Do you typically remember your firsts? The first time you hiked your (now) favourite trail, spotted your first deer in the wild, witnessed your first sunrise at a spot of your choosing, or how about the first time you saw that dreamy waterfall flow ever so gracefully before you?
Upper Falls
Blissfully, tucked away within Lincoln, Ontario, along the Fifteen Mile Creek near the beloved city of St Catharine’s is a waterfall most miss exploring. This ribbon cascade waterfall showcases two drops, the first is the largest, and my favourite is a 19.5-metre drop.
Lower Falls
Second, but not visually unappealing, is the second waterfall dropping 12.2 metres after her sister. I like taking some time here to admire the detail and curvatures of the rock wall inclosing your surroundings. With each season, its intricate details express themselves in different forms.
Autumn Delights
In the fall months, the delicacy of the autumn leaves paint the water with their crimsons, oranges, and bright, yellow leaves. Hikers will marvel at the different species of trees such as the Basswoods, Sugar Maples, Black Walnuts, Sycamores, and have been considered a Carolinian Forest.
Winter
Unlike the autumn, the colour abandons the trails covering it in snow. Although it’s beautiful, the unmanicured, rocky trail can be a dangerous one mostly for those unfamiliar with its instability. I suggest wearing hikers with thicker treads, grip, and ankle support to tackle it in the winter. Those who do make it to the base will be rewarded, with the magic left behind by Mother Nature. Her creation leaves icicles forming along the edges of the falls, and when we are lucky enough for a cold snap, the falls completely freezes over.
Great Time to Go
Usually, the best time to chase those waterfall views is just after winter, right into the muddy season. As the snow melts away and thaws out the once frozen waterfall, the rush of water will leave your jaw on the forest floor. Rockway waterfalls are unique because you can walk right up to them, and dare I say, you would even touch them. Another first, I am sure, won’t soon be forgotten.
Concluding
To sum up, the Rockway Conservation area offers explorers ample opportunity to wander especially, when it stretches to 126 hectares of Carolinian Forest. Hikers will spot not one but TWO waterfalls here. Additionally, parking is available, and for the time being, there are no entry fees. Great for all levels of hikers in the warmer seasons. Please, parents, watch your littles as there are slopes, rocky terrain, and cliffsides that one can lose their footing over.