In 1805, Alexander Brown built a sawmill beside these falls, spurring settlement at nearby waterdown ontario. By the turn of the century, power from grindstone creek was used to run several mills and foundries
Some operations were also steam powered and as the valley became thick with industrial smoke, the area was nicknamed smokey hollow.
Mill production at the site ceased in 1912
Today, the site is a popular destination for locals to flock to for photographs or a relaxing visit.