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River

Beaver Dam Creek

Class

Plunge

Size

Large

Visitability

Good

Accessibility

Free

Activity

Moderate

Walk Time

3min

Trail

Easy

Gorge Access

Difficult

Other Trails

few

County

Niagara

Follow Hwy 406 through St Catharines to St Davids Rd west. Drive for about 0.5 km to the stoplight at Glenridge Rd and turn left. Follow the road south from Brock University to Decew Rd. Turn right here, and drive along this scenic road, past Lakes Gibson and Moodie to the parking lot on the right, beside the Morningstar Mill. Park here, and explore!

Settlement

Power Glen

NTS Map

30 M/3

Easting

641210

Northing

4774550

UTM Zone

This is a nice spot for the whole family to visit. Decew Falls is a large plunge waterfall set beside a charming mill building, which continues to be restored. The waterfall is tall, roughly 22 m high, and usually about 5 to 6 m wide. The site around the falls has been developed somewhat, although it hasn't been overdone. The only drawback is that much of the area around the falls is protected by a chain link fence. This is here for your safety, and makes the trip suitable for small children.

To get the best view of the waterfall, walk along the trail leading past the waterfall. Go through the opening in the fence, turn left and walk along the hydro service trail. You can look back and see the waterfall here, or continue further west along the trail for just a few hundred meters and find a spot to descend to the river bed. There is a well worn path to the bottom of Twelve Mile Creek down a slightly less steep section of the gorge wall. Look for a yellow rope tied to a tree to help your descent. This is a difficult, demanding descent (use CAUTION): If you are careful, you shouldn't have much of a problem, but as always, it’s a good idea to visit with a friend. The trip to the river bed isn't suitable for small children or the elderly. The view of the falls from the stream bed is stunning, and there is a good half hour of exploring at the base of the falls.

Decew Falls is featured in the print version of "Waterfalls of Ontario.