Kakisa to Lady Evelyn Falls Road — South Slave Territorial Park Access
Fifteen metres of Precambrian thunder in the South Slave.
Lady Evelyn Falls drops 15 metres over a Precambrian rock ledge on the Kakisa River just upstream of where the river meets the Mackenzie lowlands — it’s one of the most accessible genuinely impressive waterfalls in the NWT and most drivers blow past it on Highway 1 without knowing it exists. The access road runs about 4 km off the Mackenzie Highway into the tiny Kakisa Dene community, then continues another few kilometres to the territorial park campground at the falls. The road is well-maintained gravel in summer but can get slippery clay-mud after heavy rain. A short walking trail drops to the base of the falls where the mist hangs all morning in summer.
This route is accessible to most vehicles including stock SUVs and family trailers in dry conditions — it’s not a technical challenge, but it earns its place in any NWT overland itinerary because the payoff at the falls is legitimate. The territorial campground has basic sites, pit toilets, and is often less than half full. Best season is late June through early September; the falls are most dramatic in June runoff. Hay River is the nearest full-service stop, roughly 90 km east. No permit required. Zero cell service.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 4.3 mi / 7 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 620 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 2WD (dry conditions) |
| Nearest town | Kakisa, NT |
| Land manager | Government of Northwest Territories – Environment and Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | iti.gov.nt.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need 4WD to reach Lady Evelyn Falls?
No. A stock 2WD vehicle handles this gravel spur fine in dry conditions. It's 4.3 miles of maintained territorial park road — nothing technical.
When is this road open and is snow a factor?
June through September is the reliable window. Spring breakup can leave the gravel soft and rutted into late May, and the park services typically wind down after September.
Are there permits or fees to enter Lady Evelyn Falls Territorial Park?
There is a camping fee if you're staying overnight at the territorial campground. Day use to walk to the falls is free. No advance permit required.
What's the hardest part of this drive?
Honestly, nothing — this is an easy gravel access road with minimal elevation change. The only real hazard is loose gravel wash if you're moving fast or driving after heavy rain.
Is there any cell service along this route or at the falls?
Zero. You lose service before you even turn off the Mackenzie Highway. Tell someone your plan before you leave Kakisa, especially if you're continuing deeper into the South Slave.
Trail track
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