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River

Forty Mile Creek

Class

Cascade

Size

Small

Visitability

Average

Accessibility

Free

Activity

Walk Time

15min

Trail

Moderate

Gorge Access

Difficult

Other Trails

County

Niagara

Take the QEW (Niagara-bound) to Mountain road in Grimsby. Follow Mountain road south and drive up the Niagara Escarpment. At the top of the hill, turn right on to Ridge Road and drive for about one kilometer (Stay Right!). Turn right on to Quarry Road, and then into the driveway to the large gravel parking lot. SPECIAL NOTE: Take a look at the interpretive signs in the park as they include photographs of the waterfalls taken by myself! Woo! Walk across the open field to the woods and follow the path that descends down the escarpment. Once you reach the river, you need to turn right and walk upstream for several minutes to the waterfall.

Settlement

Grimsby

NTS Map

30 M/4

Easting

615896

Northing

4782161

UTM Zone

This waterfall is smaller and not as picturesuqe as the main Beamer Falls. It is, nonetheless, a worthwhile destination if you are exploring the excellent Beamer Memorial Park. Tucked in the middle of the forest, it is in a more natural setting than its upstream neighbour. It is about 5 to 6 m in height and close to the same size in width, depending on stream flow in Forty Mile Creek. Unlike the main falls it is not a true ramp waterfall. Instead, it has elements of both ramp and plunge formation. I have typically classified such waterfalls as steep cascades, although it is a little easier to understand what's going on here as opposed to the cascades in the Canadian Shield.

It's been a few years since I've visited this waterfall. I don't remember there being a well-worn trail to the lower falls. As mentioned in the directions, the best way to find the falls is to follow the path from the parking lot into the woods, go down the escarpment and walk upstream, either along the river or its banks. The walk was rocky and full of fallen trees. Provided that you are in fair shape and don't mind getting a little dirty, there shouldn't be any problems. Take your time and don't get frustrated!

You can also view the waterfall from the top of the gorge, by following the directions to Beamer Falls and then following the path to the municipal works building on the right side (looking downstream) of the creek. NOTE: This building may be on private property, so please use care when visiting. This view of the lower falls from here is mediocre at best though: the view from the base of the falls is far more rewarding.