Ettinger Falls
The Mission
It was my turn to select three destinations for another epic waterfall adventure. On this very cold and brisk Fall day I chose Hants County as the destination. Ettinger Falls, Millet Falls, and Eldridge Falls were on the docket. Off to Hants County we went.
Getting There
Map here. Drive down Windsor Back Road and park just before the gate. It is closed at random times so you do not want to get stuck inside. It is a short walk up to the first set of falls. You will be able to hear them as the river flows parallel to the road.
A Variety of Falls
Ettinger is a special treat because it offers a wide variety of water flows. There are four sights along this river and it is best experienced from the bottom travelling upstream. The first sight is a short but wide little waterfall. This might have been more like a single cascade, but it was dazzling all the same. The way the water draped itself across the rocks, sheeted down the mini rock wall and bubbled into the calmer water below was very pleasing to watch. Perched on a rock nearby we admired how the curtain of water created a foamy wake that washed further down the river and then eventually out of sight.
The second waterfall took on an ‘L’ shape coming around a 90 degree corner and cascading down a stair case of rocks that were in almost perfect cubes. No pictures can do this one justice you really must see it for yourself. Water ran down these rocks taking the path of least resistance breaking off in opposite directions only to meet up again further down the line. This waterfall resides in a bit of a trench, on either side there were straight rock walls. In order to continue up the river you need to climb back up to the main road again.
The main attraction Ettinger falls itself is the third waterfall you come across. it is a very tall and impressive fall. A rope swing dangled from one of the trees above the pool of water, but it was much too cold for swimming that day with the light dusting of snow on the ground.
The last but not least sight is the several cascading falls above Ettinger. They flowed with a more relaxed nature than the staircase cascades below. A lovely finale for Ettinger falls. We were off to a strong start on this adventure.
The Verdict
Ettinger Falls is really worth the visit even if it is an hour out and the only thing you come to Hants County to see. You get so much variety in a single location it is hard to pass up. There is also very little hiking necessary, since the falls are right off the road.
