The falls were originally higher, but their flow was significantly reduced in the 1890s to power the Foyers Aluminium Works, the first of its kind in Britain.
The hydroelectric power plant associated with the falls was converted into a pumped-storage station in the 1970s.
The site includes a diverse habitat for red squirrels, which are native to this part of the Scottish Highlands.
Robert Burns visited the site in 1787 and wrote the poem 'Lines on the Fall of Fyers' to describe the spectacle.
The gorge creates a microclimate that supports a variety of ferns and mosses that thrive in the constant spray and shade.
The Falls of Foyers is a 165-foot waterfall situated on the River Foyers, which feeds into the south side of Loch Ness. The cascade is formed by the river plummeting through a narrow gorge into a deep, rocky basin. A series of forest paths provides access to two distinct viewing platforms overlooking the falls. The site is a managed woodland area with steep, winding trails that descend towards the shoreline of Loch Ness. It is famous for inspiring a poem by Robert Burns during his 1787 tour of the Highlands. The surrounding terrain is characterized by dense coniferous woodland and ancient deciduous trees. The waterfall's volume is heavily dependent on recent rainfall, meaning its intensity fluctuates significantly throughout the year.
The primary viewing platform located halfway down the trail provides a head-on view of the main drop.
Wear waterproof footwear with good grip, as the steep woodland paths become extremely slippery after rain.
Bring midgie repellent if visiting during the summer months, as the damp gorge environment attracts insects.
Use the lower viewpoint for the best perspective of the full height of the waterfall.
Do not attempt to scramble down to the river banks outside of designated paths; the rocks are unstable and the gorge walls are dangerous.
Stay strictly on the marked paths to avoid erosion and potential rockfall hazards; keep dogs on a lead due to the steep drops.
