Hiawatha Highlands Kinsmen Park
Discover the stunning Crystal Falls and explore extensive trails in Hiawatha Highlands Kinsmen Park, a beautiful natural escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility
Hiawatha Highlands Kinsmen Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the stunning Crystal Falls and explore extensive trails in Hiawatha Highlands Kinsmen Park, a beautiful natural escape.
"The falls are beautiful with a boardwalk for easy access to viewing platforms."
🚗 Watch for Potholes
The entrance road to the parking lot can be rough with deep potholes. Drive carefully!
⏰ Arrive Early
Especially on weekends, arriving early helps avoid crowds and ensures a better experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Falls
Kinsmen Park
A stunning 59-foot waterfall with a boardwalk offering multiple viewing platforms.
Boardwalk Trail
Crystal Falls
An easy, well-marked path leading to the falls with accessible viewing areas.
Hiawatha Highlands Trails
Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area
Extensive network for hiking, biking, and winter sports, connecting to Kinsmen Park.
Kinsmen Park Playground
Kinsmen Park
A small, pleasant playground area near the lake, perfect for younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Crystal Falls
Trail Network & Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Watch for Potholes
The entrance road to the parking lot can be rough with deep potholes. Drive carefully!
⏰ Arrive Early
Especially on weekends, arriving early helps avoid crowds and ensures a better experience.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
While the main falls are accessible, exploring the wider trail network requires good footwear.
📸 Capture the Views
The boardwalk offers great photo opportunities of Crystal Falls.
Things to do around Soo.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Watch for Potholes
The entrance road to the parking lot can be rough with deep potholes. Drive carefully!
⏰ Arrive Early
Especially on weekends, arriving early helps avoid crowds and ensures a better experience.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
While the main falls are accessible, exploring the wider trail network requires good footwear.
📸 Capture the Views
The boardwalk offers great photo opportunities of Crystal Falls.
🚴♀️ Yield to Bikers
Many trails are shared with cyclists; be courteous and give them the right of way.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the beauty of Crystal Falls and the accessibility provided by the boardwalk. The park is seen as a lovely, free natural attraction with a pleasant playground for families. However, some reviewers note the poor condition of the entrance road and suggest arriving early on weekends to avoid crowds.
"The falls are beautiful. There is a boardwalk for easy access to 3 different viewing platforms. You also have the option to climb further up to a bridge connecting to the voyager trail.
There is a large assortment of hiking and cycling trails as well as nordic ski trails and snowshoeing trails in the winter months with occasional signage to help you chart your course and not get lost.
There is a nice assortment of flora in the area making for picturesque walking.
There is a pond held up by a damage with another smaller beaver pond separated by a walking trail
There are several playgrounds for the kids including swings, slides and teeter-totters."
Lance Brizard
"We decided to add Crystal Falls as one of the stops on our way back to Toronto from Agawa. Crystal Falls is within Kinsmen Park. We were there before the opening hour which was 9 am but we were still able to access the falls. There is parking area. The falls is just 2 munutes walk from there. We appreciated the steel bridge instead of walking directly on soil & tree roots. The falls had akple water which cascaded down to make a stream unlike the Bridal Veil Falls & Beaver Falls at Agawa Canyon which were almost in drought. We had decent pictures taken without being breathless."
Maria Lacson
"Great little spot. No entrace fee. We went on the weekend and it seemed pretty busy. I'd go earlier in the day if possible. Everyone was friendly and gave right away to the many bike riders on the trails that day. Swings and a teeter-tottering were available not far from the parking lot. Washrooms and garbage facilities were available. Also connects to the Hiawatha Highland trails up the road. Beautiful spot for photos."
Stacey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hiawatha Highlands Kinsmen Park is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It's part of the larger Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area. While signage can sometimes be unclear, there is a parking area near Crystal Falls. Be prepared for a potentially rough entrance road with potholes.
Yes, there is a parking area available at Kinsmen Park, close to the Crystal Falls boardwalk. Some visitors have noted that the signage for the parking lot could be clearer.
Some visitors have reported being able to access Crystal Falls even before the official opening hours of 9 am, as the falls themselves are within a natural area.
The entrance road to the parking area has been described as having large, deep potholes by several visitors. It's advisable to drive slowly and carefully.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car to reach Hiawatha Highlands Kinsmen Park and its surrounding trails.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee for Hiawatha Highlands Kinsmen Park or Crystal Falls. It's a great free natural attraction for visitors.
While specific operating hours for Kinsmen Park are not always clearly stated, Crystal Falls is often accessible outside of typical park hours, with some visitors noting access before 9 am.
No advance booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit Hiawatha Highlands Kinsmen Park and Crystal Falls at your leisure.
There are no specific entry restrictions mentioned for Crystal Falls. However, it's always good practice to respect the natural environment and stay on marked trails.
Yes, the park and its trails are accessible year-round. In winter, it's a popular spot for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is Crystal Falls, a beautiful 59-foot waterfall. The park also features a small lake, playgrounds, picnic areas, and access to a vast network of hiking and cycling trails within Hiawatha Highlands.
Yes, Crystal Falls is easily accessible via a well-maintained boardwalk with multiple viewing platforms, making it suitable for most visitors.
Absolutely! Hiawatha Highlands boasts an extensive network of hiking, cycling, and in winter, cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. These trails connect to Kinsmen Park.
Yes, Kinsmen Park has a small playground with swings and a teeter-totter near the lake, making it a pleasant stop for families with young children.
The area is noted for its nice assortment of flora, contributing to picturesque walks and a beautiful natural setting.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk leading to Crystal Falls provides excellent vantage points from its multiple viewing platforms. You can capture the cascading water and the surrounding natural beauty.
Yes, the accessible boardwalk and viewing platforms allow for taking decent pictures without strenuous effort, unlike some more challenging natural sites.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photography. Visiting during off-peak hours will also allow for more unobstructed shots.
Photos from the main boardwalk platforms are very popular. Some may also venture onto connecting trails for different perspectives, but the boardwalk offers the most direct and safe views.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's advisable to be mindful of other visitors, especially on the boardwalk. During busy times, a tripod might be cumbersome.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main falls are very accessible, consider the wider Hiawatha Highlands trails for short, family-friendly walks if your children are up for it. Remember to supervise children closely, especially near the water and on any trails. The park provides a safe and engaging environment for a memorable family visit.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Beyond the immediate area around Crystal Falls, the interconnected trails of Hiawatha Highlands beckon. You can easily spend hours exploring the different paths, discovering scenic viewpoints, and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Algoma Country. Don't forget to wear appropriate footwear and carry water.
📸 Photographers
To get the best shots, consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for softer light. While the main viewing areas are popular, exploring nearby trails might reveal unique perspectives. Be mindful of other visitors, especially during peak times, to ensure a smooth photography experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Hiawatha Highlands
The trails vary in difficulty, from gentle paths suitable for a leisurely stroll to more challenging routes that explore the rugged terrain. Many trails connect, allowing for customizable routes and longer adventures. The natural flora in the area adds to the scenic beauty, making every walk a picturesque experience.
For those looking to connect with nature, the Hiawatha Highlands trails offer a fantastic opportunity. Whether you're seeking a short walk to a viewpoint or a full day of exploration, the variety ensures there's something for everyone. Remember to be aware of other trail users, particularly bike riders, and practice trail etiquette by yielding when necessary.
Family Fun at Kinsmen Park
The park also features picnic tables, making it a perfect place to enjoy a packed lunch surrounded by nature. The accessibility of Crystal Falls via a boardwalk means even younger children can easily experience the waterfall's beauty. The gentle terrain around the playground and the falls area is conducive to family exploration.
Beyond the immediate park amenities, the proximity to the wider Hiawatha Highlands trail system means families can opt for short, easy walks if desired. The combination of the waterfall, playground, and picnic spots makes Kinsmen Park a well-rounded destination for a family day trip in Sault Ste. Marie.
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