Ball's Falls


June 15, 2003

Province: Ontario

Location: Jordan

Height: 100

Crest: 80? (varies greatly with flow)

Water Source: Twenty Mile Creek

Waypoint: 43.13513N 79.38336W

Summary: If you are in the area in the spring, possibly heading to or from Niagara stop by Ball's Falls. However you will be in for a big disappointment if you stop by later in the summer when the water is low.

Ball's Falls is in the Ball's Falls Conservation Area, near the Village of Jordan Ontario. It is one of the many waterfalls found on the Niagara Escarpment. You definitely want to check on the water levels before going out to see this waterfall. Ball's Falls is the winner of my "Most Improved Waterfall of 2003" award. I first saw Ball's Falls in July of 2002, and it was just a thin sickly trickle. However in June of 2003, it was quite the sight. When the water is high, this is probably the second most impressive waterfall on the Niagara escarpment, being beat out only by Niagara Falls.

The conservation area charges $3.50 charge per person (on summer weekends there is a gate attendant). It is a short walk from the parking lot to the overlook for the falls. To get a really good view of the falls you need to get down in the gorge via the Bruce Trail. You can reach either side of the gorge, but to get close to the falls when the water is high you will want to be on the west side of the gorge. You will have to walk across the bridge above the falls to reach the western side. When the water is high, the gorge downstream of the falls is impressive all by itself. If you just want to look at the gorge, the eastern side has a stairway and is easier to reach. I have seen a photo of the base of the falls take from the eastern side, but the water was lower and I imagine they must have rock hopped or waded through the stream to get to that vantage point.

It is a short walk upstream to the Upper Falls

The Ball's Falls Conservation Area is much easier to find than most. There are signs for the falls on the QEW. Take exit 57, and head north for about 6km on Victora Avenue. There are a couple of small "Conservation Area Ahead" signs along the way. The Conservation Area is on the left, shortly past King's Avenue.

[Hamilton Area] Nearby Falls

It is a short walk upstream to the Upper Falls. Rockway Falls is about a 10 minute drive away. Just head north to 8th Ave, and then east. 8th Ave turns into Pelham Rd which crosses just above Rockway Falls. Beamer Falls, Decew Falls and Niagara Falls are all within a 30 minute drive.

Other Websites

Balls Falls Tour

Photo Gallery


The view from the overlook
The "off-trail" approach

January 2005

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Last Modified: Monday, 21-Sep-2009 07:34:08 MDT.

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