Economy Falls

GEO
Sites

Economy River and Wilderness Area

This site is the gateway to the Kenomee Wilderness Area and trail system. The rock face exposes one of the oldest rocks in the Geopark (734 million years), a metamorphosed granite. It is part of the old microcontinent of Avalonia that underlies the Cobequid Highlands in the northern part of the Geopark. The rocks have been uplifted along a branch of the Minas Fault zone, which formed as microcontinents collided and slid past each other when the supercontinent Pangea was assembled 400–300 million years ago. Many other waterfalls tumble from the highlands along this fault line, including the Hidden Falls and Wards Falls.

Age: Neoproterozoic (Cryogenian: 734 million years)
Access: Well-developed trail accessible via River Philip Road, Economy. Parking available at trailhead.
GPS Coordinates: 45.444031, -63.927941
Directions: At Economy, turn north from Highway 2 on River Philip Road for 6 km. At the top of the hill take time to enjoy a panoramic view of the Minas Basin and its tide. Continue on this road for 6 km following signs. At 6 km, turn right at the sign and continue a short distance to the parking lot. A 10 minute walk takes you to the top of 186 steps to the Economy River and bottom of the falls. Explore the top of the falls and bridge across the gorge by turning right at top of stairs.