CA, Ontario: Felker’s Falls in a rainy day

If life gives you lemons, you can make a lemonade, but if the sky gives you rain, then go to waterfalls!

After few rainy days at the beginning of July, we decided it is a great time to visit what else than Felker’s Falls.

Niagara Escarpment is very famous for its waterfalls, culminating with the most famous Niagara Falls and its gorge. But the escarpment belt, which runs east-west on the southern part of Ontario offers several impressive features along the way, and the multitude of waterfalls is something not to be missed.

Today’s hidden gem is nestled in the Felker’s Falls Conservation Area on the eastern side of Stoney Creek, right in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. As the tip of a trail was visible right in front of us, we parked quickly in front of the existing playground, and went straight ahead, hearing the waterfalls already. A long trail was ahead of us, but the waterfall was barely visible, obscured by the tree branches.

Asking some other people if there is another good spot to see the waterfalls didn’t help, as they were first time visitors, like us. A more daring young man showed me some “decent” pictures, providing the exact details where we can climb up and down, and cross the river through the ankle level water to get to the other side. Hmm.. Crossing the rapids on foot was not my thing, but I thought to take a look anyway.

The Felker’s Falls Conservation Area includes a 4 km section of the 725 km long Niagara Escarpment through the forest, but we were turned back due to some heavy rain, leaving us no option than retreating to our car, obviously quite disappointed.

We were almost back to the parking lot when we noticed the main paved path going towards the other side of the river, and we thought to give a try. After crossing a foot bridge over the creek to the west side of the river, we got to some muddy trail. Of course, the muddy and slippery path didn’t stop us, luckily the heavy rain has just stopped, letting us explore the forest, and try the most delicious black raspberries I’ve ever tried.

After 10 minutes or so we got to the right spot! Felker’s Falls is classified as a terraced ribbon falls, characterized by two drop sections which are divided by a narrow rock shelf. Davis Creek drops 22 metres from the brow of the Niagara Escarpment into a plunge pool and sits 6 meters wide at its crest. This 22-metres waterfall could be seen in its whole splendor, at full speed after the new, refreshing rain.

Nothing beats a waterfall after a fresh rain, and our little trip reminded me nothing but the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone when we visited them at the beginning of July, but a different year: 2016. Aren’t they all, the lemons, the sun and the rain, making the life so exciting?

Tip(s) of the day:

• Wear proper footwear, and watch your steps, as some trails can be muddy, especially after a rainfall;
• Plenty of parking spots on Auckland Street, in front of the playground;
• Beware, use extreme caution when venturing to the edge of the lookout, as no railing on the west side of the creek, and extreme slippery after rain.

~ visited in July 2021