The Miami County Parks in western Ohio are a local treasure. Besides being
so well maintained, they offer a wide variety of educational programs and
activities for the entire family. My favorite park is the Charleston Falls
Preserve.
This gem of a park is located between Tipp City and Huber
Heights, Ohio. It covers 216 acres and offers almost 4 miles of hiking and jogging trails.
The main reason to visit this particular park, though, is the waterfall. At 37
feet in height, it can be called a “Miniature Niagara” due to the rock strata
of the same nature as the real Niagara Falls. These falls are fed from
underground springs several miles away, but they are most spectacular after
heavy rainfall. During periods of intense cold in the winter, the falls will
actually freeze, and it’s worth the chilly walk to see this amazing sight.
The trek to the falls is an easy gravel pathway from the
parking lot, less than half a mile. There are two vantage points for seeing the
falls. The upper view allows visitors to see the top of the falls as the water
tumbles over the cliff. Informational signage is posted as well as warning
signs for safety. The lower vantage point is from a staircase which leads
visitors down to the observation boardwalk. Visitors can see the falls as they
splash down into the pool at the bottom. A bit of spray can sometimes be felt
depending on the amount of water and the wind.
Most kids love the cave! Bring a flashlight and watch out for standing water. |
From the lower observation boardwalk, it’s a short walk to
the limestone cave. This is a popular spot with kids as they love to climb
inside. The opening isn’t huge, so crawling is required (parents beware!). A
flashlight or headlamp is handy since it becomes dark quickly. If the weather
has been rainy, cave crawlers can expect standing water on the bottom.
From the cave, continue to follow the trail which rises to
the junctions of the Redbud Valley and the Thorny Badlands. Either trail takes
visitors to the outer reaches of the park. The trails loop through the woods,
sometimes winding alongside the stream, the same one created by the waterfall
which eventually empties into the Great Miami River. The lookout tower can be
accessed from the Thorny Badlands trail, and it allows travelers to climb a bit
higher for a birds’ eye view.
Visitors can also inspect the Cedar Pond, where glimpses of
fish, snakes, or frogs may be seen. The pond is one section of the park not
covered by trees, so sunny days are even more pleasant there. No fishing or
swimming is allowed, just careful observation.
Charleston Falls Preserve also has picnic tables and full
service restrooms adjacent to the parking lot. As with all the Miami County
Parks, the preserve is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Helpful signs at the park
entrance alert visitors to the official closing times each day. Other handy
signs are also posted throughout the park to remind visitors about safety and
to also give directions.
Plan a visit to Charleston Falls or any of the Miami County
Parks by visiting the website at http://www.miamicountyparks.com/
.
The stream running away from the falls is quite picturesque. |
Wintertime visitors might get lucky enough to see this! |