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12
Natural Wonders You Need to See Around Cincinnati
Powerful yet serene, waterfalls are the masterworks in Mother Nature's portfolio. Dramatic shots of waterfalls are often featured as highlights on travel and nature shows, giving them an exotic appeal. But you may be surprised to learn there are a number of breathtaking waterfalls on display within a two-hour drive from Cincinnati.
With summer on the way, it's the perfect time to plan some exciting day trips. Add these locations around Cincinnati to your list and prepare for some great waterfall viewing.
Sharon Woods
11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
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The natural delights of Sharon Woods are so spectacular that you'll find it hard to believe you're only 20 minutes outside of Cincinnati. As the oldest of the Great Parks of Hamilton County, Sharon Woods features not one but three waterfalls, including Buckeye Falls and the Lower Falls. See all three along the Gorge trail, which is less than a mile long with low difficulty. Park admission is free, but there is a $3 parking fee for Hamilton County residents. Sharon Woods is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Ludlow Falls
110 Covington Ave., Ludlow Falls, OH 45339
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Many waterfalls are found in parks or nature reserves, but Ludlow Falls is part of a picturesque rural landscape in the small town with the same name. Just over an hour's drive from Cincinnati, the waterfall is under a bridge right by the post office, so it can go unnoticed by travelers. Follow the path from the nearby park for best access. With a 15-foot drop, Ludlow Falls is definitely a hidden gem in the area.
Hayden Falls
4326 Hayden Run Rd., Dublin, OH 43017
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Hayden Falls sits slightly north of Columbus, approximately two hours away from Cincinnati, and it's definitely worth a road trip. A boardwalk and overlook, with the backdrop of the 35-foot waterfall, allows for scenic photo opportunities. The gorge habitat, with its array of rare and endangered plants, completes the picture. Hayden Falls is open 24/7, with convenient onsite parking.
Indian Run Falls
700 Shawan Falls Dr., Dublin, OH 43017
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If you're heading out to Hayden Falls, double your fun with a stop-off at Indian Run Falls. Today the falls are mere minutes from downtown Dublin, but at one time the area was home to members of the Wyandot tribe, which is how the site got its name. Indian Run is actually two waterfalls, on the main and upper levels, which are traversed by a bridge. The City of Dublin has also added trails and observation decks to enhance visitors' experience. Hours are dawn to dusk, seven days a week.
Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area
9140 Covington-Gettysburg Rd., Covington, OH 45318
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Less than 90 minutes from Cincinnati, just past Dayton, you'll find the 92-acre Greenville Falls State Scenic Area. A network of trails leads visitors past historic features along the river, with interpretive signs explaining the significance of each one. The visual centerpiece is the 20-foot waterfall, where you may catch sight of wildlife populating the grounds. Water also left its mark forming a natural limestone arch along the river. Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area is open year-round from 8 a.m. - sunset.
Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve
2381 State Route 343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
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Between Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve and adjacent John Bryan State Park, considered by many visitors to be the most beautiful state park in western Ohio, the village of Clifton is home to a number of natural delights. A series of waterfalls in the preserve, including Amphitheatre Falls, is formed by the Little Miami River passing through a 40-foot deep limestone gorge. After your visit, make a quick side trip to Clifton Mill, the largest of 47 remaining grist mills in the United States. A pair of man-made waterfalls tumble alongside the quaint building, presenting a charming picture of nostalgic Americana.
Fallsville Falls Wildlife Area
10211 Careytown Rd., New Vienna, OH 45159
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The alliterative and slightly redundant name of Fallsville Falls Wildlife Area is a throwback to a town from the past that no longer exists. Now this area, about an hour from Cincinnati, is known for the 15-foot waterfall that cascades stairstep-style in a small wooded gorge. As you enter the area via the gravel road leading from the parking lot, you'll hear the waterfall before you see it. Fallsville Falls is open 24//7 all year long.
Clifty Falls State Park
1501 Green Rd., Madison, IN 47250
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Head over to neighboring Indiana, roughly an hour and 20 minutes away, and take in the quartet of waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park. Big Clifty, Little Clifty, Tunnel Falls, and Hoffman Falls fluctuate with the weather and seasons, presenting an ever-changing display inviting multiple visits. Pick up a map at the Nature Center and take pictures of seven waypoints to complete the Four Falls Challenge. Park entrance fee for out-of-state vehicles is $9. Summer hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily.
Go With the Flow
Which waterfalls around Cincinnati will you be chasing this year?
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