Economy Falls
...deep into the Cobequid Hills...

Economy Falls is a gem that you'll find deep into the Cobequid Hills.  I must admit that I was a bit intimidated by the long dirt road to get to the falls but am so glad that I went.

They may not be the highest falls in the province but their location and the descent to get to them make them a worthwhile voyage.

Economy Falls is a gem that you'll find deep into the Cobequid Hills in Nova Scotia. There is a steep decline to get into the gorge but it is worth the trek.Economy Falls

Before you go to Economy Falls

Directions: Follow highway #2 west toward Parrsboro, Economy & Five Islands.  When you arrive in Economy turn right onto River Philip road (dirt road) and drive 7km (4.5 mi).  The trailhead will on your right.  Watch for the signs.  The google map that I include near the bottom of this page is a good resource tool for directions.

GPS at trailhead: 45°26'39.4"N 63°55'39.3"W

Distance:  2km return

Elevation: 63 metres

Time:    1-2 hours

Level of Difficulty:  Very steep stairs descending to the falls and climbing the stairs for the return trip makes this moderate difficulty.

Food/Water:  Water is always necessary.  Light snacks are also a good idea.  

Clothes/Accessories:  A sweater or light jacket; sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots; insect repellent; binoculars and a camera.

Facilities: There are a couple of benches along the trail but no other facilities.

Okay - Let's get Hiking

The initial walk as you leave the parking area is an easy path.  You'll walk a short distance before you see signs indicating the falls.  You will also see access signs for the Devils Bend and Kenomee Canyon trails from here.

The Economy Falls trailhead is also where you can access the Devils Bend and Kenomee Canyon trails.Signage close to the trailhead
Warning signs that there are a couple of sets of stairs descending to Economy Falls....186 stairs total! Very steep!!Steeps stairs warning!!

You'll get to the first set of stairs quickly.  They are sturdy but steep.  I read there are 186 steps to the bottom of the falls! 

The stairs are steep but solid. You will feel far away from everything as you descend into this gorge to Economy Falls. An awesome feeling!!The descent to the falls
The stairs are just as steep when you leave the falls. They were not as bad as I thought they might be.The climb out of the gorge

This is a beautiful forested area.  I really felt like I was far away from everything when I was at Economy Falls.  The descent to the falls is like going back in time.

The hike down to the falls in not entirely stairs.  However, the trail does remains steep so be cautious.

There are some steep grades without stairs as well. All part of the magic of this area in the Cobequid hills.The descent through the woods

And finally we start to hear the falls.  You are deep into the gorge in the Cobequid Hills now.  Very far away from everything and everyone.

Some of the oldest rock formations in Nova Scotia can be found here. A great spot for geologists to discover and explore.Large rocks surround the falls
The is a lush area with lots of trees, flowers and bushes.Greenery surrounds the falls
Large rocks collapsed around the falls in the 1990s. This changed the arrangement of the waters coming down from the falls. You'll see several large boulders scattered in the area.The base of the falls

This is an absolutely wonderful spot.  I had decided quickly that I wanted to come here and explore. Definitely did not regret it!

I also read that some of the oldest rock formations in the province are here.

The river formed below the falls is gorgeous. It eventually flows out into the Bay of Fundy via the Economy River.Formation of a river below the falls
There appears to be a water cave to the right in this image.Note the cave to the right

This is a short video that I took while I was at the falls.  It was a gorgeous day.

What's next after Economy Falls?

If you plan to visit more attractions on the Bay of Fundy check out my special pages.  The bay is gorgeous so I encourage you to take more time to explore.  Check out the map below to see the location of other discoveries.

Accommodations

There are many places to stay along the Bay of Fundy.  Once you decide on your planned activities I suggest that you check their location on my map that I include just above.  Then you can check the closest town and its accommodation options on Trip Advisor.  

Some major spots along the bay include Truro, Wolfville, Windsor, and Digby.

The Bay of Fundy can also be considered a great day trip if you are in the Halifax, Windsor or Truro areas.  These links will lead you to Trip Advisor which is my 'go to' place for accommodations.  

Restaurants

Nova Scotia has a wide variety of places to eat.  From fine dining, family restaurants, pubs and pizza spots.  There is something for everyone.  I suggest you check my Where to Eat page for some tips on how to find a restaurant in your location.

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