Facebook GroupI used to have this listed as Mew Lake Cascade. It is a low, wide drop set on an angle across the river. It is no more than 1 m high, and while not a pure ledge-like drop, is steep and compact. As flows decline through summer, the falls breaks into two or more smaller cascades.
It is a fairly popular destination during good weather, as it can be reached easily from the Mew Lake Campground. A pleasant footbridge just downstream from the falls provides a slightly more civilized way to ford the watercourse. I've been told that the route can be wet in spring.
There are two routes to the waterfall. The most direct option is longer, steeper, quieter, more scenic, and better signed. This follows the Highland Backpacking Trail all the way. The trailhead is on Highway 60, about 1 km west of the campground. The hike is about 3 km, which may take about 40 minutes.
I've been told that the small parking lot beside the trailhead can fill up on busier days, leading some people to use the second route. The driving directions lead to this trailhead. Even though the route described below is shorter, it is less direct and involves a number of turns.
An alternate route to the falls is from the Mew Lake Campground. NOTE: I haven't used this route; visitors could ask the campsite staff for clarification. A small parking area is found at the southeast part of the campground, next to an unforested area. Follow the trail that is at the far end of the parking lot; it skirts the edge of the woods. After about 5-7 mins, turn right and then after another 5-7 minutes, meets the Highland Backpacking Trail. Turn left and proceed a few minutes to the falls. This is a popular route.
| Region | Northeast |
|---|---|
| County | Nipissing |
| Near | Mew Lake |
| Watercourse | Madawaska River |
| Watershed / % Lakes | 2 / 19% |
| Ownership | Algonquin Provincial Park |
| Landscape | WIlderness |
| Size | Small |
| Type | Wide Cascade |
| Modification | Natural |
| Access | Moderate |
| Top / Bottom | / |
| Trail conditions | Dirt, uneven ground |
| Hiking Time | 20 min |
| Coordinates | 45.5674,-78.5127 |
| Parking | 45.5738,-78.5255  |
| Site ID | WOO.NIP.059 |
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