Hike to Horseshoe Falls
Waynesville, Ohio
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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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.
4.0
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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
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