Hiking at Falls Reserve
Pack your camera and spend a day or a weekend hiking along the trails in the park and nearby. There are 7 km of trails at Falls Reserve. When you’re using the trails please remember to:
- hike on marked routes and do not take shortcuts
- respect the rights and privacy of landowners along the trail – do not trespass
- leave the trail cleaner then you found it. Pack out your litter.
- fires are not permitted along trails
- leave flowers, plants and animals undisturbed for all to enjoy
- do not damage trees and shrubs by breaking branches or stripping bark
- keep dogs on a secure leash at all times
- leave only your thanks and take nothing but photographs
- be responsible for the wellbeing and safety of yourself and others. As the COVID-19 situation continues, please remember to respect social distancing and use the trails for moving, not gathering.
Please note that the of use of trails is at your own risk.
During the winter months, groomed trails at the park are provided for cross-county skiers.
The 50 kilometre Maitland Trail stretching from Goderich to Auburn passes though Falls Reserve at the km 16 through to km 19 mark. Find our more about the Maitland Trail on the Maitland Trail Association website.
The Goderich to Auburn Rail Trail (GART) is also close by and is ideal for bicycling.
Fishing at Falls Reserve
Falls Reserve provides excellent year-round fishing opportunities. Rainbow trout and salmon migrate up the river every spring and fall while small mouth bass can be caught during the summer months. Young anglers can try their luck at the stocked trout and bass pond.
After being closed last season, the stocked fishing pond at Falls Reserve will be open in 2021.
Find out more about fishing at the river and the pond on our Fishing Information Page.
Swimming at Falls Reserve
The small waterfall in the Maitland River at Falls Reserve is a beautiful natural swimming area. The swimming area is considered “use at own personal risk”. It is the responsibility of those using the swimming area to accept any risks that may be associated with this natural river feature. Children are to be supervised by an adult. The use of life jackets is encouraged, especially for young children.
During the summer months and periods of low river flows the falls is a picturesque spot to swim and relax. Caution near or around the river’s edge should be taken during times of high river flows. Be sure to stay a safe distance away from the river’s edge when flows are high.
Dogs at Falls Reserve
The Conservation Area can be a great place for you to spend time with your dog. Please remember, however, the Conservation Area is new territory for your dog. This may result in excessive barking or changes in behaviour. Please follow these rules to ensure other visitors are not disturbed by your dog’s behaviour.
- Dogs are welcome but must be secured on a leash not exceeding 2 metres (6 ft.) in length at all times while visiting the Conservation Area. Dog owners are responsible to ensure that their pets are under control and owners must clean up after their pets.
- Campsites have restrictions in place limiting to 2 dogs per campsite.
- All pets must be secured on a leash not exceeding 2 metres (6 ft.) in length at all times while visiting the Conservation Area
- Your pet must not be left unattended at the campsite or left without adequate food, water and shelter
- Do NOT permit your dog to bark excessively or disturb other people in the park.
- Always stoop and scoop after your pet to keep the Conservation Area clean.
- In the interest of the public health, pets are not allowed in showers or washroom facilities.
- For the safety of your pet, exercise caution around wildlife and never let your pet chase wildlife.
Pet owners are responsible for their pet’s behaviour while at the Conservation Area. If you are unable to control your pet’s behaviour you will be asked to remove the animal from the property immediately to prevent further disturbance to others. If you suspect that your pet’s behaviour will disturb other park visitors we encourage you NOT to bring your pet to the Conservation Area. Thanks you for your cooperation!
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