Great Falls

Great Falls is a waterfall on Grindstone Creek in Waterdown that drops about 10 meters and spans roughly 5 meters across, forming a ribbon-like cascade. It sits within a natural forest setting and is part of the creek's wider flow through the region.

The site hosted multiple industrial operations during the 1800s, including a sawmill established in 1805 by Alexander Brown. This early industrial use shaped the valley's development for generations to come.

The valley earned the name Smokey Hollow from industrial smoke that filled the area during the 1800s. Today, visitors can trace these industrial roots in how the land has been shaped and recovered.

You can reach this waterfall by walking trails connected to the Bruce Trail system running along the Niagara Escarpment. The paths are generally well-marked, but surfaces near the water can be slippery, especially after rain.

This waterfall is part of a larger network, as the Hamilton region is home to more than 100 falls throughout the area. This concentration of waterfalls makes the region uncommonly water-rich compared to other parts of the province.

Location: Waterdown

Location: Ontario

Part of: Grindstone Creek

GPS coordinates: 43.33070,-79.88763

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:02