A September Drive

The other day, in order to bring some sanity back to my ultra-busy week, and to "get away from it all", I drove up to Stoney Creek and Hamilton.

My goal was to capture some waterfalls along the Niagara Escarpment.

My first stop in Stoney Creek was "Devil's Punchbowl", which is a conservation area that surrounds and enters a bowl-shaped carved-out area of the Niagara Escarpment. A small waterfall is also located here. Unfortunately, due to the overcast day I was experiencing, the photographic opportunities of the falls as well as the gorge were limited. I was able to take in the 10-metre high cross that stands at the crest of the cliff edge. Here an observation platform allows guests to some long distance views of Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Toronto, and Lake Ontario. The cross itself is quite a sight, and apparently is lit up each evening. Worth the return visit to see I am sure! The cross, constructed in 1966, is 10-metres in height and lights up the cliffs over Stoney Creek with its 106 light bulbs. Nearby is the Punchbowl Market and Bakery.
Here are the photos from the stop at the Punchbowl:

After a short visit to the Punchbowl, I continued on to Hamilton to the first waterfall I wanted to explore..Felker's Falls.

The Conservation area is located in a sub-division on Hamilton mountain. The usual visitor to the falls is treated to some behind-the-tree views of the cataract, as it plunges deep into the escarpment valley below. I on the other hand, climbed down and into the valley, via a very steep and slippery path. The hike down was well worth it, despite the difficulty of the path. Those wanting to see the falls close-up, have to take this difficult trail down to the riverbed below.

I followed the river up to the waterfall, which was a gorgeous plunge falls, and is just over 70 feet in height. I found a good rock near the falls and sat myself down to relax for an hou. There wasn't anyone around..just myself and the sound of the water crashing down the cliff edge. Nothing better than having a waterfalls all to yourself.

A beautiful waterfall this is at Felkers Falls Conservation Area.

Again, the day I visited unfortunately did not provide the greatest weather. It was starting to rain a little bit while I was in the gorge at Felkers, and I decided to head back to the car as I did want to explore one more waterfall before heading home for the remainder of the day.

Here are the photos from Felkers Falls:

On the return trip back up the embankment, after an enjoyable hour by the falls, I happened upon a small cave outcrop along the side of the escarpment. Lined with graffiti as well as blackened walls from past fires that were constructed for parties most likely.

An interesting place this park is..and definitely worth the re-visit on a nicer day. Sunshine through the trees and into this deep gorge at Felkers Falls would provide excellent photo ops.

I felt quite refreshed after reaching the top of the embankment. It was a strenuous climb, trail-blazing the gorge walls using the trees and roots growing alongside the 75 degree vertical escarpment. Great exercise. Local kids had looked over the side and were watching me climb up, they were explaining to me at the time that they thought I was an animal climbing up the side. Fun confusion.

After reaching the top, I sat in the park above and edited my photos a bit from the shoot down below. I then hopped back in my car and drove just a bit north to Tiffany Falls Conservation Area. (Clicking this link will bring you to the main website with directions to the park and falls)

This is located along Hamilton Mountain, just over-looking McMaster University.

I parked my car at the entrance off of Wilson Street, and after a quick lunch that I had purchased from the local Wendy's, I headed in to the Conservation area. The path winded it's way through the trees and over a newly-constructed foot bridge that crosses a now-dry riverbed. There was a sign stating that the path was closed. I had wondered why until I made my way just past the bridge when I found that the Hamilton Conservation Authority were in the middle of constructing another bridge to cross the creek below. The bridge wasn't quite constructed, and the creek was dry, so I decided to follow the creek bed up to the falls.

Another spectacular falls Tiffany Falls is! There are two falls in this area, with the lower Tiffany Falls being 21 metres in height, while the upper "Washboard Falls" is only 7 metres in height.

On this particular visit, I was only able to capture Tiffany Falls, and had to unfortunately skip out on Washboard. I will however plan on a return visit soon to the area to take in this apparently very lovely cascade.

Here are the photos from Tiffany Falls Conservation Area:

And so after an afternoon of exploring these waterfalls along the Niagara Escarpment, I truly have come to one conclusion: The Niagara Peninsula is such a vast magical area, chock full of natural wonders and hidden little spots for one to explore. If you ever feel the need to get away from the city, do some research of the area that you live in, you never know what you might find..you may not even have to drive a long way to "get away from it all"-after all! :)

~Tom