Eugenia Falls – The Fool’s Gold Conservation Area in Grey County

At the northern extent of Grey County, not far from the town of Owen Sound, you will find one of Ontario’s premier waterfalls, that of Eugenia Falls. Located in the Beaver Valley (part of the same system as Old Baldy), the falls are an extension of the Beaver River that runs through the area. This area was home to one of the first “Fools Gold” rushes in the county and was later developed as a milling site. Today it is home to a small hydro dam.

This post should be read in conjunction with other post on nearby Inglis Falls or the magnificent Old Baldy escarpment – both worthy of your attention if you can spare the time.

Exploring the Falls

Your journey to the falls will likely begin at the parking lot where a war memorial awaits, this oddly located statue commemorates those local volunteers felled during both the First and Second World Wars.

From here a short path takes you to the falls themselves. Unfortunately this is Ontario and they have people (and barrier) checking that you aren’t too close to the edge. As such you cant get a great view of the falls themselves from up close. To rectify this I recommend hiking down the beaver valley to the river below and hiking back up to the base of the falls.

Following the Beaver River upstream of the falls you will find the remnants of the old industrial activity based around the river.

If you walk downstream of the falls, the barriers will eventually give way to cliff face.

From further out you will get a clearer view of the falls and their impressive 30 m drop!

You will also get a great glimpse at the beaver valley!