Albion Falls is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Hamilton and for good reason. This magnificent waterfall is a very popular spot, even though many don’t know there is a darker history to it. From the top of the falls, you’ll see a trail which leads off to the right. If you follow it and you will see a piece of the Niagara Escarpment which juts out. This is known as “Lover’s Leap”. The history of Lover’s Leap goes all the way back to the 1800s for this tragic tale.
Albion Falls used to be known as Albion Mills. this was one of the first known settlements of the area. In the early 1800’s, it had become a very busy village because of the United Empire Loyalist William Alexander Davis who invested in the 2300 acres of land he was granted here.
Albion Mills was where Jane Riley met Joseph Rousseau and fell completely in love with him. Joseph very much felt the same, however it was rumored that Joseph had the habit of showing far too much personal attention to many other women. This in addition to the fact that his mother did not approve of their relationship, it seemed their relationship was doomed from the start.
Poor Jane apparently being distraught with this news, had taken to disappearing for days on end to sometimes being spotted sobbing in the woods. The heartbreak was rumored to be too much for her and she tragically took her own life as she jumped from the top of the Escarpment into the water below.
Some stories say she jumped from the top of the falls, some say she it was from Lover’s Leap. Either way, Jane’s spirit is said to haunt the area. Some have said that there is a glowing outline on moonlit nights and you can hear her heartbreaking sobbing.
The Cool Beans 
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