Moore Falls on Bark Lake
A Hidden Gem Near Madawaska, Ontario
If you're looking for something a little different during your stay at Nick's Retreat, Moore Falls on Bark Lake is a beautiful backcountry destination worth exploring.
Located at the north end of Bark Lake, Moore Falls is reached by travelling up the waterway that flows from Moore Lake into Bark Lake. The route takes you through a scenic stretch of river featuring rapids, rushing water, and eventually the waterfall itself.
Unlike many waterfalls that can be reached by car and a short walk, Moore Falls is part of the area's more remote wilderness. You'll need a boat, canoe, kayak, or another suitable watercraft to reach it. The trip itself is part of the experience.
For guests staying at Nick's Retreat who enjoy paddling, exploring, and getting away from the crowds, Moore Falls makes for a memorable Northern Ontario adventure.
Paddling to Moore Falls
One of the easiest ways to reach Moore Falls is to launch from Highway 523 in the Madawaska area and paddle upstream.
From the launch, it's only a couple of kilometres of relatively easy paddling along the river toward Moore Lake and the falls.
As you make your way upstream, the scenery gradually changes from the open waters of Bark Lake to a narrower, more intimate waterway surrounded by forest.
You'll encounter moving water and rapids along the route, making the paddle more interesting than simply crossing a large lake.
For those travelling by canoe or kayak, the journey is a great opportunity to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and take in the sounds of the river.
Eventually, you'll reach Moore Falls, where the river drops over the rocks before continuing toward Bark Lake.
A Natural Swimming Hole
One of the unique features of Moore Falls is the opportunity to enjoy the natural rock pools around the falls.
At the bottom of the falls, there is a small natural pool where visitors can sit in the water and cool off on a hot summer day.
For those looking for a little more fun, the smooth rock around the falls also provides the opportunity to slide down the rock into the water when conditions are suitable.
It's the kind of experience that makes Moore Falls feel less like a traditional tourist attraction and more like discovering your own little piece of Northern Ontario.
Always use caution around waterfalls, rapids, and slippery rocks. Water levels and currents can change, and visitors should assess conditions for themselves before entering the water.
Hike to the Top of Moore Falls
Don't stop at the bottom of the falls.
There is a trail along the left side of the waterfall that leads up to the top.
The climb gives you an entirely different perspective of the area. Once you reach the top, you can look back down over the falls and see the river and paddling route you just travelled.
The view from above is one of the highlights of the trip.
Standing at the top of Moore Falls and looking down at the water below gives you a real appreciation for the surrounding wilderness. The forest, rock, moving water, and absence of development create the feeling that you've travelled much farther into the backcountry than you actually have.
Pack a Lunch & Spend the Afternoon
Moore Falls is the kind of place where you don't want to rush.
Pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, and plan to spend the afternoon exploring.
After paddling upstream, find a comfortable spot above the falls, sit back, and listen to the sound of the water moving over the rocks.
The combination of the rushing water, surrounding forest, Canadian Shield rock, and peaceful setting makes it an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.
Have lunch overlooking the falls, explore the surrounding area, take a swim if conditions are appropriate, and enjoy the natural beauty before making your way back downstream.
The return paddle gives you another opportunity to enjoy the river, this time travelling with the current.
Make It Part of Your Nick's Retreat Adventure
One of the great things about staying at Nick's Retreat is that you're not limited to the attractions you can reach by car.
The surrounding Madawaska and South Algonquin region is filled with lakes, rivers, trails, Crown Land, and backcountry destinations that reward those willing to explore.
Moore Falls is a perfect example.
You can leave Nick's Retreat with your canoe, kayak, or boat, launch from Highway 523, paddle a couple of kilometres upstream, explore the rapids and waterfall, climb the trail to the top, enjoy lunch overlooking the falls, and paddle back in the afternoon.
It's not a crowded tourist attraction or a developed park with a parking lot beside the falls.
It's an adventure.
And that's what makes it special.
What to Bring
If you're planning a trip to Moore Falls, consider bringing:
- Canoe, kayak, or suitable boat
- Paddle
- Personal flotation devices
- Drinking water
- Lunch and snacks
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Towel
- Water shoes
- Dry clothing
- Waterproof bag for valuables
- Camera or phone
Good footwear is particularly important if you plan to climb the trail to the top of the falls or explore the rocks around the water.
A Hidden Gem Near Madawaska
Moore Falls is one of those places that perfectly represents the Northern Ontario wilderness experience.
It's close enough to Nick's Retreat to make a great afternoon adventure, but remote enough that getting there requires a little effort.
Paddle the river.
Explore the rapids.
Cool off in the natural pool.
Climb to the top of the falls.
Enjoy the view.
Pack a lunch and listen to the water.
Then paddle back to Bark Lake.
If you're looking for a unique thing to do near Madawaska, Ontario, Moore Falls is well worth adding to your list.
Explore Moore Falls During Your Stay
Stay at Nick's Retreat and use the cottage as your base while you explore the lakes, rivers, waterfalls, trails, and backcountry surrounding Madawaska and South Algonquin.
Bring your canoe. Bring your kayak. Bring your sense of adventure.
Moore Falls is waiting to be explored.
Waterfalls, rapids, and natural swimming areas can be hazardous. Water levels and currents can change significantly, and rocks may be slippery. Visitors should use appropriate safety equipment, wear a personal flotation device when paddling, and assess conditions before entering or approaching the water.