There is a majestic parcel of land about 15 minutes north of Highway 7 near Marmora and the ghost town of Cordova Mines. Cordova Lake is a popular boating destination with many cottages. Its spillway into the Crowe River on a quiet road called Fire Route 18, boasts an oasis of Crown Land and eight different waterfalls and rapids.
When you exit off Preston Road to go north on Fire Route 18 you immediately encounter challenges. The route is a seemingly endless one-lane bumpy dirt road and your phone will lose signal. At the end of the road, there is parking for the boat launch at Cordova Lake and the Upper Falls which is also known as Scotts Dam.
Pictured below, Lower Cordova Falls is the best way to start exploring the area. Here you have two waterfalls separated by an island that is serene and picture-perfect. There is a small parking area along the roadside which gives great access to this beautiful remote place in all seasons. If you hike in the woods along with the last set of falls upstream you will be rewarded with several other sets of cascades, a gorge, and beautiful views in the woods lining the Crowe River.
When hiking from Lower Cordova Falls, follow the little path along the river which into the forest along the lake. As you walk along you will see several sets of rapids, cliffs, and some small gorges. Further along, you will approach another high gorge with views of a cliff across the water (where there are secret falls). If you keep along the path on the water you will come across other sets of falls, and Middle Falls, before ascending on the Lower Falls (left and right).
After wandering through this magical and geological diverse forest for about a kilometre the path becomes a little more easygoing, with a creek and woods as you ascend back on the road. You can work your way up and onto the road seeing to see further sets of falls. After that, cross over a bridge and see the ruins of an old building. Ten you can make your way up the steep hill to see the Middle Falls and eventually to the Upper Falls.
Upper Falls flows from Cordova Lake and winds around three sets of smaller falls. While you work your way down to the road and down the hill you can find remnants of an old building. Finally, as you wind the corner on the road you will see a beautiful cascade.
I had the privilege to name some of these waterfalls. Cordova Middle, Upper and Lower are officially marked and the others I get bragging rights to! Experiences like this are still common in Beautiful Ontario. I’ve added a map showing the extent of crown land at the end of the post.
Cordova Falls Lower: https://www.ontariowaterfalls.ca/category/ontariowaterfalls/?markerid=770&mzoom=15
Beautifully winding around an island, paddlers leverage the base of these falls to go downstream. The path along the river is crown land and, in the summer you can cross the water and access the crown land on the other side.
View from the top during a summer swim
Swimming in the summer of 2021
Cordova Small Falls Lower: https://www.ontariowaterfalls.ca/category/ontariowaterfalls/?markerid=771&mzoom=15
These can be accessed not far from the Lower Falls heading North along the river, if you keep heading north on this trail this is the best place to cross in the summer.
Cordova Gorge Falls: https://www.ontariowaterfalls.ca/category/ontariowaterfalls/?markerid=1631&mzoom=15
These hidden falls are absolutely gorgeous. In the summer if the water is low enough to cross, you do so across from Cordova Small Falls lower. In the distance, you will see a narrow gorge and on the other side, this is the treat.
This is the view of the Skinny Gorge (on the other side is Cordova Gorge Falls) from the main trail. You can climb up here for great views but be very careful!
Fire Route 18 Falls: https://www.ontariowaterfalls.ca/category/ontariowaterfalls/?markerid=1637&mzoom=15
This is another falls I named, as you head along the trail from the Lower Falls, and wind around in this sanctuary about 5 minutes from the height of a ridge point you see this impressive set of rapids.
Mill Ruin Falls: https://www.ontariowaterfalls.ca/category/ontariowaterfalls/?markerid=1699&mzoom=15
We do have a photo of Mill Ruin Falls. While taking the main path from the Lower Falls you keep trekking through the Forest (about 15 minutes from the lower) and then when you approach the end you get on the road and see these at the corner.
Cordova Falls Middle: https://www.ontariowaterfalls.ca/category/ontariowaterfalls/?markerid=1669&mzoom=15
These are located going up the Hill further upstream from the Mill Ruin Falls
Cordova Falls Upper: https://www.ontariowaterfalls.ca/category/ontariowaterfalls/?markerid=773&mzoom=15
Also known as Scott’s Dam these can have quite a rage, there are a few powerful spots to explore hear. Start from the top and work your way downstream to explore.
Secret Cordova Falls: https://www.ontariowaterfalls.ca/category/ontariowaterfalls/?markerid=1414&mzoom=15
This small waterfall is visible from the road across from Mill Ruin Falls. As you drive towards the Middle and Upper Falls and cross the bridge keep your eye tuned north, upstream, to see a trickle flow in the distance. Access to this is questionable if it is private or Crown land on this side but if you follow the Crown Land entry at the top of the hill you might be able to make it.
Charred Rocks: In the summer as the Lake Drys up you see the ecological formation of rocks.
Views from the Base of the Main Falls at the top of the Falls in the swimming area
Crown Land Map Link GL 4500 is the Cordova Falls area
