Poeaxtry's Prism

Spell. Stone. & Sparks that Ignite Change

Tag: ohio waterfalls

  • Piatt Gorge and Raven Rocks: Waterfalls and Heart Rocks

    Piatt Gorge and Raven Rocks: Waterfalls and Heart Rocks

    Axton in a black hat, black jacket, and jeans with his dog in front of a waterfall
    Luna and I at Piatt park

    Today’s hike didn’t go how Cyble and I had envisioned it. Yet, unlike normally when the destination changes and everything’s worse tbis ended up better than I ever expected. I woke up thinking Morgantown was the same distance from Newark as Wheeling and that was a dumbass mistake. Yet, sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. Instead of heading straight to Cooper’s Rock near Morgantown, West Virginia, Cyble and I took a detour that turned into one of the most beautiful, muddy, quiet, awe-inspiring hikes I’ve done in Ohio.

    We drove from Newark to Cambridge, Ohio, and ended up at Piatt Gorge in Woodsfield. From there we went on to Raven Rocks, about 19 miles away in southern Belmont County, and spent the whole day chasing waterfalls, heart rocks, caves, creek crossings, laughs, slips, and exactly zero people.

    Axton in a black hat, black jacket , and jeans sitting on a large rock

    Piatt Gorge: Caves, Waterfalls, and Heart Rocks

    Piatt Gorge was incredible. The trail loops through rich hardwood forest, switchbacks, and rock shelves. We took the west side trail through a massive cave-like passage that opens up into a waterfall. Waterfalls were everywhere: some roaring, some trickling, some dry even though it was raining. Every waterfall was perfect for photos, and some spots looked swimmable, though I didn’t see any signs saying you could or couldn’t.

    Two falls flowing into eachother at Piatt park
    Double falls at Piatt park

    I had both Luna and Cyble with me and they got all the views, all the rocks, all the laughs. I fell twice, didn’t get hurt, and got some hilarious photos. At one point I collected two heart rocks at the same spot and gave them to Cyble for her and her boyfriend Hunter. I brought home twenty-four little heart rocks, I photographed one huge heart rock big enough for five people to sit on, another large one under a waterfall that I left because it was too poetic, two orange slabs with red and black stripes, two cool conglomerates, and some other orangey stones I liked. Six of these went straight onto my altar.

    Photo from inside cave at Piatt park
    Inside a cave at Piatt park

    The trail was wet and muddy with a few creek crossings. It’s kid- and dog-friendly, but some cliffy sections will pose situations where help for kids and others may be needed. Benches are scattered along the path, but it’s not ADA accessible. Shoes that can handle mud are a must.

    Another fall at Piatt park
    Another fall at Piatt Park

    Planning a day trip from Newark, to Cambridge, or nearby Ohio towns? Piatt Gorge is perfect for waterfalls, caves, and heart rocks. Grab a friend, your dog, a camera, and some waterproof shoes. You’ll want to take your time and explore the cave and waterfall sections.

    What’s your favorite Ohio cliff or fall?

    Tell us in the comments!

    Raven Rocks: Cliffs, New Signs, and Quiet Trails

    Cliff waterfalls at ravens rocks in Ohio
    Cliff falls at raven rocks preserve

    Next, we went to Raven Rocks nature preserve in Beallsville, Ohio, which is open to the public but privately owned. The 0.4-mile loop at the trailhead drops into ravines with sandstone cliffs and small waterfalls. There are new wooden steps replacing the old ones and trail signs now that weren’t there last time I visited. The place was quiet with no one else around, giving a sense of being completely immersed in nature.

    Raven rocks scenery photo with streams and fall leaves
    Scenery photo at Ravens rocks

    Trails were wet and muddy, with some creek crossings and cliffy areas that need attention if you’re bringing kids. Dogs are allowed and Luna’s energy made the hike even better. We picked up some garbage in the parking lot and carried it to the bins. Please remember to respect the trails.

    Cooper’s Rock: The Classic Dream

    Though we didn’t make it there today, Cooper’s Rock near Morgantown, WV, still calls to me. It has miles of trails, overlooks of the Cheat River Canyon, and rock formations that make for epic hiking and photography. After today, I’m even more excited to return.

    Trail Notes and Tips

    Trails in these locations are muddy and slick after rain, so wear shoes you don’t care about. Creek crossings are simple but need attention. Kid- and dog-friendly doesn’t mean easy, cliff areas need supervision. Pack out trash and respect private property. Every fall, every splash, every heart rock, and every waterfall is part of the experience.

    So tell me what do you collect on your trail adventures?

    Axton holdings up a nice sized heart shaped rock with a treeline view behind it
    Heart shaped rocks call to me

    Today’s hike exceeded expectations. Piatt Gorge and Raven Rocks are beautiful, challenging, and unforgettable. Share this with someone you want to explore these trails with. You’ll get laughs, muddy shoes, incredible photos, and the quiet magic that only hidden Ohio trails can offer.

    Two other epic Ohio hikes: Hike hike

    Poeaxtry links

  • Honey Run Waterfall Hike & Ledges Adventure

    Honey Run Waterfall Hike & Ledges Adventure

    A Sunny Afternoon at Honey Run Waterfall

    This past Tuesday, Luna and I set off for an afternoon hike at Honey Run Waterfall in Knox County, Ohio. We left Licking County around 3 p.m. The sun still high and the temperature sitting comfortably in the low 80s. Pretty perfect hiking weather if you ask me.

    The short trail leading to the falls is shaded and inviting, opening up to the sound of rushing water and sunlight glittering off the rocks. Luna wasted no time running straight into the pool beneath the falls. Of course, I followed her in. The water was cool and clear, a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the day.

    Discovering the Ledges

    After drying off a bit, we continued on the trail that follows the Kokosing River. That is when I found out there were ledges. I had no idea they existed here. Luna and I have been here a few times before. I just have really bad special awareness. Anyway… The rock formations stretched along the riverbank, carved out by years of water and weather. We climbed up and around, exploring ledges and paths that weren’t to hard for Luna. I was soaking in views that felt almost misplaced.

    There’s something about a place like Honey Run. Sure, it is small. Yet somehow it is still full of quiet beauty. Between the falls, the sunlight, and Luna’s joy bouncing from rock to rock. This was one of those hikes that reminds you why getting outside matters.

    Hike Notes

    📍Location: Honey Run Waterfall Park, Knox County, Ohio

    👣Trail Length: Around 1 mile total (moderate terrain)

    🔆Highlights: Waterfall, ledges, Kokosing River views

    🐶Dog Friendly: Yes (leash required)

    🕰️Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall

    Photo album Portfolio Links

  • A Perfect Day of Falls, Fossils, and Fun: Yellow Springs to Caesar Creek Adventure

    A Perfect Day of Falls, Fossils, and Fun: Yellow Springs to Caesar Creek Adventure

    Sometimes the best hiking days aren’t about conquering peaks, they’re about good company, unexpected discoveries, and those little moments that make you remember why you love being outdoors.

    The Squad: Four Legs, Little Hands, and Big Adventures


    Wednesday’s hiking crew was pretty special. My friend finally took the wheel for once (hallelujah!), bringing along her kiddo who’s quickly becoming our favorite trail buddy. My four-legged co-pilot was practically vibrating with excitement in the backseat! I know you know that dog energy when they sense an adventure is coming. There’s something magical about multi-generational hiking days where everyone brings their own sense of wonder to the trail.


    Stop One: Amphitheater Falls Loop Trail, Yellow Springs (3.5 Miles of Pure Ohio Magic):

    Amphitheater Falls, Yellowsprings Ohio all dried up rock head and a rainbow without rain
    Amphitheater Falls & A rainbow


    The Vibe: Yellow Springs never disappoints. This 3.5-mile loop had everything we were craving – that perfect mix of forest therapy and water features that makes Ohio hiking so underrated.


    The Highlights:
    • Multiple waterfall encounters (because who doesn’t love the sound of rushing water?)


    • Stream crossings that had my dog absolutely losing her mind with joy
    • Creek walking opportunities that the kiddo couldn’t resist

    Brown and earth toned river rocks in the creek bed.
    The creek crossing where Luna lost her mind!


    • That satisfying loop format – no backtracking, just pure forward momentum toward the Little Miami River.
    The Amphitheater Falls area is one of those spots that makes you pause and actually listen. Water cascading over limestone ledges, kids laughing as they hop from rock to rock, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot. My friend and I found ourselves in that perfect hiking rhythm : no need for deep conversation just silence punctuated by “Look at that!” moments.


    Trail Notes: The path winds through some gorgeous creek beds, and we definitely took advantage of the water features. Fair warning: shoes will get wet, and honestly, that’s half the fun.

    wooden walking bridge over river with Forrest view of green trees
    Bridge over Little Miami river


    Stop Two: Caesar Creek State Park – Fossil Hunting & Waterfall Chasing:

    Fossil collection area view of ancient sea bed and cliffs
    Little Caesar Creek State Park Fossil area!


    The Setup: About 45 minutes down the road from Yellow Springs lies Caesar Creek State Park, and let me tell you: this place is fossil hunter’s paradise. We added another 2 miles to our day, chasing down a waterfall that shall remain nameless (because honestly, i do not remember the name and it was bone dry anyway).


    The Real Magic: Here’s where the day got interesting. While the waterfall was more of a “seasonal suggestion,” the fossil hunting was absolutely incredible. The creek bed was like nature’s treasure chest: everywhere you looked, there were remnants of Ohio’s ancient sea just waiting to be discovered.


    The Soundtrack: Could definitely hear some activity in the creek bed from other fossil enthusiasts making the most of the low water levels. There’s something so primal about hunting for 450-million-year-old treasures with your hands in the dirt. The kiddo was absolutely in her element, having no issue filling up my pockets with “specimens.”


    Why This Day Worked:


    Variety is the Spice: Two completely different experiences in one day trip. Waterfalls and forest therapy in Yellow Springs, then switching gears to become amateur paleontologists at Caesar Creek.


    The Company Factor: Sometimes the trail is secondary to who you’re sharing it with. Watching a kid discover a fossil, seeing my dog’s pure joy at every stream crossing, having a friend who finally volunteered to drive: these are the details that turn a good hike into a great memory.


    Ohio’s Hidden Gems: Both spots remind you that you don’t need to travel far for incredible outdoor experiences. Yellow Springs and Caesar Creek are perfect examples of Ohio’s understated natural beauty.


    Planning Your Own Yellow Springs to Caesar Creek Adventure:


    Distance: Expect about 5.5 total miles of hiking if you do both locations and only if you just do the trails we did.


    Drive Time: 45 minutes between locations


    Best For: Friend groups, dog owners, water lovers, and amateur geologists


    Season Notes: Spring and fall offer the best waterfall action; late summer/early fall is prime fossil hunting season when water levels are lower.


    Pack: Water shoes or boots you don’t mind getting muddy, fossil collection bags, snacks for energy between locations, and a sense of adventure.

    The Bottom Line:


    Some hiking days are about personal records and summit selfies. Others are about slowing down, collecting ancient treasures, and remembering that the best adventures often happen close to home with some of your favorite people (and pups).

    Yellow Springs to Caesar Creek delivered exactly what we didn’t know we needed :

    variety, discovery, and those simple moments that make you grateful to live in a state with this much natural beauty hiding in plain sight.


    What’s your favorite Ohio hiking combo? Drop a comment below. I am always looking for our next local adventure!

    Links portfolio coffee

  • Waterfall Loop Road Trip from Newark to Cleveland | Dog-Friendly Easy Hikes & Scenic Stops

    Waterfall Loop Road Trip from Newark to Cleveland | Dog-Friendly Easy Hikes & Scenic Stops

    We Love Waterfalls

    Do it before us. Do it with us. Do it after us.

    Let me explain what this is.

    Actually, no. Let me explain how I got here first:

    I just came off a 12-hour shift.

    Got my shoe peed in while giving a shower 2 hours exactly before clock out time.

    Had to finish my shift with pee sock, pee leg, pee vibes.

    Drove my bestie and coworker 35 minutes in the opposite direction so she could start her vacation. Since she worked last night for me.

    Dropped off another one a mile from my house.

    And I still had to go feed 4 cats, one dog, and the neighbor, coworker, and or buddies cats before I even changed clothes.

    And yet?

    I’m still about to chase waterfalls.

    Why?

    Because this week is STNA Week, and I’m an STNA.

    Because I’m a caregiver, a poet, a creator, a walking paradox of exhaustion and excitement.

    Because I owe this moment, this daylight treasure hunt of stops to myself.

    This is the Loop-de-Loop of Watersong:

    A full-day road trip from Newark to Cleveland and back, with:

    Waterfalls 🌊 Forests 🌳 Overlooks ⛰️ Trails under 1 mile 🥾 Dog-friendly stops 🐾 And photo ops so good they might just heal something you forgot was broken.

    📍What You’re About to See

    This is a build-your-own experience. You can:

    Start closest to your house Do just a few or go full loop Spread it out over two days or crush it in one maybe just save it for a better time or send to a friend who’d love it.

    This is the fastest and softest way to refill your soul when you only get two days off work, you write to survive, and you hike to breathe.

    And you work to fulfill the capitalist agenda

    📲 Click the Map & Follow the Route

    This is the route I’m taking.

    Do it before me. Do it with me. Do it after me.

    🌐 Click here to open the full route in MapHub

    (Replace with your final My Maps link)

    ⚡ What’s Coming Next

    This is just part one a pre-trip drop.

    Coming soon:

    📸 Photo posts

    📖 Part 2: the full trip journal

    🌀 Maybe even more than one post, depending how wild it gets

    Because sometimes the only way to reclaim your time, your rest, your art, and your energy…

    is to take it back one stop at a time.

    What Really went this down on this waterfall “loop” links