Posted in Native American, Park review, Southwestern Ohio

Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve

Years ago I went canoeing on the Little Miami River; the river serenely wound its way between the wooded river banks. But at Clifton Gorge, the Little Miami River is something altogether different; it plunges over falls and rapids between narrow cliffs of dolomite and shale. The river and surrounding cliffs are the main attractions of Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, a 268 acre preserve located adjacent to John Bryan State Park. The Little Miami River flows through both, with the nature preserve Read more ➜
Posted in Hiking, Park review, Southeastern Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park: Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls is a scenic waterfall situated on the trail halfway between Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave.  The falls was named by early settlers after the nearby cedar trees, of which there are none. The settlers misidentified the native hemlock trees as cedars. Cedar Falls can be reached by car on SR 374, just a short drives from either Old Man's Cave or Ash Cave.  Amenities include several parking lots, picnic shelters, rest rooms, and drinking water. Although there are several hiking Read more ➜
Posted in Hiking, Northeastern Ohio, Park review

Mohican State Park

Mohican State Park is one of my favorite places for hiking. The park contains a scenic gorge with the Clear Fork branch of the Mohican River flowing through it. The park is 1,120 acres with the 4,795 acre Mohican Memorial State Forest adjacent to it. Recreational opportunities abound with several campsites, hiking trails, horseback trails, fly fishing, and boating all available. If that's not enough, nearby there are canoe liveries, the 18.6 mile Butler to Mansfield bike trail, and the Read more ➜
Posted in Hiking, History, Northeastern Ohio, Park review

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls is in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The falls is named after the village of Brandywine that no longer exists. The village of Brandywine boomed in the early 1800s because of the waterpower which the falls provided. Here's a vintage photo of the mill associated with the falls. As transportation technology advanced, first with the Erie Canal, then later with railways, the village of Brandywine was bypassed and their economy gradually deteriorated. Read more ➜
Posted in Central Ohio, Nature, Park review

Hayden Falls

Hayden Falls Park is part of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, but it's in Dublin, Ohio. You could drive past it without ever realizing it's there, but it's well worth a stop. The waterfall is about 35 ft high (10.7 meters) and fed by Hayden Run Creek which empties into the Scioto river. Location Address: 4335 Hayden Run Road, Dublin, OH GPS coordinates: 40.068023, -83.108424 Directions: Here's how to find it. From Frantz Road (in Dublin, Ohio) turn Read more ➜
Posted in Central Ohio, Hiking, Park review

Honey Run Highlands Park

My husband and I began our afternoon here by parking off Hazel Dell Road near the waterfall. It is a relatively small, but charming falls, about 25 feet in height. The surrounding region has many sandstone cliffs and bouldering (climbing) is allowed. Here are some additional sights near the falls. Trails Across the Road from the Falls Across the road from the falls is additional parking and a trail head. There are about 4 miles of trail. The trail quickly branches into Read more ➜