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Hike to Horseshoe Falls

Waynesville, Ohio

4.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

2.2 miles

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Elyse Clark

This short hike provides views of a lake, the chance to cross a neat suspension bridge, and a view of a small waterfall.

Starting from the Flat Fork Ridge Recreation Area parking lot near the dam in Caesar Creek State Park, take the trail to the right of the parking lot if you're looking towards the lake. You will hike through the woods for a short period, then emerge onto the emergency spillway from the dam which impounds the lake.  At the emergency spillway you can look for fossils (https://www.theoutbound.com/oh...) if you have a permit to do so. 

Continuing on the trail, when leaving the spillway the trail will split into two trails. One goes up the hill away from the lake, and one goes down the hill towards the lake. You can take either trail here as they converge in ~0.1 miles. 

This flat hike through the woods will lead you to an overlook of Horseshoe Falls from atop a sandstone cliff. Continuing on the trail further, you will descend a hill and cross over the creek on a suspension bridge. When the trail next splits, stay to the left by the creek to view Horseshoe Falls from below. The waterfall can have little to no water in the dry months, so try to time your visit either after a rainfall or during wetter seasons (winter). 

Once finished at the falls, retrace your steps across the suspension bridge and over the emergency spillway to the Flat Fork Ridge parking area. At this parking area there is also a nice overlook of the lake. 

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

In my opinion, this is one of those cases where the hike far surpasses the destination. It was really cool to hike along the lake and then the stream, constantly dipping and climbing elevation. Not to mention the awesome suspension bridge towards the end! The falls, however, were pretty unsubstantial with barely a trickle of water falling. I'd recommend coming right after a heavy rain, sure there may be mud patches on the trail but at least you'll see the falls in its glory.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Fossil Hunt at Caesar Creek

Camp at Morgan's Riverside Campground

Hike at Bill Yeck Park

Trail Run at Sweet Arrow Reserve

Take a Stroll around the Pond at Delco Park

Disc Golf at Sol Arnovitz Park