The 15 metre high Indian Falls waterfall was formed by the erosion of soft Queenston shale beneath hard Manitoulin dolomite in a manner similar to Niagara Falls. Please note, that the flow of water is minimal in the late summer and early fall months. The hiking trail begins next to the washroom building. This 0.8 km trail to the falls is very rigorous and is rated “difficult: – rocky terrain, steep path/cliffs.
Near the parking area, in the reclaimed gravel pit, sits ball diamonds, tennis courts and playground equipment. These recreational facilities are owned and maintained by the Township of Georgian Bluffs for its residents, thus demonstrating a successful partnership between two different organizations.
During the winter and early spring, the trail is closed at Indian Falls.
Link to trail map: http://www.greysauble.on.ca/portfolio/indian-falls-conservation-area/
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Grey County
Nearby towns and cities: Owen Sound
Trail feature tags: Waterfall
INDIAN FALLS TRAIL characteristics
Length: .7 kmDifficulty: Difficult (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Compacted soil/hard packed and Gravel
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Surface is compated soil, stones, steep paths. Not wheelchair accessible
Fees: none
Flora & Fauna:
Not reported yet.
Amenities: seasonal washrooms
Attractions: waterfall
Contact:
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority 519-376-3076
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 44.6193900
Longitude: -80.9461000
INDIAN FALLS TRAIL Image Gallery
Photo credits:
Don Knight
Indian Falls, located at 318614 Grey County Rd 1, in the Township of Georgian Bluffs is a wonderful venue for a family hike. It is one of the many gems on Grey Sauble Conservation Authority managed lands. The falls is located at the end of a .7 km somewhat rugged trail, starting at the Township of Georgian Bluffs sports field, where you can park for free. This sports field is located about 7 km north of Owen Sound (Highway 6 and 21) on the west side of Grey Rd 1.
The hike in to Indian Falls will take about 15 minutes and a total hike of approximately 45 minutes as you are sure to want to take some time to enjoy the falls and take lots of pictures. Before you start off on your hike make sure you are prepared with water, insect repellent, and sun screen protection. Wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants provides an extra level of insect protection.
The trail head starts at the end of the parking lot. At the trail head are seasonal washrooms and an interpretive sign. Take the time to read the interpretive sign. Lots of good information on Indian Falls.
The trail is not wheel chair accessible. As a matter of fact the trail can be a bit rugged in spots with the need to climb a fairly steep hill by way of a wooden staircase.
The trail travels through some diverse flora including hard maple, white cedar, beech and ash and pagoda dogwood trees. You might also spot a downy woodpecker, red winged blackbird, chipmunks and cotton tail rabbits.
If you have your mobile device with you the trail map and information can be found at http://www1.greysauble.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Map-Indian-Falls-Conservation-Area.pdf
As you start walking on the lane leading from the parking lot keep your eyes open as there presently no signage to indicate that, after about 100 feet, the trail leads off to the left.
From this point you need only follow the red slashes on the trees. The first part of the trail takes you along the overflow riverbed which is dry for most of the year but can be wet in spots. Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear and be prepared to do a little stone stepping to avoid a wet foot. Only in the very driest part of summer will you not enjoy hiking beside the Indian River, listening to the babbling of the rushing water.
It isn’t a long walk along the Indian River riverbank before you come to a staircase on your right that takes you to the top of the embankment. It does require some effort to climb as the staircase does not go right to the top. Again proper hiking footwear is suggested and sturdy footwear essential.
At the top of the embankment you will now follow a beautiful hard packed earthen trail through a cedar canopy. There is a calmness in the air violated only by the sound of the falls which you will catch glimpses of as you walk along. Be careful as there is quite a steep drop on your left from the top of the embankment to the river valley below. Please stay on the path.
Soon you will arrive at and marvel at the sight of the falls itself. Indian Falls is a 15 metre high plunge class waterfall with a unique horseshoe or bridal veil falls.
Take lots of pictures but do not venture too close to the falls. These are steep cliffs. Take a look at the falls and you will see where part of the rock wall on the right hand or north end of the falls has fallen away. This fall happened, without warning, in 2016 and one never knows when it could happen again. You wouldn’t want to be too close when it happens. There is a protective fence for a reason. It can be dangerous. Especially do not venture beyond the sign which prohibits further access to the lip of the falls.