McMaster Mill Falls Trail Greenwood

After nearly two centuries of sawing logs, McMaster Mill become one of Kings County’s newest historic parks.

History of the Mill

Taken from an article in the Chronicle Herald:

Around 1837, the three McMaster brothers, James, Robert and Thomas, with their families, sailed from their homes in Kirkaswald, Scotland to Nova Scotia. In 1857 they began buying land and obtaining the water rights to found the Rockville Company.

The water mill and dam spanned the river just below the bridge with a grist mill further down the river. With 145 years of history in the area, the McMasters built a self-sufficient community, supplying shelter, food, fuel, employment, transportation, recreation entertainment and its own electricity source. It became fondly known as the ‘Notch’ by families, employees, visitors and soon, Rockville became the community of Rockville Notch.

“The Rockville Company was founded in 1857 and came to its end in 2002. However, its place in developing a community and impacting the Valley region will live on and be available to future generations.”

Learn more about the history of the Mill here

The Trail

The trail at McMaster Mill Falls is 0.5km. It is all on crushed gravel, making it easy for strollers and toddlers.

Throughout the park area, there are a lot of information signs about the history of the mill, a look off point to enjoy the falls, and lots of benches and picnic tables.

Although it is a short trail, do not underestimate it! We spent a long time playing at the shoreline, watching the falls and learning about the history of the area.

It is a magnificent place to check out. It’s easy to see the power of Mother Nature and how easily a mill could have operated here.

A New Way to Explore McMaster Mill Falls with a Nature Guide

If you want a fun way to explore the falls, check out one of these FREE Nature Guides available for Kings County! We spent over 45 minutes exploring and playing games and completing activities on site.

Check it out

In the Area

The McMaster Mill Falls park and trail is very close to Crystal Falls.

We suggest stopping at McMaster Mill Falls first (it is on the way) for your picnic lunch and then continue on to Crystal Falls.

How to Get There

Drive 1.2km past the shopping malls in Greenwood and turn right onto Rocknotch Rd. Drive 1.5km and turn left onto Meadowvale Rd. briefly for 170m, and then turn right back onto Rocknotch Rd again. Drive another 3 km on Rocknotch Rd and park on the side of the road at the McMaster Mill Park sign on the left.