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River

Indian Creek

Class

Plunge

Size

Medium

Visitability

Good

Accessibility

Free

Activity

Quiet

Walk Time

10min

Trail

Moderate

Gorge Access

Moderate

Other Trails

some

County

Grey

From Owen Sound, go west on Hwy 10 to Second Ave W and go north. This road soon leaves the town and eventually becomes Grey Rd 1, which follows the coast of the Owen Sound. Drive for about 7 or 8 minutes to the tiny settlement of Balmy Beach. Watch for the signs for the Indian Falls Conservation Area on the left. Drive to the back of the parking lot, find the trail, and walk for about 10-12 minutes upstream to the falls.

Settlement

Balmy Beach

NTS Map

41 A/10

Easting

503637

Northing

4940885

UTM Zone

Indian Falls can dry up to a trickle during summer months. I've been here a few times, and each time I visit, I'm disappointed by the low flows.  At other times of the year however, when the creek has a decent flow, this is easily one of the prettiest waterfalls in the province. A classic plunge waterfall, with a wide "amphitheatre" style gorge and a vertical drop of about 14-15 m. A plaque at the parking lot explains that the upper limestone strata are part of the Manitoulin Formation.

The walk to the falls takes about 10 minutes, winding first along the stream bed and then climbing up the side of the gorge. The sturdy staircase and well marked path make the trip accessible to most. A lower trail apparently leads to the base of the falls, although I have yet to find (or even look for it). You need to be careful around the crest of the waterfall: There is a fence, but it doesn't protect you from all the possible falling spots. Please! Watch your children here! A trail also leads upstream past the falls, around the bend and into a meadow. I'm not sure how far this goes, but would appreciate if someone could let me know!

This waterfall is featured in the print version of "Waterfalls of Ontario."

The above photograph is used courtesy of Ray Love.  Please visit his excellent web site about the waterfalls in the Hamilton region.

HELP: Can anyone who could "lend" me a scanned or digital photo of these falls with flow? Full credit would be provided.