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River

York River

Class

Cascade

Size

Medium

Visitability

Average

Accessibility

Free

Activity

Quiet

Walk Time

2min

Trail

Easy

Gorge Access

Moderate

Other Trails

County

Hastings

Follow Hwy 62 north from Hwy 7 to Bancroft. The highway jogs a bit in the town, but continue north of town for about 6 km. Watch for "Y" road on the left. Turn left and follow this road to the intesction with Hastings Rd 5 (South Baptiste Lake Rd). Cross the road and continue north on the gravel road for about 3 km. This road ends at the falls.

Settlement

Birds Creek

NTS Map

31 F/4

Easting

270600

Northing

5000000

UTM Zone

A few hundred years ago, this waterfall would probably have had an outstanding rating for its visitabilty. Unfortuantely, a wide concrete dam has been constructed across the top of the falls. The dam maintains the water level in Baptiste Lake, but really alters the appearance of the falls. All is not lost however, as this is still a fairly good waterfall to visit. The falls is high and wide, and depending on the settings of the dam, can have a fairly good flow.

When flows are low enough, you can safely explore the bare bedrock downstream of the falls. There are also trails leading into the woods from here, although I don't know how far downstream they lead. The lookout platform on top of the concrete dam gives a good overall view of the falls and rapids below.

This waterfall is covered in more detail in the print version of "Waterfalls of Ontario."

HINT: There are some small rapids and cascades downstream of the waterfalls - watch for a break or short deserted driveway in the woods on your way back to South Baptiste Lake Rd.