Callaghan's Rapids Conservation Area

This conservation area in Ontario has an underground maze of caves you can explore

Callaghan’s Rapids Conservation Area is a picturesque destination for a fall day trip, with scenic waterfalls, sinkholes, a limestone bedrock river, and a fascinating maze-like system of caves to discover.

Located east of Peterborough roughly two and a half hours from Toronto, you'll find the conservation area in the municipality of Marmora.

Here you'll find two wide waterfalls spanning the entire width of the Crowe River, with each only about one metre tall. During the warmer months, it's common to see people wading or swimming in the shallow waters.

The upper waterfall flows over a wedge-shaped outcrop of limestone rock, and when the water levels are low enough, you can walk right across the riverbed.

Another spot to stroll is at one of the park's three trails, all of which lead through scenic forested trails to the Crowe Riverbanks. 

An especially intriguing area of the park is a huge complex of underground cave passages that yes, you can check out. The caves here were formed from collapsed limestone slabs that were eroded over time by the river.

Some areas are easy to walk through, whereas others you may need to crawl. Portions of the tunnels fill up with water and have sharp rocks, so prepare accordingly if you plan to explore!

Lead photo by

Gus Garcia


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Travel

You can explore a Titanic-era steamship in Ontario this summer

This historic small town in Ontario is surrounded by natural wonder

Passenger denied Lululemon reimbursement after WestJet baggage delay

These 3 Ontario destinations were just crowned among Canada's best 'hidden gems'

New US border rules soon to kick in for Canadians travelling with a dog

Famous Cheltenham Badlands near Toronto about to reopen with one big change this year

Ontario just got a stunning new $45 million lakefront museum

How to spend a weekend in and around Ontario's 'Amazon river'