Quick Facts
Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 7′ / 2 m
Hike: none
The Record
Located in Durham, Ontario, McGowan Falls offers an interesting, if slightly conflicted, look at the intersection of nature and human engineering. I often find it fascinating to see how waterfalls have been harnessed for power, reflecting a unique blend of natural force and human ingenuity. However, in this particular case, that ingenuity tends to detract from what is already a relatively small set of falls. While the Saugeen River is quite wide at this point, only a small section currently features a significant drop, standing at roughly 4 to 5 feet in height. The presence of the dam directly above the crest dominates the landscape, leaving me curious about how these falls might have looked in their wilder, unharnessed state before the river was controlled.
Despite the heavy human influence, the area remains a peaceful spot and is easy to visit within the McGowan Falls Conservation Area. The park-like setting makes it a convenient stop for a quick stretch or a picnic, with the gentle roar of the water providing a pleasant backdrop. One of the major benefits here is accessibility; you don’t need a strenuous hike to reach the river’s edge, and there are plenty of spots to sit and watch the water tumble over the limestone ledges. It may not be the most dramatic or “natural” waterfall in Grey County, but its ease of access and the glimpse it provides in
Directions
- Take Grey County Road 4 into Durham.
- If you are heading west, as I was, there will be a street, George Street E, off of Co. Rd. 4. Turn right onto George Street E.
- There will be a parking area on your right (again heading west). The falls might not even be obvious, but the dam will be.
Waterfall Record 
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