There are a number of beautiful and remarkable waterfalls you can visit in our area. Located on Grey Road 13 is one that is visited regularly. Eugenia Falls, found in the village of Eugenia, can be reached from Flesherton by taking the Highway 4 turnoff. It is marked on most road maps. There are a variety of things to do, see, and photograph. It is an ideal location for an afternoon outing, day trip with the family, or hiking adventure with friends. When you get to the town of Eugenia turn northwest on Pellisier St. and follow the signs. Even if you have seen Eugenia Falls during summer, it is well worth it to view them in other seasons for a different experience. Come admire the beauty of the ice-covered falls in winter, or surrounded by the vibrant leaves in fall.
Hiking Eugenia Falls
You get your first view of the crest of Eugenia Falls from the parking lot. You are advised to stay on the “safe” side of the stone wall as the vertical cliffs are about 30m high. For better views, follow one of the trails. At the head of the western trail, there is a sign with information about the escarpment and Eugenia’s history. This trail takes you along the edge of a forested gorge. When you come to a clearing in the woods, look back towards the falls for a great view. If you are an experienced hiker, you can continue along the trail to a defined path down to the bottom of the gorge. You can make your way back to the base of the falls this way. If you follow the downstream trails for about 100ft there is a nice view of the entire falls.
You could also take the eastern trail. This will take you directly down to the falls following a low stone wall along the ridge. You can go east to the top of Eugenia Falls or go west to join up with the western trail. The area is situated in a conservation area. It encompasses 23 hectares of the river valley and upland forest along the Niagara Escarpment. The falls are 30 meters high but fairly narrow. The best time to view them is in the spring when the snow melts. The water becomes sparser during the summer because the nearby power plant uses much of the water from the river.
History of Eugenia Falls
They were discovered by a Mr. Brownlee in 1852 and were the site of a brief gold rush until they learned it was only fools gold. Surveyors named it after Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. There are a picnic area and shelter available for use. There are a number of trails you can follow through the gorge and one that leads to Hogg’s Falls, but some of them are difficult and dangerous so are considered for experienced hikers only. The one that most people can follow is large and well groomed.
Near the start of this trail is an old monument honoring the soldiers of World War 1, and if you follow it for about 20 minutes to will take you downstream to river level where the official trail ends. If you are looking for somewhere to spend an enjoyable afternoon hiking, bird watching, and enjoying nature’s wonders, Eugenia Falls should be your destination.