Eugenia Falls | TorontoHiking Ontario Waterfalls

Eugenia Falls (Rating=B) presents a breathtaking view as the Beaver River plunges 23 m over the escarpment edge into Cuckoo Valley below. This is a ribbon plunge waterfall with a crest of 12 m and is one of the "Grey County Magnificent Seven" waterfalls. A second cascade waterfalls (Lower Eugenia Falls) drops 9 m about 200 m down the gorge.

LOCATION:	Eugenia Falls is located in Eugenia, Ontario. Take Grey Rd 13 north to Pellisier St in Eugenia. Click on the Road Map button for a Google map and directions. The Falls Locator button shows a map of other waterfalls in the area.
ACCESS:	It's just a short walk to the lookout point. The falls is wheelchair accessible with self-pay parking. Click on the Trail Map button below for area walking trails.

NEARBY FALLS	LAT	LONG	TYPE	H (m)	W (m)	SOURCE	FACING
Eugenia Falls	N44.31326	W80.52659	ribbon plunge	23	12	Beaver River	S
Lower Eugenia Falls	N44.31199	W80.52770	ribbon cascade	9	2	Beaver River	W
Hogg's Falls	N44.28691	W80.54425	curtain plunge	6	10	Boyne River	N
McGowan Falls	N44.17915	W80.80870	flat cascade	1.5	9	Saugeen River	W
Walter's Falls	N44.48833	W80.71151	classical cascade	14	15	Walter's CreeK	N

Trail Map	Road Map	Falls Locator

ToHi WATERFALL RATINGS

Overall Rating: Eugenia Falls = B

Waterflow: C -much water is diverted for hydro use.
Falls Size: A - > 15 m
Aesthetics: A -incredible steep gorge, beautiful falls but very little water.

THE EUGENIA FALLS AREA:

eugenia-falls Situated in the very quaint village of Eugenia, Eugenia Falls Conservation Area encompasses 23 hectares of Niagara Escarpment, river valley and upland forests. The site features hiking trails, outhouse & picnic pavilion.

When first discovered in 1852, Eugenia Falls was the scene of a 'Fools Gold' rush. Later it became the location of five mills and a small private electric plant and by 1905, it was chosen to be the site of the second hydroelectric plant in Ontario (Georgian Bay Power Company).

In 1915, Ontario Hydro moved the plant to the north and created Lake Eugenia, allowing more control over water levels. Unfortunately most of the water is now diverted through huge pipes leaving a trickle to flow over the falls. But even this is spectacular.

The waterfall is said to be named after Princess Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III.

Across the street from the Eugenia CA entrance is the Eugenia Falls Emporium which is worth a visit. According to the Emporium, "While perusing the renovated gas station and garage, take the time to enjoy a scrumptious Cappuccino or one of their famous "Oil and Lube" sundaes. The eclectic mix of worldly antiques and the works of local artisans will surely make the journey to Eugenia unforgettable."

EUGENIA FALLS AREA WALKING TRAILS:

Bruce Trail, Eugenia Side Trail, local trails. For a map of area trails, click on the Trail Map icon above.

eugenia-falls-cuckoo-valley Looking at the falls over the Cuckoo ValleyThe Bruce trail runs through the Eugenia Falls CA. From the parking lot, you can head east or west along the trail. Heading east, it's only a 5 minute walk to the falls, with the trail following a low stone wall along the escarpment edge. Stay on the trail side of this wall as it's a steep 30 m drop from the top of these vertical cliffs to the valley floor below.

There are a few good lookout points but much of the view is obstructed by old cedar tress clinging to the escarpment edge. The views are beautiful -especially if the waterfall is flowing. If you continue east to the falls, you can easily walk out to the top of the falls. The Cuckoo Valley below is quite a sight.

Continuing eastward, the trail follows the river for about 400 m before swinging west and then heading north.If you head west from the parking lot you will see a display board with some information on the Niagara Escarpment as well as the history of the Eugenia Falls and the gold rush that took place. Continuing along, the trail follows very close to the escarpment edge where numerous cedar roots seem to hold onto the rock for dear life. The drop is 30 m here, so be careful not to trip on the many roots.The trail begins to descend as it heads along the ridgeline towards a small lake. Shortly you will meet the Eugenia Falls Side Trail which you can use to make a loop walk. The whole walk is less than 2 km which will take about an hour and is moderate in difficulty.

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS ONLY:

Walking along the western trail heading left from the parking lot, there are a couple of steep local trails that head downhill to the base of the gorge from where you can walk back to the base of the falls. I have never tried this and the trails may not be safe. I would not recommend doing this descent as it's just too dangerous.

A much safer way is to continue westward on the Bruce Trail until it descends to the level of the river. There is no trail here so you would have to bushwack your way to the river bed and follow it back upstream. The route will be very rocky with numerous fallen trees to scramble over. Along the way you will pass by a second 9 m cascade waterfalls (Lower Eugenia Falls). It might be easier to walk along the base of the cliffs rather than the riverbed but there is always the danger of falling rocks.