Hike to Cedar Cliff Falls
Cedarville, Ohio
Details
Distance
2.6 miles
Elevation Gain
250 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Dan Barr
Previously home to two different grist mill operations, Cedar Cliff Falls isn't a natural waterfall, but the result of a man-made 20-ft tall dam on Massie Creek. However, the falls themselves aren't the only feature worthy of your time.
Starting from the Indian Mound Reserve parking lot, follow the private drive back until the signs indicate to follow the trail through the woods to the right, about 1/4 mile. Make sure you stay right of the painted yellow line on the road, trespassers on the private land surrounding the park are not tolerated.
From there, the trail winds for 1/3 of a mile until the trail forks into two distinct paths, both of which lead to Cedar Cliff Falls; take the right trail named the Lower Gorge Trail. This trail follows the base of the cliffs that form the gorge Massie Creek has carved, and they are spectacular. Within 0.2 of a mile you'll pass under a massive cliff overhang roughly 30 ft tall with beautiful scenery along the river.
At the end of the Lower Gorge Trail, follow the stairs up to the top of the gorge, take a right, and follow the Upper Gorge Trail for another 0.4 miles until you reach a bridge that crosses over the gorge. You can cross the bridge to get some great shots of Cedar Cliff Falls upstream, but otherwise stay on the left side of the gorge for about 500 ft until you come to an observation platform to view the falls.
Once you've gotten your photos of the falls, return back to the parking lot via the same way you came for a 2.6 mile roundtrip hike.
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Reviews
I have visited this waterfall in all 4 seasons and it is always beautiful and worth the trip! They recently added walkways on both sides of the falls and even a picnic area that offers a great view! The surrounding trails are pretty and not too difficult if you are looking for an easy and rewarding hike. There are two great coffee shops, Beans & Cream and Telemetry within a mile of the falls that make a great pre- or post- hike snack as well!
5.0
Indian Mound Reserve is a fantastic park! I parked near the Mound itself and hiked to Cedar Cliff Falls. It was a great hike through a gorge that ended at the falls.
5.0
This is what I see as a Sunday hike; it is a nice stroll with some good scenery, and it is not too challenging. I've explored each of the trails in this area in a short afternoon. I recommend also checking out and climbing up the Indian Mound about a mile or two (max) down the trail from the waterfall. Alternatively, you can park down the road at the refurbished log cabin and walk about a half mile to the mound. EDIT: The area around the waterfall was completely redone and now looks better than ever! You can see the falls much better, and now from both sides of the gorge.
4.0
Completely worth the trip. Less than 30min from the highway, but you feel like you are completely away from civilization.
5.0
It has a good hiking trial and the beautiful waterfall.
5.0
The scenery here was unexpectedly beautiful, especially as you're walking under the cliff overhang right beside the river/stream. Although I'm not a fan of man-made waterfalls, Cedar Cliff Falls was still a nice reward at the end of the hike. It is also worth the (very short) side trip to check out the Indian Mound as well.
4.0
Nice waterfall and river to follow on this short hike. If you explore a little off the trail you can find some rock formations that are fun to explore.
4.0
Leave No Trace
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Hike the Gorge Trail at Indian Mounds
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Visit the Tecumseh Sunflower Field
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