Waterfalls of Newfoundland
Newfoundland's waterfalls are some of its most incredible features and besides being a great photo and sightseeing opportunity, they often contain the best swimming and picnic areas as well. Here is a collection of waterfalls that I believe deserve more recognition than what they are given.
Where are you?
Western Newfoundland
MIDDLE BROOK FALLS
Glenburnie, Bonne Bay
Middle Brook Falls is located in the community of Glenburnie in Gros Morne National Park and is a well known swimming hole for locals during the summer months. The falls are surrounded by steep hills and dark textured rock, adding to the beauty of the location. The area consists of three different waterfalls named rightfully First, Second, and Third Falls. The first is the smallest and can hardly be considered anything more than rapids, but is a great place for younger children and those who do not consider themselves "strong" swimmers. Second Falls is next, which contains a much larger and deeper pool and a medium-sized waterfall that you can swim up to. The last falls are actually two separate falls and are the biggest of the three. Beneath the falls are two deep pools.
Accessing the falls can be done by traveling towards the town of Woody Point and Trout River on Route 431. Parking is available at Middle Brook Cottages or on the opposite side of Middle Brook Bridge. Walking past the cottages will bring you to a trail that leads you down to the river. From there a short trek along the river banks will bring you to First Falls. The next two are just around the river bend.
Bakers Brook Falls
Location:
​
Accessibility:
​
Comments:
Overall:
North of Rocky Harbour in
Gros Mourne National Park
10 km (round trip) easy to moderate hiking trail beginning Berry Hill Campground
A must see if visiting the area
★★★★☆
Copper Mine Brook
Location:
Accessibility:
Comments:
Overall:
York Harbour in the Bay of Islands
Easy 5 min hike from parking lot off Route 450
​
★★★★☆
Hinds Lake Waterfall
Location:
Accessibility:
Comments:
Overall:
Hinds Lake near Howley
Difficult to access. 7 km in a dirt road and ~500 meters hiking through bush (no direct trail)
While difficult to access it makes for a great adventure and the height of the falls will make it worth the trip
★★★☆☆
Lomond River Waterfall
Location:
​
Accessibility:
Comments:
​
​
​
Overall:
On the Lomond River just west of Little Bonne Bay Pond
The falls is accessible by a short hike from Route 431 at the western end of Little Bonne Bay Pond
The falls is a terrific stop for anyone passing by. The falls is a closely watched salmon area and thus the trail is well beaten but not clearly marked. If you are feeling adventurous you can venture down to the bottom by a small path along the gorge edge.
★★☆☆☆
THUNDER BROOK FALLS
Central Newfoundland
Grand Falls-Windsor
Thunder Brook or Leech Brook is a small river west of Grand Falls-Windsor. Anyone who has ever driven between Grand Falls and Badger would have crossed over it at some point. Having made the trip between St. Johns and Corner Brook countless times I was one of these people. However, if you pull off the Highway on the east side of Thunder Brook Bridge you will find a small parking lot where a well maintained hiking trail begins. Completing the short hike brings you into a large natural pool, popular to local swimmers. A little bit further and you come across a steep, narrow gorge with a large waterfall at the far end.
The enormous waterfall is quite the spectacle and is something that cannot be captured fully in pictures. The swimming hole and picnic spot is a popular spot for locals to visit in the summer. Continuing along the trail you will come across another waterfall similar to the first.
Several different swimming areas along the river offer something for everyone. Even if the water is too cold (as it normally is here in Newfoundland) it’s a great place to have a lunch or picnic with friends and family.
Thunder Brook Falls is one of those natural wonders that everyone should visit. But every year thousands of people unknowingly drive by not knowing it exist.
RATTLE FALLS
Eastern Newfoundland
Southern Bay, Bonavista Peninsula
Rattle Falls is a small waterfall that can be found alongside the Bonavista Highway (Route 230). The first of several falls can be seen from the highway but to experience the larger falls a small hike up a well kept trail is required. The falls is a popular spot for swimming when the weather warms up and is easily accessible with a gravel parking lot off the main highway. It is a must see for anyone traveling up the Bonavista Highway, especially during the summer months.
Rattle Falls was once a provincial park which probably explains the well kept parking lot and walking trail. If enough water is flowing down the river, part of the falls can be seen from the highway. Even in these conditions, the waterfall and swimming hole are often missed by those passing by; which is a shame given the beauty of the site.
Hopeall Falls
Avalon Peninsula
New Harbour, Trinity Bay
Hopeall Falls is located near the community of Dildo on Trinity Bay. It can be accessed by following a section of the old highway or via a hiking trail located off Route 80. Near the falls are several abandoned yet beautiful campsites suggesting a campsite was once located here. No matter which way you enter to see the falls the trail will bring you alongside and give you the chance to look down at it. Climbing down into the canyon you will find a spot for swimming. However when on my last visit the water appeared to be murky and dirty.
Nonetheless, it is certainly a location worth stopping at for anyone visiting the area.
Western Bay Waterfall
Location:
Accessibility:
Comments:
Overall:
The community of Western Bay along the Baccalieu Trail (Route 70)
The falls are located just off the main highway and accessible by a short hiking trail
A great swimming and picnic area
★★★☆☆