The park is situated on a site formerly covered by a shallow subtropical sea during the Devonian Period.
Fossil collectors often find preserved brachiopods, crinoids, and horn corals within the exposed shale banks.
The Arkona Formation, a layer of shale found here, is world-renowned among paleontologists for its high concentration of marine fossils.
The waterfall is accessible via a series of metal staircases that descend into the gorge.
Local geological surveys indicate that the waterfall has migrated upstream over thousands of years due to erosion.
The site hosts a diverse range of Carolinian forest species, which are rare in other parts of Canada.
Rock Glen Conservation Area is a 27-hectare park located within the Ausable Bayfield watershed, internationally recognized for its Devonian-era fossil deposits. The park features a prominent 10.7-meter waterfall fed by the Rock Glen Creek, which cuts through sedimentary rock layers. The site contains a specialized museum, the Arkona Lions Museum and Information Centre, displaying an extensive collection of fossils recovered from the local shale and limestone formations. Hiking trails provide access to both the waterfall basin and the river valley. The topography is dominated by deep ravines created by glacial erosion and subsequent creek incision. Visitors can observe distinct geological strata dating back approximately 350 to 400 million years. The site serves as a managed protected area intended to preserve its paleontological resources and biodiversity.
The base of the waterfall, captured from the designated viewing platform at the bottom of the stairwell.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear with good traction for the steep metal stairs and uneven shale paths.
Bring a small container if you plan to keep legally collected loose surface fossils, though digging into the banks is prohibited.
Check the local weather forecast before visiting, as heavy rain can make the ravine trails slippery and hazardous.
Do not attempt to climb the shale cliffs or traverse the creek bed during high-water events.
Open seasonally; typically closes for the winter months starting in late autumn.
Collecting fossils is permitted only as loose surface finds; digging, prying, or using tools on the cliff faces is strictly prohibited to prevent erosion.
