March 18, 2004

EARLY SPRING A GREAT TIME TO SEE WATERFALLS
IN OHIO STATE PARKS AND NATURE PRESERVES

Big Lyons Falls

Greenville Falls

Cedar Falls

COLUMBUS, OH - It's the time of year when Ohio waterfalls are in their glory, providing beautiful displays as ice melts and rivers and creeks begin to rush with water. View stunning waterfalls as they flow through gorges, tumble from dramatic cliffs or cascade over the mouth of a cave in Ohio's state parks and nature preserves.

Some waterfalls glide slowly over rocks or come from free-flowing streams, while others are springs that gush through the pores in solid rock. No matter their source, the intriguing beauty of Ohio's many waterfalls add to the state's already spectacular spring landscape. To see some of Ohio's greatest waterfalls, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recommends visiting the following Ohio state parks and nature preserves in coming weeks:

MOHICAN STATE PARK AND FOREST (Richland County) - The Upper and Lower Lyon's Falls are an impressive sight this time of year. The Upper Lyon's Falls tumbles nearly 40 feet over the open mouth of Lyon's Cave, while the Lower Lyon's Falls takes a 30-foot tumble through the Clear Fork River gorge. Both falls can be found by following the Lyon's Falls trail along the gorge.

NELSON-KENNEDY LEDGES STATE PARK (Portage County) - Although a small park, Nelson-Kennedy provides a thrilling experience to visitors with its rugged cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. Cascade Falls plunge 60 feet over the rock face, while Minnehaha Falls slip through a crevice down 25 feet to a rock ledge, before tumbling down another 20 feet into a splash pool.

CLIFTON GORGE STATE NATURE PRESERVE (Greene County) - A scenic trail takes visitors alongside beautiful waterfalls and rapids found on the headwaters of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River. The preserve encompasses a two-mile stretch of the Little Miami, which cuts through a glacially carved canyon.

CAESAR CREEK STATE PARK (Greene County) - The Flat Fork Creek and dramatic gorge here are highlighted by Horseshoe Falls, more spectacular now than any other time of the year. Located off an unnamed trail less than a mile from the Wellman Meadows boat ramp, the U-shaped falls span about 60 feet and drop about 8 feet. The falls are best observed from the perimeter trail at the south part of the lake.

GREENVILLE FALLS STATE SCENIC RIVER AREA (Miami County) Greenville Falls is a fan-like waterfall spanning the width of the state scenic river and spilling down about 25 feet. The falls are surrounded by a beautiful glacially cut gorge with a rock arch and impressive cliffs, all of which can be observed from a scenic trail loop and overlook platform. This site is managed by the Miami County Park District.

HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK (Hocking County) Cedar Falls is the most popular waterfall in the state and among Ohio's most beautiful with its unique 50-foot horseshoe-shaped cascade over the sculpted Black Hand sandstone. It is just one of several stunning waterfalls in the Hocking Hills region, including falls at Conkle's Hollow, Old Man's Cave, and Ash Cave.

See more Ohio falls pictures.

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For Further Information Contact:
Andrea Misko, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882