Hidden Mysterious Potholes
By Haliburton Highlands
Due to their remote location and surrounding private property, the Harburn Wells are best experienced through a guided hike with a knowledgeable local guide.
Deep in the forests of Haliburton Highlands, high above the Little Drag River, lies a geologic mystery unlike anything else in Ontario. Known as the Harburn Wells, these perfectly round and cylindrical holes, ten or eleven in total, are naturally bored into solid Precambrian gneiss. They range in size from about three feet to three metres wide. The wells are spectacular in form and formation, clustered tightly on a single acre of rugged hillside.
Set in a landform reminiscent of the Highlands, the Harburn Wells remain one of the county’s most intriguing and little-known features. No one knows exactly how they formed, and their origin continues to fascinate geologists and nature lovers alike.
harburn wells
Remote, Rugged, and Protected
The Harburn Wells are not just remote, they’re nearly impossible to stumble upon by accident. There are no trails, no signs, and no public access routes to the site. Although the wells themselves are located on a small municipal parcel owned by Dysart et al, they are surrounded on all sides by private property.
To help protect neighbouring landowners and preserve the site, visitors should not attempt to access the Harburn Wells on their own. Online directions and GPS coordinates are often inaccurate and may lead visitors onto private property. Respecting private land and local access restrictions is essential to protecting this unique geological feature for future generations.
Explore with an Experienced Guide
The best and most respectful way to experience the Harburn Wells is with an experienced local guide who understands the area, access requirements, and surrounding private lands.
John Etches offers guided hikes to the Harburn Wells, providing visitors with the opportunity to safely explore this remarkable geological feature while learning about its history, geology, and significance within the Haliburton Highlands.
Interested in visiting the Harburn Wells? Contact John Etches to learn about upcoming guided hikes and availability.
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A Word of Caution
The Harburn Wells are an extraordinary natural feature, but they are not suitable for independent exploration. The wells are unmarked, unfenced, and located within a rugged landscape surrounded by private property. In addition to respecting neighbouring landowners, visitors should be aware that the vertical shafts can pose a serious safety risk.
For your safety, and to help protect both the site and surrounding private lands, visits should only be undertaken with an experienced guide.