Albion Falls

Next up in our little mini tour of some of Hamilton’s waterfalls: Albion Falls!

This was another waterfall that we kind of happened upon, after moving to Hamilton. Like I’d mentioned in one of the other posts, we moved here COMPLETELY unaware of the waterfall situation.

Hell, I used to visit Hamilton to buy fabric regularly when I lived in Mississauga ~20 years ago, and I had no clue about all the waterfalls.

In the case of Albion, my focus on finding the best skating rinks came before looking into waterfalls, and we happened upon Albion en route to Mohawk 4 Ice Centre for an open freeskate session. (This was back in the days before Cipro crippled me).

Just driving along, and all of a sudden there’s a waterfall on the side of the road!

It was not something that I was used to, as a Winnipegger!

Like Felker's Falls, I didn’t immediately get the full picture, when it came to Albion Falls.

I thought that the main parking lot was *it*. A nice enough view, but definitely off to the side. We’d stop in every once in a while, on the way to or from the rink.

Last year, we happened across the Red Hill Valley Trail South parking lot, and I got it in my head that someday, I’d want to walk around it and see about different views.

Given that the Bruce Trail was involved - and I wasn’t very mobile yet - it wasn’t on the table for me at the time.

A couple months ago, I finally did get to explore it - and that’s when I realized there was another lookout, with a MUCH better view!

Increased mobility has its perks!

Anyway, let me tell you all about it...

The Basics:

Location Name: Albion Falls
Address: 885 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8W 1R6
Website: https://tourismhamilton.com/albion-falls/
Price Free!
Reservations: Not applicable

Logistics

Some basic information to help you plan your visit to Albion Falls:

Registration and Check In

Albion Falls is not a gated / ticketed attraction. There are no reservations, sign in, gatehouse, or anything of the sort.

Just show up - at one of a couple parking lots - find a parking spot, and go!

Parking

There are three main parking options for you, depending on how much of a walk you want to go for.

The main parking lot for Albion Falls is located next to Upper King’s Forest Park, at 701 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8T 5A9. It has space for probably 20-30 cars.

This parking lot is the closest to the falls, with two viewing platforms right next to the parking lot.

There is another parking lot - the Red Hill Valley Trail South Parking Lot (Click for the Google Maps location).

This one is on the other side of the falls and down a bit, with a trail leading to a more rustic viewing platform on the other side of the falls (AKA: “Lover’s Leap”), and has space for maybe 20 cars.

For some reason, this one tends to seem busier than the Upper King’s Forest parking lot, every time we’ve been in the area.

Anyway, there IS a sidewalk that runs between the Upper King’s Forest parking lot and that trail, also, so I tend to look at the Red Hill Valley Trail parking as an overflow lot.

It’s also a juncture for the Red Hill Valley Trail (the southern terminus), as well as being on the Bruce Trail... so really, it depends on what all you’re looking to do!

The third parking lot - the Arbor Rd / Albion Falls South Parking Lot is located more or less across Mountain Brow Blvd from the top of Albion Falls.

This would be the closest one to the Lover’s Leap lookout, and is also a trailhead for a recreational Rail Trail.

Washrooms

There are no washroom facilities at Albion Falls or the Red Hill Valley South Trail parking area.

That said, the falls are just up the road from an arena, and not too far from a bunch of retail shops and restaurants, so there are definitely washroom options nearby.

Maps and Signage

Some info to help you find your way around Albion Falls:

Park Map

There were maps of the area both at the Upper King’s Forest Park parking lot, and the Lover’s Leap lookout area. Both were pretty faded, but gave a decent overview of the area of the falls, and the trails immediately surrounding it.

Signage

The signage in the area is more of the informational / warning type, rather than the directional type.

That said... you’re not going to get lost here, unless - MAYBE - you venture off further down the trails without planning.

Otherwise, it’s all there in front of you for the most part - at least from the main parking lot. The two lookouts are obvious, as is the path - to the right - that takes you along the road, past the top of the falls, to the other platform across the gorge.

Signage could definitely be better in terms of getting from the Red Hill Valley Trail parking, but hey - you’re here, so I’ll show you where to go. More on that in a bit, though! (IMHO it’s more of an “activity” subject, than a “signage” one!)

Accessibility

Wheelchair users are going to have a better experience at the Upper King’s Forest Park section, than coming from the Red Hill Valley Trail parking.

There are a couple of designated parking spaces, and the views of the falls are *right there* from the parking lot.

While I’ve seen literature that refers to both platforms being wheelchair accessible, really only one of them is - the one to the right. Most of the open edge of it has a bit of a lip to get up over, but there’s a bit of built-up ground smoothing the transition for part of it.

The viewing platform to the left has an exposed lip up for the whole width of the opening, and the view isn’t great from that platform - you really need to go down the steps there, for the actual view.

The trail that goes around the top of the falls an on to the Lover’s Leap area is wheelchair accessible, but the path down to the viewing area is NOT.

If you have mobility issues, that trail - which is STEEP and rough - could be an issue.

In terms of the Red Hill Valley Trail South Parking lot, there’s accessible parking and a wheelchair-accessible path to get on the trail... but there’s not really a wheelchair-friendly way to get to the main waterfall area from there.

That said - if you’re mobility impaired but NOT a wheelchair user - you could take the path along the road, to the Lover’s Leap lookout, or around the top of the falls to the main area.

Really though - like I said - if mobility is an issue, you’d really be better off parking next to the falls.

Not pictured: there are also two accessible parking spots at the Arbor Rd Parking lot.

Pets

Pets seem to be allowed, but we’ve actually never seen dogs there! If you do bring your dog, be sure to keep it close by and leashed at all times - the cliffs are dangerous!

Also, as always, be sure to pick up after your dog. We did not see any poop bag dispensers, but there ARE garbage cans at both parking lots.

Park Store

There is no park store at Albion Falls.

Visitor Centre

There is no Visitor Center at Albion Falls.

Picnic Area

There are a couple of benches at the main parking area - one on each viewing platform - but no picnic tables.

That said, there are a couple picnic tables at the Arbor Rd parking lot, and a few more next to the parking lot at the Red Hill Valley Trail South parking area. Not super picturesque, but a decent place to take a lunch break!

Connectivity

We always have great cell phone reception in the whole area around Albion Falls - we’re on Roger’s Wireless.

Albion Falls Waterfall

Albion Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in the City of Hamilton: It’s 19 metres tall, and 18 metres across, and is a classic cascade waterfall.

Like several other Hamilton waterfalls, its watercourse is Red Hill Creek.

As with most waterfalls in the area, the flow varies based on time of year - but we’ve yet to see Albion Falls actually dry up. (Unlike Devil's Punchbowl!).

Your best bet is to visit in the spring - shortly after the thaw - and after big rain storms.

On the subject of viewing, there are 2 viewing areas at Albion Falls.

One is at the main parking lot, with 2 manufactured viewing platforms. These are considered the North Viewing Platforms:

From there, you can look across the gorge and see the second viewing area - a far more rustic one.

This is the South Viewing “Platform” (there’s no real platform there), AKA “Lover’s Leap”.

To get there, you’ll need to turn off from the nice, paved sidewalk and get down a pretty steep, rough embankment.

This will take you to a section of rock that juts out into the gorge, right across from the falls. It’s a much better view - basically straight on - and totally worth the effort, if you can swing it!

Just note: There is no legal access to the base of the falls.

Miscellaneous

Some random factoids about Albion Falls:

Tragedies and Legends

Not to get morbid, but... there’s a lot of death associated with Albion Falls.

Beyond the idiots that ignore the signs and cross barriers - resulting in either expensive rope rescues, or... well, not... Lover’s Leap got its name from being the site of a few jilted lovers unaliving themselves.

One famous instance of this was Jane Reilly jumping after Joseph Rousseau left her.

Legend has it that Joseph’s mother was the reason for the breakup, and did blame herself for the death. Years after the fact, she’s said to have yelled “Jane’s hand is on my shoulder!!”, and then just... dropping dead, out of nowhere.

On another occasion - in the 1940's - a vehicle drove off the road, with a young girl dying as a result.

Oh, and - also in the 40s - Evelyn Dick dumped her husband’s body - sans head - there.

Future Plans

There’s a map on site, detailing future plans to build up the southern viewing platform, AKA “Lover’s Leap”.

The map seems quite old, and - going from what I’ve read on Reddit - it sounds like there’s a lot of talk, but no action. Should be interesting to see if this ever comes to pass.

A Brief History of Albion Falls

There’s a milling stone on display at the edge of the main parking lot, and it’s inscribed with some information about the history of the area.

It’s the last remaining relic from Albion Mills, which was founded around 1795. The plaque tells of how the mill was owned by William Davis, and was actually located halfway down the gorge, next to the waterfall... and was 3 floors tall.

The village of Mount Albion built up around the mills - it was actually called “Albion Mills” until 1880.

One interesting thing I read when looking into Albion Falls, is that apparently Mud Street - the current road leading to the falls - has retained its name since the beginning of the development of the area.

Suddenly “mud street” makes a lot more sense as a name!

Anyway, back in 1907, the then-current owner of the mill - Robert Grassie - fell into the mill’s wheel pit and died. The mill never ran again, and the business closed shortly thereafter.

Entertainment and Activity

Some basic information on the things you can see and do at Albion Falls:

Hiking

While visiting Albion Falls doesn’t have to involve much of a walk at all - much less actual hiking - there are options, should you want to explore the area more.

Here are a few options:

Buttermilk Falls

If you want to add another waterfall stop in, you can park at Oak Knoll Park, and hop on the Mountain Brow Side Trail of Bruce Trail.

Turn right, and about 300 metres in, you’ll come to Buttermilk Falls - apparently the trail goes around the top of the gorge for that waterfall.

Continue another 800 metres or so in that direction, and you’ll find yourself at the main parking lot for Albion Falls.

Main Parking to Lover’s Leap

When looking at the falls from the main / north parking lot, if you turn to the right - towards the road - you can walk along the road, then take a little trail off to the left that will take you to the Lover’s Leap lookout.

It’s probably 250ish metres from the main parking lot.

Red Hill Valley Trail Parking to Albion Falls

There are two ways to get from the Red Hill Valley Trail South parking lot to Lover’s Leap.

The first we ever did was to head straight in from the Red Hill Valley Trail parking, then turn left when the path splits in about 100 metres - this is part of the Mountain Brow Side Trail of the Bruce Trail.

It’s a fairly short and easy walk through the woods - about 150 metres, with some gentle inclines and such, nothing wild - before it takes you to Mud St.

There’s an easier, more direct way to get to this point, though: Exit the parking lot, and turn right, onto the sidewalk. The trail hugs the right side of mud road, before slipping behind a barrier.

Anyway, from there - regardless of which way you got there - you’ll just continue forward until you come to the entrance to Lover’s Leap on your right.

You’ll see a post with an educational sign at the entrance, so you can’t miss it. It’s about 250 metres from the point where the Bruce Side Trail branch connects with the more direct path along the side of the road.

The Bruce Trail

As mentioned in the past couple sections, the Mountain Brow Side Trail runs through the area.

Overall, this Bruce Trail side trail is 2.8 km long, with parking / access points at the Mohawk 4 Ice Centre, Oak Knoll Park, Albion Falls, and Red Hill Valley Trail South.

The Mountain Brow Side Trail connects up with the main Bruce Trail near the Ice Centre (via the Red Hill Creek Side Trail), which heads on as far as Tobermorey.

The other end of the side trail meets up with the main Bruce Trail about 400 metres in from the Red Hill Valley Trail South parking lot. Going to the left will take you out towards the other juncture (0.6 km in) and in the direction of Tobermory.

This route will take you past some local attractions, like Tiffany Falls, Sherman Falls, Dundas Peak & Tew Falls, and Smokey Hollow Falls, before continuing on to such gems as Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Cheltenham Badlands, Mono Cliffs Provincial Park, Inglis Falls Conservation Area, Eugenia Falls Conservation Area, Spirit Rock Conservation Area, Lion's Head Lookout Trail, Devil's Monument and - a personal favourite - Bruce Peninsula National Park.

Turning right onto the main Bruce Trail will take you in the direction of Niagara Falls, passing Felker's Falls, Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall & Conservation Area, and several other waterfalls along the way.

Biking

While the falls area itself isn’t really a cycling area, it is on or near a couple of great trails.

Across from the falls - turning onto Arbor Rd, then turning right onto the trail - is a trail access point for the Escarpment Rail Trail, which is a popular trail for cycling.

It’s not a dedicated bike trail, though - also used for hiking, walking, and snow shoeing.

The East Mountain Loop Trail is also a mixed use trail that’s good for cycling. It runs alongside Mud Rd, and can be accessed via the Red Hill Valley Trail South Parking lot.

Swimming

There are no swimming opportunities at Albion Falls, and access to the base of the falls is prohibited.

Birding, Wildlife, and Nature

We haven’t had much luck with birding at Albion Falls itself - just some Turkey Vultures overhead.

We’ve done some bird watching around the area of the Red Hill Valley Trail south parking lot, and the Bruce Side Trail area over there, though.

No good pics to share, but we’ve seen and/or heard: American Robin, Blue Jay, Brown-Headed Cowbird, Canada Goose, Downy Woodpecker, Killdeer, Northern Cardinal, Pileated Woodpecker, Song Sparrow.

Boating

There are no boating opportunities at Albion Falls.

Fishing

There are no fishing opportunities at Albion Falls.

Educational & Cultural Opportunities

We’ve never seen any kind of programs being run on site, but there we saw a single educational sign board at Albion Falls, talking about the history of the area... as well as the plaque on the aforementioned mill stone.

Winter Activities

The trails aren’t maintained in winter, but some people do winter hiking and snow shoeing along the trails in the area.

Niantic Games

There are several Niantic Game features - PokeStops / Ingress Portals / etc - at the main/north parking area and a few along the trail.

Final Thoughts

Albion Falls is definitely one of the prettiest waterfalls in Hamilton, and one of the easiest to access good views of.

I hope the novelty of such big waterfalls being located right in the middle of a city never wears off, because I love it!

Anyway, this is definitely a required stop for anyone doing a waterfalls tour of Hamilton - enjoy!

More Hamilton Waterfalls

Interested in exploring more of the City of Waterfalls? Here are more posts about waterfalls in the City of Hamilton (and surrounding area!):

Devil's Punchbowl Waterfall & Conservation Area
Dundas Peak & Tew Falls
Felker's Falls
Little Davis Falls
Sherman Falls
Smokey Hollow Falls
Tiffany Falls
Webster Falls & Spencer Gorge Conservation Area

Looking to go even further for your waterfalling adventure? Check out our larger Ontario Waterfalls for some waterfall viewing roadtrip inspiration!