The Ring Kiln Side Trail - Natural Ontario
Skeleton Falls

Skeleton Falls

It took a few tries, but I eventually found Skeleton Falls (aka Minnehaha Falls). This small, beautiful waterfall is situated on the Skeleton River at the bottom of a steep gorge. I read that the reason it was called Skeleton Falls was because that’s all the mosquitoes leave behind. So, I was a little bit nervous to check it out. Thankfully, when we visited late in the fall, the bugs were almost non-existent. The climb down however, that was still there!

The best way to start a trip to Skeleton Falls is with a visit to Hatchery Falls. Hatchery Falls is only just a over kilometer upstream, but I don’t know if there is a trail connecting the two. That would definitely make things a lot easier! To get to Skeleton Falls from Hatchery Falls, head west on Highway 141 from Fish Hatchery Road. You’ll need to keep a look out for the guardrail on the northern side of the road. Once you see the guardrail you’ll want to make your first left turn, it should be Neil Bethune Road. I’m not sure if it was private property, but there seems to be a small clearing where you can park. There weren’t any signs in the area.

Once you’re parked, you’ll want to cross the highway and then walk back east along the guardrail. Please, be extremely careful! At the end of the guardrail you’ll be looking for a very small worn path that leads straight off the highway and up a short hill. You should be able to hear the waterfall by now too. At the top of the hill you’ll be able to see the waterfall at the bottom of the gorge. The gorge isn’t that high, but it is really steep and the soil is loose so it’s easy to lose your footing. Just take your time and you’ll be at the falls before you know it!

The first thing you’ll notice about the area is the colours really stand out! There are quite a few white barked trees right at the falls and the green moss in the area is almost unnaturally bright. The colours coupled with the extremely dark rocks gives the area an amazing feeling! Especially in the fall!

Now that I know where I’m going, I’ll definitely be checking out Skeleton Falls more often. I just hope the rumors about the mosquitoes aren’t true!

Additional Resources:
http://www.gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/skeleton.shtml
http://waterfallsofontario.com/minnehahafallsonskeleton.php

Posted: February 11th, 2013