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River

Mississippi River

Class

Chute

Size

Small

Visitability

Good

Accessibility

Free

Activity

Walk Time

1min

Trail

Easy

Gorge Access

Moderate

Other Trails

County

Lanark

Follow Hwy 417 west from Ottawa to Ottawa-Carleton Rd 20 (Kinburn Side Rd). Turn left (west) on to Ottawa-Carleton Rd 20 and drive for about 6 km to Pakenham. Follow the road around the curve to the right, go over the bridge and turn left on to Lanark Rd 29 (Be sure to stop and see Pakenham Falls and the Five Span Bridge! See entry). Drive south on Lanark Rd 29 for about 10 km to Blakeny Rd. Turn left here and follow the road to the little parking lot on the left, right before the bridge over the river. Be sure not to park in the driveway for the private home, but in the lot for the conservation area (look for the sign). Not to worry, the dogs (leashed) will probably remind you of this anyways!

Walk towards the river and follow the trail into the woods for the best views. If you walk too far, you will eventually reach private property, although I believe there is a fence to warn you.

Settlement

Blakeney

NTS Map

31F/8

Easting

402038

Northing

5013482

UTM Zone

Even though this spot can hardly be considered a waterfall, the site is quite pretty and lots of fun to walk around. The wide Mississippi River flows under the road bridge and soon breaks into numerous narrow, shallow channels that are separated by a number of little forested bedrock islands. Some of the islands are connected by little footbridges, while others are only accessible by water. Some of the rocky islands of granite and granodiorite have been polished smooth, and with a covering of pine needles might make a pretty little picnic area. The smaller channels dry up in summer, when the river follows the main, wider channels.

There really is no "main" waterfall at this site, and I found it difficult to find a prime subject for a photograph. This is not a problem however, since the whole site is interesting to explore. There are also other falls on the far side of the bridge, on the left side of the road. If you scramble down the hill you will find two little waterfalls, steeper than any of the main rapids on the other side of the bridge. These are the truest waterfalls here, probably about 3 to 4 meter high cascades.

Don't be tempted to tube or kayak through the rapids.  I have been informed that more than one person has drowned here.  As always, please be careful, and note the disclaimer at the bottom of this web page.