Decew Falls and the Morning Star Mill – A Perfect Place for an Afternoon Swim
Not far from the city of St. Catherine’s, on the southern end of the Niagara escapement, this leisurely hike will take you on an afternoon adventure well worth the gas money!
Exploring Decew Falls
Growing tired of the commercial attractions in Niagara Falls (there is only so much money you can gamble away!), we headed out for a hike in St. Catherine’s. You will likely have a hard time finding parking nearby due to the popularity of this attraction so you may have to drive up the road and walk back towards the falls. Since the falls are on the edge of the Short Hills Provincial Park, you may park in that parking lot and make a longer loop out to the Falls. In case the falls are closed, rest assured that it is easy to sneak in.
The main trail starts at the parking lot at the top of the falls, fed by the Twelve Mile Creek. Here you will find some pretty old mill buildings.
The main building, called the Morning Star Mill was operated from 1872 (the Morningstar family took it over in 1883) until 1933 and on the rare days it is open will even grind floor! It is one of the few mills in Ontario with all its original equipment intact! From here the pathway that you take to head downwards into the bowl like depression is a small section of the famous Bruce Trail! The rim walk of the creek is a pleasant
The trail will wrap around to the lower river where it will gently ease it was to the lower part of the creek. Alternatively one can take ropes up and down the narrow escapement for a more direct route. This steep escapements should not be scaled unless you are wearing the right footwear but is a ton of fun! Just beware of your steps.
Either way you will want to go down the creek bed to the impressive Lower Decew Falls, a 8 meter high cascade, before proceeding to the main event!
The massive 22 meter (72ft) drop on the upper falls is as impressive as it sounds. The water curtain falls into a pool that doubles as a great swimming spot. Spend some time here to soak up the view!
To the left you will find Tunnel Falls a man made tunnel that is part of the Decew Hydroelectric Facility.
