Winding Along the Boardwalk to Hayden Falls in Dublin, Ohio

 

Morning Wander to Hayden Falls Near Columbus, Ohio

Hayden Falls captivated us as it rolled over craggy rock. The stunning cascade falls in a bit of a wedge of a preserve along the Scioto River in Dublin, Ohio. When we first parked in a tiny, unassuming lot, we had little concept of how magnificent Hayden Falls is. Just wow!

Hayden Falls gracefully tumbles into the pool below.

Descending Into The Gorge

Upon parking, we descended the stairs and wound through a striking gorge along a boardwalk. The gorge parallels a suburban road, so we felt totally transported to a magical place. Such an incredible landscape in an unexpected spot!

Layered rock and caves captivate at Hayden Falls Park.

Despite being only 2 acres, the preserve truly awes. The cliff environment welcomes endangered plants and crafts surroundings full of a variety of textures and shapes. The entire preserve is quite an intriguing nature quilt.

The cliff environment at Hayden Falls welcomes a number of unique plants
including some that are endangered.

Viewing Hayden Falls

The walk along the boardwalk to Hayden Falls is pretty short. However, views are spectacular. Hayden Falls itself is a 35-foot waterfall. Flow of the waterfall fluctuates seasonally and with rainfall. So, every time you see the falls it may be different!

While we reveled in experiencing Hayden Falls during our early spring visit, we would love to admire the landscape during the summer when the foliage is denser. We entirely enjoyed the scenery during our visit -- stubborn mosses and ferns -- roots stretching fingers about the jagged rock surface.

Admiring Hayden Falls in early spring!

Hayden Falls is one of several waterfalls near Columbus, Ohio including Indian Run Falls and Milliken Falls. Our trip to Columbus was pretty quick, so we were only able to visit Hayden Falls and Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. However, we now have a wonderful list of nature adventures for our return visit!