Seeking Waterfalls

Nail Factory Falls

Nail Factory Falls are found on the Kingston Peninsula near Moss Glen.  Nail Factory falls are a series of falls that flow down to the Kennebecasis River.  The falls are is in a deep gully with old growth cedar trees and even two large cement wheels which may have been used in a mill operation.  The falls also have several pools for swimming.

To get there, head toward the Gondola Point Ferry landing at Kingston on Highway 845.  Depending on your direction, watch for Nail Factory Road after entering Moss Glen or if coming from Summerville and the Westfield Ferry, the road is to the south before Moss Glen.  Park on the main road by a westwardly road leading to a quarry.  The larger falls are just below this road.  Continue down stream to see the other sections.  

There is also a series of falls off the Moss Glen Road if you have time after your visit.

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Bennett Brook Falls

Bennett Brook Falls are found in Fundy National Park.  Bennet Brook Falls are chute type falls found near the end of Bennett Brook as it joins with the Wolfe River. The falls show the change in direction of the brook and at the bottom, flow under a suspended rock.  Although the type of falls doesn't allow for a great picture, the falls are unique enough to warrant a visit.  

To get there, head toward Fundy National Park on Highway 114 from Alma or Penobsquis.  Park at the Bennett Lake parking lot and cross the highway by the new walkway and overflow to reach the trail.  Follow the Bennett Brook trail until it decends down through the forest to the river.  Once at the river, go upstream on the closest brook to the trail.  The rocks are very slippery in this area, so use caution.  Also, climbing through the woods may become quickly difficult due to the almost immediate steep cliffs around Bennett Brook.  The falls are only two minutes off trail from the first intersection with the river.

 

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Mary Pitcher Falls

Mary Pitcher Falls are one of the tallest falls in New Brunswick. Mary Pitcher Falls are located at the intersection of the Big Salmon River and the Mary Pitcher Stream in the Fundy foothills south of Hammondvale.  Mary Pitcher Falls plunges from the cliffs guarding the Big Salmon River valley, and snakes through the broken bedrock in a series of pools before falling into the Big Salmon River.  The views from the top of the falls and the falls experience provide you with sample of the gems that can be found deep in the New Brunswick wilderness.

Getting to the falls is no short order either, especially if you use non-motorized travel (bike or foot) to get to Mary Pitcher Stream. Follow the directions to Upper Mary Pitcher Falls.  From the upper falls, continue down stream on the east side of the water.  There are a few yellow blazes wrapped around tree trunks and a visible path through the forest.  The path will lead you down to the cliff top above Mary Pitcher Falls.  Use caution in this area as the drop is extreme.  The safest way to reach the bottom is to bypass the cliff by going east through the woods before reaching the cliff.  Once you see a bolder field from a rockslide (see right), work your way down to the river.  Once at the river, return down river toward the falls.  Once you reach the base, you'll realize that a full picture can't be taken due to the close proximity of the large rocks.  The best pictures are taken from across the Big Salmon River.  This river is fast during high water and caution is advised.  (During my visit in late October, the current was very strong.)  Return the same way.  There are a few pools for swimming along the Mary Pitcher Stream if you have the energy!

Upper Mary Pitcher Falls

 Upper Mary Pitcher Falls are spectacular.  Located in the Fundy foothills 
near the Big Salmon River valley and fed by Mary Pitcher Lake, the stream falls several steps before reaching the valley bottom.  The upper fall is over 35 metres in height, among the highest in New Brunswick.  The falls area has tall old pine trees and maple trees extending over the falls.  In the middle of the upper part of the falls is a unique bowl made in the rock.  Two pools are found at the base of the falls.

The journey to the falls is an epic one, depending on your type of travel.  On our visit, we drove to the top of the Felix Brook Road, parked our cars and mountain biked the 13 kilometres to the end of the road.  (It is possible to drive the Felix Brook Road, but only with a 4WD truck.) From the end of the road, we left our bikes and headed downstream, for a relatively easier bushwack to the upper falls. Along the way, you pass several smaller falls which are worth seeing as well. 

To get there: Drive to Hammondvale on Hwy 111 from Sussex or via 865 from Norton.  At the intersection of Shepody Road, take the Shepody Road east toward Felix Brook.  There are sections of high clearance rock that can be avoided with a car, but caution is advised.  Continue along the Shepody Road and watch for a small bridge over Felix brook (the deck is paved and has white railings).  The Felix Brook Road is the next right.  Drive south on Felix Brook road (by either truck or mountain bike) and stay on the main traveled road.  At 11.5 kilometres the road makes a sharp right angled turn toward the west, but stay straight on the narrower road at this point.  The narrow road will turn again to the east, then turn back south.  Continue and follow the last westward turn to the end of the road.  There is a flagged trail to the stream, then follow the stream south to the various falls. Return the same way. If mountain biking, expect a 7 hour round trip with over 32 kilometres of travel.

 

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Jeffers Falls (Riley's Falls)

  Jeffers Falls (also named Riley's Falls) are found in the hills north of Parrsboro, Nova 
Scotia.  While Jeffers Falls usually describes the large fall at the final elevation drop of Jeffers Brook, there are several other falls that can be accessed further up river.  Although the rockhopping travel is difficult, the end result is reaching seven falls of various heights and sizes.  Three of these are 4-5 metres in height. 

To get there, head to Parrsboro on Highway 2.  In the town of Parrsboro, take the Beaver Dam Road north from Eastern Avenue.  Beaver Dam Road changes to Newville Road after the Prospect Road intersection.  Continue north on Newville Road toward Lakelands.   If wanting to see the lower falls only, keep going north on the Newville Road until you see a bridge and a steep forested gully to your right.  Park near a white farm house on a hill surrounded by lawn and a field. (If you reach Lakeview Corner, you've gone too far.)  On the south side of their property is a marshy area that will lead you to the brook. A short walk into the woods will lead you to the brook.  There is a trail made from the steep rocky embankment.

To hike upstream:  While driving on Newville Road, when you reach the address 1593,
watch for steep dirt road on your right, leading into the woods.  Drive up the dirt road and park at a clearing.  At the northeast end of the clearing, a short trail leads upward to a small clearing above the first and tallest falls.  The cliffs in this area are extremely steep, and caution must be used.  To see more falls, continue to the brook and begin your hike upstream from here.  You will not find a trail, but there are easier routes while rockhopping and climbing around the river.  In some areas, you must bypass cliff walls by climbing through the woods or swimming through the pools.  There are deadfalls blocking travel up river and other obstacles. This is not an easy endeavour and expect to be wet for the trip!  That being said, the surrounding gully is impressive and the thick canopy of trees will keep you dry from the rain.  The last fall can be found after 2 1/2 hours of travel up river. 

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Long Point Falls

 The falls in Long Point are found in a deep gully on the east side of the Kingston Peninsula.  The falls area has steep rock faces, caves and a couple of rugged look offs, giving a view of the multi-level, multi-pool falls.  The lower falls is a nice cascade to a shallow pool.  The upper fall is a plunge type fall, surrounded by rock walls and shallow caves, but has a fairly deep pool at its base.  Between the two falls is a smooth chute-like rock formation, directing the water to the lower falls.

To get there, drive to Loing Point on Highway 850.  Park near the small bridge west of the Belleisle Cable Ferry. There is no trail to Long Point Falls, but accessing the falls is fairly easy by hiking 45 minutes up the brook from the bridge. There is a rough path on the left side of the lower falls that will lead to the upper fall.  This area is steep and caution should be used.  Stick to the brook on the return trip, despite the ATV trail that seems to lead back.  This trail leads to farmers fields surrounding the gully.  

These falls are on private land.  Please speak with the owners before hiking to the falls.  The Bates family house is just east of the bridge.  On our visit, their ownly request was that we pack out our garbage as others have not in the past. 

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Reddin Falls

 
A welcome treat is Reddin Falls, located in Kiersteadville on the east end of Belleisle Bay.  
The hike to the falls follows along Reddin Brook and features a cow pasture and old homestead, river crossings, cedar trees and high rock formations at the falls site.  The falls are approximately ten metres in height.

Although unmarked, a trail is fairly easy to follow and is found by way of a worn two kilometre path to Reddin Falls.  There are several water crossings of varying depths which may depend on the time of year.  The falls has a large pool and a high cliff face surrounding the area.  Swimming is definitely possible!

To get there, head to highway 850 in Kiersteadville from Springfield or Kingston Peninsula.  Proceed along Hwy 850 until you reach the Kiersteadville United Church on the south side of 850.  Park near the bridge over Reddin Brook.  A mowed pathway through the alders leads to a field below.  Follow the river into the hills to reach the falls.

 

 

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Map shows general location, disregard pointer (B&B)

Salto el Rocio (Rocio Falls)

Located in the Sierra Escambrey near Trinidad, Cuba, Rocio Falls are spectacular any time of year.  Emerging from the Melodioso river system, these falls plunge over a cliff 20 metres in height. There is a small pool at the bottom of the falls, but the best swimming is in a lagoon 400m downstream at the site of a second set of falls. Along the trail to the falls you will see an active coffee plantation, a large cave and various other falls.  At the end of the trail is a restaurant (Casa Gallega) for travellers and the food is highly recommended.  

To get there, you need to travel to Trope Des Collantes national park from Trinidad.  There are several parks within the national park and Rocio is in Parque Guanayara, 15 kilometres from the main entrance.  A 4X4 vehicle is required for any off pavement road travel.  There are tours offered from Trinidad or you can rent a vehicle to travel  yourself.  It is suggested you pick up a park map at the vistors centre near the Kurhotel Escambray.   . 

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Wallace Falls

Wallace Falls is found in the Fundy foothills of southern New Brunswick.  Located in a deep ravine housing the Quiddy River, Wallace Falls are one of many that line this river as it flows into the Bay of Fundy.  There are two falls at this location, an upper cascade  and lower plunge fall.  [Locals have told me there are seven falls on this river.]

Hking to the falls has been made easy by the Fundy Trail organization, who've added trail markings, stairs and logs to aid the decent into the ravine.  From the Cross Rd, if you walk toward the bridge over the Quiddy River, watch for the blue flashings on rocks and trees on the west side of the river.  Follow these markings in a southward direction until you see a pair of green markings indicating a side trail.  This trail leads down into the ravine toward Wallace Falls.  Return the same way, or cross the river and climb the ropes to the top of the lower falls where you'll find a view of the upper falls.  Sadly, I would recommend wearing shoes at all times if exploring the falls area as there was a tremendous amount of broken glass during our visit.  [We made an attempt to clean a fair bit, but there still remains much to be picked up.]

To get there: From Sussex Corner, follow the signs to Poley Mountain Ski Hill in Waterford.  Keep past Poley Mountain Ski Hill following the signs to Adairs Wilderness Lodge.  Keep past Adairs 2.1 kilometres to Little Salmon River Road, which is just past the community of Crawford Lake.  After making a right turn onto Little Salmon River Road, follow 1.6kms until Cross Rd (marked with a white faded sign).  Go left and follow Cross Rd for about 3 kilometres, staying on the main road.  As you reach 3.5 kilomtres staying right at the T intersection and go left at the next Y intersection.  Shortly after the Y, the road gets very rough with large rocks.  In another 500m is the Quiddy River bridge, so unless you have a 4WD vehicle, parking before the rough section is advised. [Use caution in areas on Cross Rd as there have been washouts and soft sections due to heavy rains.  There is a bridge 2km from the turn onto Cross Rd.  Erosion has made some large holes in the gravel on east side of the bridge.]

Tablelands Brook Falls

 

Tablelands Brook Falls are located in an area of unique rocky terrain found in the Tablelands area of southwestern Gros Morne National Park.  The Tablelands area is composed of deep earth rock, thrust to the surface during shifting of the earth's geological plates.   The rock does not support life chemically making for similar terrain only seen above the treeline, such as in the Rocky Mountains.  The falls have several drops as they work their way down from the plateau. There is a small beaten path that you can hike along the brook towards the top of the falls.

To get there: Head to Gros Morne National Park toward Trout River on Bonne Bay Rd.  After 4 kilometres west from the Discovery Centre, a parking lot for the Tablelands area is on the south side of the road.  Park here, head along the Tablelands trail for approximately 1 kilometre and a waterfall will be visible.