Step into history at Indian Mound Reserve in Cedarville, Ohio – ancient mounds, scenic trails, and a beautiful waterfall await!
We spent a morning hiking and exploring Indian Mound Reserve in Cedarville, Ohio. What a great park! We were drawn to the park by the waterfall, but also discovered a few other points of interest you won’t want to miss when you visit!
Three parks make up Indian Mound Reserve: Peterson Park, Williamson Mound and Cedar Cliff Falls. They are all connected by hiking trails and you can also drive to each entrance to access each park.
Indian Mound Reserve is definitely a hidden gem in Ohio! I’ve lived in Central Ohio for over 15 years and only recently found out about this park in Greene County! Read on to find out 3 things that are not to be missed at Indian Mound Reserve!
1. Cedar Cliff Falls at Indian Mound Reserve
- Park Entrance: Cedar Cliff Falls
- Trail Name: Falls Trail
- Address: 2750 US 42, Cedarville, OH 45314
Let’s just start by saying, “wow!” This waterfall was a surprise! I had no idea a waterfall of this size was this close to Columbus! Greene County Parks and Trails has done a great job of making this waterfall accessible and easy to see by building an overlook over the falls.
It’s just a short walk to the waterfall from the parking lot at the Cedar Cliff Falls area. There are a couple of overlooks from which to view the falls, and a bridge that takes you across Massies Creek where this waterfall is located.
Also, in the Cedar Cliff Falls area of the park, there is a large, covered pavilion where we had a picnic lunch. There are also restrooms at this location. The toilets are basically upgraded port-a-potties in a permanent structure.
The whole area is very pretty and peaceful! I think Cedar Cliff Falls are now one of my favorite waterfalls in Ohio! It’s definitely worth the 55 minute drive from Columbus just to view the waterfall! But read on to see what else there is to see when you’re there!
2. The Log House at Williamson Lane
- Park Entrance: Williamson Lane
- Trail Name: Peterson Trail
- Address: 2651 US 42, Cedarville, OH 45314
Next after visiting the falls, we drove over to the Williamson Lane entrance of the park.
The Log House from the 1800’s has been restored. It’s a unique sight to see in Indian Mound Reserve. There are some picnic tables outside of the Log House where you could have a picnic lunch. The Log House is used for educational activities and special events.
It wasn’t open when we visited, but when we looked inside the windows, we could see tools and toys from the time period.
3. Williamson Mound on Mound Trail
- Park Entrance: Williamson Lane
- Trail Name: Mound Trail
- Address: 2651 US 42, Cedarville, OH 45314
There are 8 hiking trails in Indian Mound Reserve and we chose one trail to walk in the park. That trail was the Mound Trail. The Mound Trail is a little over a mile in and out. We knew that it lead to a burial mound but we had no idea what to expect!
Towards the end of the trail, when you get closer to the mound, it is a steep uphill climb. And then, when you get to the mound, a tall set of stairs will take you to the top! That was a fun surprise and a challenging trek!
A sign in the park told us that this is a typical Adena Mound built for either burial or lookouts. The time frame in which the mound was built is estimated to be 500 B.C. to 100 A.D.. The mound is 30 feet high and 140 feet in diameter.
You can access the Mound Trail at the same entrance as the Log House which made it convenient to see both sights! Check the map of the park before visiting to get your bearings!
At Indian Mound Reserve in Cedarville, Ohio, you can explore ancient burial mounds, hike scenic trails, and stand over an impressive waterfall! It’s a perfect destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.
When you’re in the area, you might want to check out some of these fun things to do in Greene County! Follow us on Instagram for more Ohio fun!
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