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River

Chippewa River

Class

Cascade

Size

Large

Visitability

Outstanding

Accessibility

Free

Activity

Busy

Walk Time

2min

Trail

Easy

Gorge Access

Easy

Other Trails

lots

County

Algoma

Drive north of Sault Ste Marie along Hwy 17 for about 30-40 minutes. Watch for the signs for the Chippewa River, and pull into the parking lot beside the river before crossing the bridge. For a good overall view, walk part way across the bridge. For a closer view of the falls, follow the path from the parking lot into the woods. This takes you to the crest of the waterfall. The path continues upstream to the upper falls and beyond to much quieter, secluded reaches of the river.

Settlement

Chippewa Falls

NTS Map

41 K/16

Easting

695954

Northing

5200602

UTM Zone

Chippewa Falls is a very interesting place for the familly to get out for a stretch, and could easily fill an hour or two. Located right along the Trans-Canada Highway, the waterfall is easily accessible and is a fairly popular rest spot for travellers. The falls is a wide cascade, probably up to 100 m wide during high flows. The river falls a total of about 20 m over several sets of waterfalls. When river flows are low, the river is confined to the lower notches and grooves in the bedrock. While less spectacular, this is the best time to get out and explore.

Amateur geologists will note that while the majority of the local bedrock is pink-coloured granite, a portion of the rock at the falls is actually a jet black rock. This rock is basalt, and is different in texture and appearance than the granite.

Further information about this waterfall is featured in the print version of the "Waterfalls of Ontario.