Ball’s Falls Conservation Area (yes, that’s really the name) is a great hiking spot in the Niagara region with beautiful trails and waterfalls. This area of Ontario is perfect for a full day trip. There are great hiking spots, beautiful wineries, a lovely flower market, and charming towns. I recommend visiting Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in the spring when the water is really flowing. It is lovely in summer and fall as well but the waterfalls will not be as powerful. I hope you enjoy my guide to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area!
Heritage Village
After you park, take the Switchback Trail down the hill to the Village Trail. The Village Trail will lead you across the bridge and toward the Heritage Village. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area was once the town of Glen Elgin, which was established by the Ball family. There are several preserved historic buildings that you can read about, such as the Ball home, the gristmill that the Ball brothers built, and a lovely white chapel. I love a place that has history and hiking!
By the gristmill, there is a viewing area for the beautiful Lower Falls. You can get a somewhat decent view from here but if you are up for some adventure and looking for a better view of the Lower Falls, follow my instructions below.
Lower Falls
To get to the base of the Lower Falls, walk back through the Heritage Village and cross the road to the other side of the creek. Here you’ll find an entrance to the Bruce Trail. Follow along for a bit until you see a trail leading down to the base of the creek. Once you’re at the base, continue along the creek towards the waterfall – there isn’t much of a marked trail here so it can get a little rough. Eventually you’ll reach a grassy, marshy area and from here you’ll have an amazing view of the falls!
Upper Falls
Time to check out the other waterfall, the Upper Falls. Head back up the cliff and make your way back to the Switchback Trail where you started. Here you’ll find the start of the Cataract Trail – a lovely trail that will take you along the creek in the other direction toward the Upper Falls.
Eventually, you’ll reach old woolen mill ruins. For a nice view of the Upper Falls in the distance, pass through the opening in the ruins and walk carefully down to the base of the creek.
Continue along the Cataract Trail and you will reach a great view of the Upper Falls from the top. There is also a little trail here that you should take down to the base for the best view! We sat on the rocks here enjoying the sunshine and admiring the falls.
If you need more hiking, take the other side of the Cataract Trail back and hike the easy Forest Frolic Trail loop before heading back to the parking lot. You could also head back to the Heritage Village and hike more of the Bruce Trail from there.
BONUS: In the Area
I highly recommend also exploring the surrounding area if you can. There are several beautiful wineries just minutes away in Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan. Stay tuned for my guide to wineries in this area!
If you need lunch or a snack, stop at the Watering Can Garden Market for a unique experience.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area!
For more information visit: https://npca.ca/parks-recreation/conservation-areas/balls-falls
To read my blog post, “A Guide to Rockwood Conservation Area, Ontario,” click here.
To read my blog post, “10 Beautiful Hiking Trail Views in Southern Ontario,” click here.
To read my blog post, “5 Hidden Gem Hiking Spots in Southern Ontario,” click here.
