With its rich natural landscape, many trails and lovely waterfalls, the Ball’s Falls Conservation Area in Lincoln, Ontario is popular with locals and tourists alike. Home to the Ball’s waterfalls, the conservation area spread over 200 acres is also rich in flora and fauna. The area has structures dating back to the 19th century when it was a small village where the Ball Family lived and worked.
CULTURAL & GEOLOGICAL HISTORY
At the entry point you can visit the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation. Here, you will learn about the area’s cultural and geological history. The Ball brothers who originated from Germany used to have milling operations in the area. The Twenty Mile Creek flows through the conservation area and the waterfalls named the Ball’s Falls is the part where it plunges over the Niagara Escarpment.
HIKING
View this post on Instagram
You can view the upper falls from above or hike to the bottom of the falls. The trail is a bit rocky and has a few obstacles along the way but the view from the bottom is worth the trouble. Alongside the main waterfall, tiny trails of water flow down from cracks in the escarpment giving a mini waterfall effect. A popular trail in this area is the Cataract Trail which enables you to see several important sights in the area. Not too far away from the upper falls are the lower falls that offers a pretty view. If you wish to hike along the Bruce Trail, find it located along the north of the lower falls.
HISTORICAL STRUCTURES
You can still see some of the structures including:
- blacksmith shop
- lime kiln
- flour mill
- restored church
- original family home of the Balls.
MILLS
View this post on Instagram
The area was once active due to the saw mills, wool mills and other mills operated by the Balls which drew people to set up home there. The hamlet consisted of quite a few inhabitants. Development in the areas below the escarpment due to the arrival of the railways led to people moving away from the Ball’s Falls area.
VISIT
The falls are in full splendour during spring so it is one of the best times to visit the area. But other seasons too offer a different perspective and interesting attractions. As you explore the Ball’s Falls Conservation area, you will also come across several species of plants, trees, as well as birds. All these factors put together –ecological, geological and historical – make the Ball’s Conservation Area a fabulous place to visit in the heart of the Niagara Benchlands.
Region: Niagara Benchlands
Add to your trip Where
Ball's Falls Conservation Area, 3292 Sixth Avenue, ON L0R 1S0, Canada
Website
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
Latest Reviews
Ranked #18 of 87 things to do in Lincoln
Audrey V
Gorgeous. Frisk. Fantastic spot for photos and exploring. Has amazing trails, beautiful, waterfalls, and water everywhere.
531WendyB
Dryden, Canada
We had a wonderful time at our family wedding in Balls Falls on Morhers Day weekend. The wedding venue was fabulous! We stayed at the Ramada hotel and they are under construction so would recommend...
lsD4297DN
St. Catharines, Canada
It is insane that a park will charge almost $30 just to park. There are much better parks to visit that are 100% free.
