Unclear Directions – nswaterfalls.blogspot.com

Our first attempt to locate Ettinger Falls was an adventure, because the directions on nswaterfalls.blogspot.com was not accurate/clear enough for us.

Out interpretation of the directions had us walking up what appeared to be a logging service road.

We turned around and went for lunch at The Spitfire Arms British Pub in nearby Windsor. There, we asked staff if they knew how to get to Ettinger Falls.  They sure did!  Following their directions, we successfully found the falls!

Later that evening, after our visit to the falls, I searched the internet to see if I could find a site that gave a clear and proper description of the directions to Ettinger Falls. I found what I was looking for at waterfallsofnovascotia.blogspot.com.

Clear Directions to Ettinger Falls – waterfallsofnovascotia.blogspot.com

Below, I’ve listed the precise directions from waterfallsofnovascotia.blogspot.com:

Directions

• From the 101 highway take exit 5 and head west towards Garland’s Crossing.
• Drive to the T intersection (you will see an Irving station) and turn left onto Evangeline Trail.
• Follow the road a short distance until you see Three Mile Plains Cross Rd and turn right onto it.
• Turn right on Windsor Back Rd.
• Drive a short distance past Mason’s Apples and you will see an unmarked dirt road between two houses.
• Drive a short distance down this dirt road past a house and park on the right before the gate.

“NOTE: The gate is open quite often but will close at random and I hear it’s a hefty fine if you get locked inside the gate. Please do not risk getting locked inside, just park before the gate and take the nice easy walk up to the falls.”

Trail Description

“Once parked at the gate, simply walk approximately 800 meters up the dirt road until you are at the top of the hill. You will hear the waterfall once you’re at the right spot (there are a lot of off trails that may confuse some). Once you hear it just head left into the woods, it’s not far at all and you will be rewarded with a tranquil little place the locals like to go for the occasional dip. There is a rope swing here as of September 2016. As always please use caution when using any ropes, bridges, etc when hiking. Locals frequent this place more often now that it’s gained a bit more popularity so I recommend going before noon if you prefer to have the place to yourself.”

Walk to Ettinger Falls

Following the River Upstream

We parked the Jeep at the gate (that was locked shut), climbed over it then started our descent up the dirt road. We heard a river to our left, and walked off the main road towards it. We discovered a path along the river, that we followed upstream, bringing us to the falls!

Walking Up The Main Road

My daughter-in-law, with her two young daughters, joined us. They parked where we did, and walked the most direct route to the falls: they walked up the main gravel road to a noticeable threadbare clearing on their left, that is adjacent to the top of the falls. The sound of the falls will be loud, and the clearing is worn clear, from so many people walking through the trees to see the falls.

Following the river upstream, toward the falls

Here are pictures of the river, as my husband and I walked it upstream to Ettinger Falls!

Ettinger Falls

There was litter along the river bank and at the main falls. A pizza box was floating at its base.  The litter was disappointing, knowing how proactive Nova Scotia is with a “leave no trace” respect for the environment.

Standing at the top of Ettinger Falls

Panoramic view from the top of Ettinger Falls

Looking upriver from the top of Ettinger Falls

Shrek 2 Tree!

On our walk back to the Jeep, along the main dirt road, I noticed this freaky looking tree!  It reminded me of the villain trees in Shrek 2!

Final Thoughts

Ettinger Falls is a lovely gem that is not too out of the way and available for all ages!

Depending on your age or level of mobility, to get to the falls, you can take a nice walk up the road that is user friendly or if you want more of an adventure, you can follow the paths upstream, along the river.

S, 🤠