forest and down a very steep hill. Hiking shoes are a must1 You might want to even grab a stick to aid you on the way down and up. At the bottom of the hill the trail to the right is rugged and will take you to the base of the falls, which is amazing!
Please note that the falls and grounds may be closed to the public if there’s a private event taking place. And only guests of the Inn are allowed to park in the parking lot. There’s a parking area at Holland Sydenham Townline and Grey Road 29. From here take the Walter’s Falls Side Trail. The walking trail leads to the waterfalls.
Address:140 Front St, Walters Falls, ON N0H 2S0
- No Fee
Eugenia Falls
Set within Eugenia Falls Conservation Area, just outside Flesherton, you’ll find Eugenia Falls. Eugenia Falls is the highest waterfall in Grey County. This waterfall is nearly 100 feet and feeds into the Beaver River.
If you’re looking for a great way to experience the part of the Grey County waterfall tour, I highly recommend hiking between Eugenia Falls and Hoggs Falls. It’s a long trek but worth it! Especially in the winter when Eugenia Fall Conservation Area is closed. You can park at Hoggs Falls and hike to Eugenia Falls via the Bruce Trail and side trails.
Address: County Road 13, Eugenia, ON N0C 1E0
- Parking Fee at Eugenia Falls Conservation Area
Hogg’s Falls
It may be one of the smallest waterfalls on this list but it’s one of my favourite waterfalls in Grey County. You can hear it as you approach along the trail. Take the trail to the right, from the parking lot. The thunder of the falls is quite astounding.
You can even repel down, a short distance, to the base of the falls. There’s a rope already set up for you and at the base you are rewarded with the immensely picturesque scene of the falls, the escarpment and river.
Address: Lower Valley Road Flesherton ON N0C 1E0
- No Fee
Related Post: 7 Best Hikes in Ontario with Awesome Views
Hilts Falls
A new addition to the Grey County waterfall route is Hilts Falls. With the addition of a new Bruce Trail side trail in Eugenia you can now access the base of this wonderful waterfall. Follow the Bruce Trail markers at the end of Johnston’s Sideroad and you’ll come upon the Stew Hilts Side Trail. Named after a notable member of the Bruce Trail Conservancy, the Stew Hilts Side Trail is only 480 metres and will take you to the base of Hilts Falls.
Hilts Falls flows over the fragile stones of the Niagara Escarpment. And in the late winter it looks as though there’s a massive cathedral of ice rising up from within. From here a delicate stream courses down the valley to the Boyne River.
Please Note: While the side trail is now a one way, they are working to extend the trail to make it a loop, as well as add a bridge over the stream and stairs taking you up to a viewing platform. Also, be mindful and careful around the base of the waterfalls as the escarpment is fragile. It’s best to take in its beauty from a safe distance.
- No fee
Holstein Dam
It may be a manufactured waterfall but Holstein Dam can be a great sight – especially after the spring thaw. During my visit, near summers end, it wasn’t as intense as usual due to the incredibly dry summer.
Located the furthest south, in the charming town of Holstein, Holstein Dam feeds Norman Reeves Creek. The waterfall is in Holstein Jubilee Park, which is located in downtown Holstein. You’ll find various viewpoints of the waterfall. Plus, it’s a great park to visit in the summer for a picnic!
- No Fee
McGowan Falls
Located in Durham Conservation Area, McGowan Falls is a cascade falls along the Saugeen River. There are grottos below the falls and even swimming available upstream.
The metal bridge crossing the falls says ‘use at own risk’, but it offers cool views down river. And if you head into town, Durham has a few murals that feature the waterfall!
Address: 323198 Durham Road East, Durham
- Parking Fee
Inglis Falls
Noted by many as one of Ontario’s most beautiful waterfalls, Inglis Falls is a must see! The waterfall is within Inglis Falls Conservation Area, a 200 hectare park in Owen Sound. A visit to Inglis Falls is one of the top things to do in Owen Sound!
Inglis Falls is a 59 feet cascade falls from the Sydenham River. On a clear day, from the top of the falls, you can see all the way to Owen Sound and its harbour.
Consider staying to explore the Conservation Area as its home to over seven kilometres of trails, geological potholes and an old grist mill. You can also take the Bruce Trail into Owen Sound’s Harrison Park and the next waterfall, Weavers Creek Falls.
Address: 237785 Inglis Falls Road Owen Sound ON N4K 5N6
- Parking Fee for Inglis Falls Conservation Area
Weaver’s Creek Falls
One of top places to visit in Owen Sound is the smashing Harrison Park. The park is home to Weaver’s Creek Falls. It may not be large or spectacular but its lovely.
At the south end of the park, by the outdoor pool, head into the forested trail. A 300 metre boardwalk takes you through an enchanted forest and along the creek to Weaver’s Creek Falls. The falls is a mix of plunge and cascade.
Address: 75 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON
- No Fee
Jones Falls
Just outside downtown Owen Sound is Pottawatomi Conservation Area. Here is another pleasant trail along the Pottawatomi River. The trail takes you to both sides of Jones Falls.
The best view is from the south side, across the bridge. Jones Falls is a 39 feet cascade falls. One thing to be aware of is that there is a lot of poison ivy found along the trail.
Address: 717875 Hwy 6, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N7
- No Fee
Indian Falls
Just north of Owen Sound, along scenic Grey County Road 1, is Indian Falls Conservation Area. Named after the Indian tribe that once lived in the area, Indian Falls is about a 20 minute hike from the parking lot.
Follow the yellow arrows along the trail. The trail takes you along Indian Creek and to a flight of stairs that begin a steep incline up to the top of the hill.
Indian Falls is a horseshoe shaped plunge falls with a drop of 49 feet. Similar to how Niagara Falls was formed, Indian Falls was created Queenston shale beneath the Manitoulin dolomite eroded.
Address: 318614 Grey Rd 1, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N4
- No Fee
Webwood Falls
Webwood Falls is one of the waterfalls in Grey County that is probably the least visited. The falls is not easy to find. Along the backroads of Kimberly you’ll find Webwood Falls Nature Reserve, literally in the middle of nowhere.
Park at the abandoned barn, now a haven for barn swallows, and follow the trail beside it. The trail takes you passed the falls, with not much of a great view with the thick forest. But there is a better view if you follow the road past the guardrail to a viewing platform on the north side of the falls. Webwood Falls is a cascade falls dropping into a picturesque ravine.
Address: Sideroad 25 Kimberley ON N0C 1G0
- No Fee
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Owen Sound or play a day trip to explore, I highly recommend you take a tour of waterfalls in Grey County. While all are accessible in the summer, spring is the best time to visit for waterflow. And winter adds a magical frozen element that shouldn’t be missed!
Have you experienced any of these waterfalls in Grey County?
Hiking Trails in Grey County:
Nottawasaga Bluffs Conservation Area
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