Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park protects about 507 hectares along the Oxtongue River, close to Algonquin Provincial Park on the Highway 60 corridor. Its main attraction is Ragged Falls, a dramatic drop in a rocky gorge that Ontario Parks describes as one of the top ten waterfalls in the province. A short trail leads from the parking lot to a lookout over the falls, which makes it an easy stop for travellers on the way to or from Algonquin. The park has been protected since 1985, is classed as a waterway park and is for day use only, so there is no camping inside. It operates on a spring-to-fall schedule, and the water is at its most impressive after snowmelt in spring and after heavy rain, when the whole gorge thunders. In fall the surrounding maples add colour, and in winter snowshoeing is possible, though the facilities are minimal.
What to expect
A short, mostly easy walk to a viewing area above the falls, with the river dropping through a series of rock steps and a deep gorge below. It is a stop of an hour or so rather than a day, which is why it fits so well into a drive along Highway 60.
Photographers like the falls in soft, overcast light, and the spray in spring can be heavy enough to wet a lens. The viewing areas are close to steep drops, so keep children and dogs close and stay behind the barriers.
Fees and seasons
The park is a day-use provincial park, so a day-use fee applies in the operating season and Ontario Parks publishes the current fee schedule on its website. The park operates from spring to mid October, with minimal facilities, very few amenities, so bring water and anything else you need. The park is administered from Arrowhead Provincial Park, so contact details run through that park. Outside the operating season, access is limited and conditions can be icy, so check the park page for current notices before you drive out.
Ways to go
Self-driving is the simplest option from Huntsville, with the park a short drive east along Highway 60, and it combines naturally with the Algonquin Park lookouts and trails. A day tour from Toronto that pairs the falls with hiking and canoeing in Algonquin is a car-free alternative, though it makes for a long day. Wear shoes with grip, because rock and spray make the paths slippery, and carry a warm layer, since the gorge is cooler than the surrounding hills.
Pair the falls with the Dorset Lookout Tower or Arrowhead Provincial Park for a full Highway 60 day, and keep fuel and food in mind, because the corridor has few services once you pass the larger towns.
Seeing it at its best
The volume of water changes the whole experience, so a visit after spring melt or a wet spell is very different from a dry late summer. Even at low flow the gorge shape, the rock steps and the surrounding forest are worth the stop, and the fall colour above the river is a bonus. Arrive early on peak colour weekends, when the small parking area fills quickly, and allow extra time for photographs from the different viewing points.
What to expect
The experience
A short walk from the parking lot to a lookout over the falls, either self-driven or as part of a guided Algonquin day.
Best time
Spring for the biggest flow, fall for colour, and summer mornings for fewer people.
How long
One to two hours at the falls, longer as part of an Algonquin day.
Tips
Buy the day-use fee as required, wear shoes with grip, stay behind barriers and bring water.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Waterfall lovers and Highway 60 drivers who want a quick, rewarding stop.
- Families
- The walk is short, but the drop is steep, so keep children close at the lookout.
- Couples
- Go early in soft light, then continue into Algonquin for a lookout trail.
- Pair with
- Algonquin Park trails, Dorset Lookout Tower and Arrowhead Provincial Park.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
What is Ragged Falls?+
It is a waterfall on the Oxtongue River in a day-use provincial park near Algonquin. Ontario Parks describes it as one of the top ten waterfalls in Ontario.
Is there a fee?+
A day-use fee applies in the operating season. Ontario Parks publishes the current schedule on its website.
When is the park open?+
It operates from spring to mid October, with minimal facilities. In winter, snowshoeing may be possible, but conditions are rougher.
How long is the walk?+
A short trail leads from the parking lot to a lookout over the falls. It is an easy stop of an hour or so.
Can I camp there?+
No, it is a day-use park only. Camping is available in nearby parks such as Algonquin.
