Waterfalls in Grey Highlands

Grey Highlands contains two waterfalls within a few kilometres of each other. A short walk into the woods takes you to the falls' edge, where you can listen to the rushing water plunging over the rocks into the pools below. Both are part of Grey County's Waterfall Tour consisting of seven waterfalls. Breathtaking and special, these two waterfalls have a lot in common, yet are very different. Both are surrounded by forest and have interesting histories. William Hogg operated water powered ventures at each location.

Hoggs Falls

A plunge falls, where the waters of the Boyne River fall seven metres over sheer rock. A quiet and beautiful location, it's Grey Highlands best kept secret. The falls are named for William Hogg who came to Ceylon in 1870 from Hogg's Hollow. Hogg built a sawmill at Hoggs Falls, which he referred to as Little Falls in a newspaper advertisement in 1882. Hogg's sawmill burned in 1888. He then turned his attention to the larger falls at Eugenia.

Take Highway 4 east from Flesherton to East Back Line, north to Lower Valley Road and turn east. Watch for a sign indicating the parking area on the north side of the road.

Eugenia Falls

This spectacular waterfall is one of the highest in Southern Ontario at 30 metres tall, with a lower falls and rapids hidden from view by trees. Stand beside the top of the falls or view it from the lookout across the magnificent gorge. There are views of the Beaver Valley to the west. In summer, less water flows over the falls but the view remains spectacular.

In 1853 Sandy Brownlee thought he found gold at the falls. A gold rush ensued with 200 prospectors. Word came back from York... the "gold" was worthless pyrite. The rush was over.

William Hogg, lured by the prospect of power at Eugenia Falls, built a small hydro generating station.

In 1914 Ontario Hydro built a dam across the Beaver River, this allowed them to divert water to the Eugenia Power Station. The Eugenia station has the highest head of all hydraulic stations. OPG updated technology at the station in 2006, spending one million dollars.

In early spring the dam is opened for a short time. The rushing water hints at the awesome sight Sandy Brownlee must have seen when he first set eyes on Eugenia Falls.

Located in Eugenia Falls Conservation Area, off County Road 13 in Eugenia.

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