The western stretch of DeCew Road in St Catharines is the perfect place for waterfall lovers to go and explore.
This area is home to two main waterfalls - Upper DeCew Falls, a large 22 metre plunge waterfall, and Lower DeCew Falls, a smaller 25 foot steep cascade waterfall. With its picturesque surroundings including Morningstar Mill (a restored water-powered mill) and the Bruce Trail, it is a great place to go and spend an afternoon.
Upper DeCew Falls is a pretty plunge waterfall, with water flowing from the upper reaches of the Twelve Mile Creek. It can be viewed from above, next to the Morningstar Mill, with the area around the falls protected by a chain fence for your safety, making it suitable for children and the elderly to visit.
At the bottom of the gorge it is also possible to see Lower DeCew Falls. This waterfall is in a more remote setting and is 8 metres in height. It is a steep cascade waterfall with its drop being broken into a series of steps causing the water to cascade down. It is also possible to view the Tunnel Falls from here, a manmade waterfall from the DeCew Falls Generating Station where tunnels have been dug through softer layers of the escarpment, creating a flat ceiling and floor made up of harder layers above and below.
WARNING: The gorge is extremely steep and therefore great caution must be taken. The waterfall can be viewed safely from the top. When hiking in the area, travel in pairs rather than alone, and always stick to the trail. An accidental fall may result in serious injury or death. Be wary that the area around the falls may be slippery and wet. Also be aware of falling rocks from above.
From the Mill, the Bruce Trail follows the north side of the rim. (At this point the trail looks like it heads straight into somebody's house.) You can get into the gorge to get really nice views of the falls. Follow the Bruce Trail until the trail forks. Stay along the Bruce trail as it loops the area and provides scenic views of both falls. Be sure to stay on trail as parts of the surrounding area are on private property.