
Fall is a wonderful time of the year in Ohio. The cool autumn breeze, the spooky arrival of Halloween festivities, and the many community festivals make this our favorite season for living in Ohio. Of course, you can't mention fall in Ohio without noting the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves.
15610 Vaughn Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
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Residents of Akron and Cleveland will agree that a trip to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park does wonders for the soul. A great place to reconnect with nature, there's so much to see and do in this national park that it's not surprising that it draws visitors from near and far each year. During the autumn, the Cuyahoga River weaves its way through rolling hills, farmland, and forests, glistening brightly as it collects falling leaves from the changing trees. With more than 125 miles of trail to hike, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a must-visit in autumn for anyone who loves to embrace the season's beauty.
Center Rd., Garrettsville, OH 44231
A few miles southeast of Cleveland is the Eagles Creek Nature Preserve which is full of Northeast Ohio's wonderfully diverse plants and animals. The landscape varies from marshes and swamps to woodlands and forests, offering a truly exceptional view into the many habitats that house such interesting biodiversity. Manageable trails lead you into this underrated gem, providing you with privacy and peace while you gaze at mix of yellows, reds, oranges, and browns that paint a stunning portrait.
12021 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, OH 43920
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Do you want a little outdoor adventure to mix in with your sightseeing? Then head to Beaver Creek State Park to watch the leaves change as you cruise down the Little Beaver Creek on a canoe. If you'd rather stay on land, you can hike the many trails on foot, atop a mountain bike, or on horseback. Whichever you choose, make sure you bring your camera to photograph the dazzling colors of this rugged landscape.
16396 Tar Hollow Rd., Laurelville, OH 43135
Immerse yourself in the dense woodlands and deep ravines of Tar Hollow State Park as you get lost in the beauty of the Appalachian Plateau. A walk through Tar Hollow State Park will make you feel like you're in the wilderness worlds away from Columbus. Turkeys, turtles, skinks, snakes, and more call this area of Ohio home. A stroll through Tar Hollow's 604-acres offers a great way to see the changing of the leaves, only rivaled by the beautiful colors that spring back to life once winter ends.
400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Downtown Columbus may be a bustling cityscape, but the Scioto Audubon Metro Park offers an opportunity to get back in touch with nature just a few blocks from the skyscrapers. The park covers 120-acres of previously industrial land, now refreshed as a thriving oasis where wildlife flourishes. The views along the Scioto River, chirping of the birds, and miles of multi-use trails are ideal for working professionals who only have a small period of time to escape from the daily grind. Because it's so close to home, you can visit every weekend and watch as the landscape changes from green to bright reds.
834 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys, OH 45885
Where better to see the leaves change than from the water? The popular boating destination of Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is a beachside paradise where you can relax on or offshore and watch the trees transform around you. We think that this state park is a wonderful place to take the kids for an overnight stay, as fishing, hiking, hunting, and boating opportunities sit alongside volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, basketball courts, and an off-leash dog park.
4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663
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Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Shawnee State Forest is a breathtaking place to become one with nature. Totaling 1100-acres of the 63,000-acre forest, Shawnee State Park is a fantastic place for a weekend getaway with the family. This state park is a popular place to hunt, fish, boat, and hike, offering you the opportunity to take in the changing of the leaves on the banks of the Ohio River. The Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center is within the forest, making it a perfect location to enjoy unspoiled nature during the day before returning to cozy creature comforts at night.
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
You don't have to leave Cincinnati's city limits to enjoy a getaway in nature. Mt. Airy Forest was one of the earliest urban reforestation projects in the country and now provides nearly 1500-acres of multi-use space for hiking, biking, picnicking, and more. Mt. Airy's accessibility isn't limited to its proximity to the city. The forest has an enclosed dog park for hikers to let their pets run free and also houses the state's sole public treehouse that is accessible for those using a wheelchair.
144 Lake Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601
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Equal distance between Cincinnati and Columbus, Scioto Trail State Park is a fantastic destination to watch the leaves change this autumn. This park is within the 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest but only encompasses 218-acres, making it an easy state park to tackle in a single trip. Bordering the Scioto River, this area offers amazing views of the Scioto River Valley. Bring a fishing rod to cast a line in the river or pack up the camping gear and spend an early-fall evening enjoying the quiet swaying of the trees.
Where is your favorite spot around Ohio to see the leaves change?

We love our pawpaws here in Cincinnati. Farmers sell them at local markets. Clever cooks make pawpaw chutney and jam. Local craft brewers even make small-batch pawpaw beers when the fruit is in season. It's a unique fruit, with a creamy avocado-like texture and a flavor that some describe as a cross between mango and banana. But if you're not from Ohio or Kentucky, there's a good chance you've never heard of one of America's most abundant native fruits.
That's probably because of their brief season, short shelf life, and readiness to bruise make them all but impossible to ship outside their native region. But if you live in Cincinnati, there's a good chance you have pawpaws growing right in your own backyard. Keep an eye out for pawpaw trees at these beautiful Cincy area parks this fall.
3012 Section Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45237
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Once the vast estate of Herbert Greer French, the land now known as French Park has been a popular hiking spot in Cincinnati for the better part of a century. In addition to the park's handsome brick manor, the park includes 275 acres of woods, wetlands, and meadows with a lovely 2.9-mile loop trail. The terrain is moderately hilly, and pawpaw trees are fairly common understory plants along the trail. Watch for the trees' distinctive large, oblong leaves, and for the fruit itself, which is green, kidney-shaped, and grows in clusters.
11450 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
A beautiful 730-acre park just 25 minutes from the heart of Cincinnati, Sharon Woods is a popular spot for hiking and birdwatching. The park also includes a small lake that offers great fishing and kayaking opportunities. Keep an eye out for pawpaw trees along the lakeshore as you paddle around! They love to grow in wet, low-lying areas. Sharon Woods is home to several beautiful hiking trails as well, including a 2.6-mile paved pathway that encircles the lake. Pawpaws have also been seen growing along the 0.7-mile Gorge Trail.
2008 Lawrenceburg, North Bend, OH 45052
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Tucked away in Ohio's southwestern-most corner, Shawnee Lookout offers rich history and splendid scenery. The park overlooks the Ohio River and Great Miami River valleys, with some truly exceptional views, especially as the leaves begin to change in fall. Shawnee Lookout is most famous for its Native American earthworks and historic Springhouse School and Log Cabin, but also offers a wealth of peaceful hiking trails where you can often spot pawpaws in bloom. Keep an eye out for the fruit along the 1.4-mile Miami Fort Trail in particular.
5090 Observatory Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
Most Cincinnatians know Ault Park as the site of local events like the Concours d' Elegance Car Show and the city's annual 4th of July festivities. Although the spectacular open-air pavilion and gardens of Ault Park may be the most well-known features of this Cincinnati green space, there's more to explore when you go off the beaten path. The more secluded corners of Ault Park offers a maze of nature trails that traverse shady woods, hills, valleys, and streams. Pawpaws are a common sight along many of the trails, particularly low-lying areas along the Valley Trail and Brook Trail.
3251 Brookline Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45220
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Pawpaws grow profusely along the shady slopes of Burnet Woods, one of Cincy's most deeply forested parks. Located a stone's throw from the University of Cincinnati campus, Burnet Woods encompasses 90 acres of quiet woodlands that are popular among locals for bird watching and dog walking. It won't take you long to spot pawpaw trees along the park's shady hiking trails. They're especially common near the small lake at the heart of Burnet Woods, which is also a great spot for catch-and-release fishing if you're so inclined.
430 W North Bend Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45216
Caldwell Preserve, also known as the Caldwell Nature Center, is a great place to experience the landscape of Ohio as it may have looked before settlers arrived. A mix of old-growth forest and newer plantings, the preserve includes some dense stands of pawpaw trees, often shaded beneath a towering canopy of mature beech, walnut, and oaks. Keep an eye out for pawpaws as you hike the nature trail through the Mill Creek Valley.
4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150
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One of a handful of properties across Hamilton County that are collectively managed as the Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods spans over 1,000 acres just east of the city. It's a spectacular resource for nature lovers, including a 65-acre tract of old-growth forest and 14 miles of hiking trails that explore a wide range of habitats. The woods are popular among bird watchers and wildflower aficionados, and there are plenty of opportunities to see pawpaws here. Keep in mind that harvesting and foraging are not allowed; look but don't pick! Admission to Rowe Woods is free for Cincinnati Nature Center Members, and there is a small fee for non-members.
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
Spanning approximately 1,500 acres, Mt. Airy Park has the distinction of being Cincinnati's largest park. It's also one of the oldest urban reforestation parks in America and has been one of Cincinnati's most prized outdoor resources since 1911. The park includes many miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, all of which traverse an amazing diversity of habitats, from hardwood and conifer forests to meadows and wetlands. You can frequently spot pawpaws along the shady wooded slopes leading down to creek bottoms.
Pawpaws are ripe for only a brief time, so don't miss it! Here in the Cincinnati area, the fruit is usually in its prime in late September, though it can be a little different every year. If you find some in a park we forgot to mention, be sure to let us know in the comments section below!

Alas, summer is with us but a short time each year. Fortunately, Cutler Real Estate and LoLo share the gifts that keep on giving. Each month we team up to feature a selection of free offers spotlighting the wonderful assortment of goods and services available from local vendors in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Grab lunch or satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious treats on the list for August. Each offer is good for 60 days, so have fun exploring the great small businesses in our area.
708 S. Main St., North Canton, OH 44720
3769 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319
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Is there ever a bad time for ice cream? Indulge in your favorite flavor or sample a new one with a free scoop from Pav's Creamery.
Yes, there really was a "Pav." When Bill and Claire Micochero bought the business from founder Robert Pavlik, customers flocked to Pav's for the signature fried chicken and homemade custard. Bill and Claire later sold the business to their daughter Michelle, who remade Pav's into the Cadillac of ice cream shops. Specialties include ice cream sandwiches, custard cakes, and "adult" milkshakes. Visit the website to place carry-out orders for pints, cakes, ice cream sandwiches, and Pav's DIY Sundae Survival Pack.
North Canton: 330.472.3348
Daily Noon - 9 p.m.
Akron: 330.644.8524
Daily Noon - 9 p.m. (February through November)
4773 Glendale Milford Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242
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Writer Marie Williams Johnstone once said, "Cupcakes are sweet, and even sweeter when shared." Treat a friend or family member with two free cupcakes from Abby Girl Sweets.
Little girls and cupcakes are made from "sugar and spice and everything nice." Just ask Nathan and Andrea Thompson, who named their cupcake shop after their daughter, affectionately known as "Abby Girl." Every cupcake and cheesecake is made fresh from scratch, using high-quality ingredients such as pure cane sugar, sweet cream butter, and cocoa. Each week there is a new featured cupcake flavor to go along with the 18 daily options, including Carrot Spice and Cinnamon Bun. Four cheesecake flavors are offered in convenient cupcake-sized portions. Abby Girl has two other locations in downtown Cincinnati and Eastgate.
513.335.0898
Weekdays 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
3296 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
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Whether you're working, running errands, or wrangling kids, your days are spent on the go. Pick up a free sandwich or wrap from Corner Stone Deli & Cafe for a portable lunch that goes wherever you do.
"Fast food, but not junk food." That's the slogan of Corner Stone Deli & Cafe, a casual restaurant just minutes from the OSU campus serving food that's made-to-order from fresh ingredients. Corner Stone's truly eclectic menu includes an extensive selection of hot and cold sandwiches and wraps along with breakfast items, sushi, rice bowls, and seafood entrées. Vegetarians will appreciate options such as the Portobello melt and the Herbivore, a sandwich with tofu, sunflower seeds, onions, banana peppers, mixed greens, and hot sauce served on your choice of bread or bagel. Bubble tea with a cookie or brownie makes a nice mid-afternoon snack. Order online or use the handy app for carry-out or delivery.
614.267.3354
Daily 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Delivery 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
How do you get to participate in our LoLo Gifts program? Ask and you shall receive! Yes, it's just that easy. Simply contact your Cutler Real Estate agent to sign up, and each month you'll receive notification of the current offerings.
There's no charge to join the program, so what are you waiting for? Contact your Cutler Real Estate agent now!

Who's ready to get out of the house and get away for a weekend? These last few months have brought our families together closer than ever. Unfortunately, that also meant pretty close quarters at home. While many of our summer vacation plans may be postponed until next year, there's still plenty of time to make the most of a quick trip around the state. Load up the kids, pack a handful of snacks, and head to one of these destinations that are perfect for a family weekend getaway.
Distance From: Cleveland (85 miles) | Columbus (130 miles) | Cincinnati (235 miles)
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Looking to get away only to kick back and relax? Then stay put in Put-in-Bay! This island in Lake Erie is a fantastic play to have an enjoyable yet relaxed family vaca. You can either stay on the island itself or take the ferry back and forth to the mainland. Perry's Cave Family Fun Center is a must-do as it has everything imaginable: mini golf, rock climbing, a maze, and even gemstone mining. There are also tons of hiking trails, nature walks, and on-water activities to fill your getaway!
Distance from: Cleveland (20 miles) | Columbus (129 miles) | Cincinnati (235 miles)
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Super close to Akron, your visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park will make you feel worlds away from the city. This wonderful natural space is a great place to camp and get your family in touch with nature. Hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, canoeing, kayaking, and stargazing are just the tip of the iceberg! Bring a few coolers of food for unforgettable picnics or eat one of the restaurants just outside of the park. You can stay in lodging within the park or camp at a nearby campground just outside of the park's limits.
Distance From: Cleveland (53 miles) | Columbus (190 miles) | Cincinnati (296 miles)
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Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor family fun, Geneva-on-the-Lake is the place to be! Charter a fishing boat or play mini-golf. Take a zipline canopy tour or go canoeing down the Grand River. If the weather isn't cooperating, a roller rink and multiple arcades will deliver indoor fun. Just be sure to hit the beach when you can as no trip to Geneva-on-the-Lake is complete without actually being on the Lake.
Distance From: Cleveland (197 miles) | Columbus (57 miles) | Cincinnati (135 miles)
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If your family can't spend enough time outdoors then set a course for Hocking Hills! Southeastern Ohio's scenic wonderland has two nature preserves, five state parks/forests, and six natural attractions. Hike to the Old Man's Cave or Cedar Falls. Camp in a tent or stay in a cabin. Plus, there are plenty of other family-friendly attractions like High Rock Adventures, Skyview Drive-In, Rollerball Lanes, and R Adventure Park.
Distance From: Cleveland (63 miles)Columbus (112 miles) | | Cincinnati (225 miles)
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Have an adventure on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky. This town is home to adrenaline-pumping action including Cedar Point amusement park, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark, Castaway Bay Waterpark, and Kalahari Resort. Add a new interesting museums and lovely state parks into the mix, and you've got an active weekend that your kids will love!
Distance From: Cleveland (227 miles) | Columbus (85 miles) | Cincinnati (24 miles)
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Travelers to the Cincinnati area know that there are hours of fun to be had just a few miles north in Mason. Home to King's Island, the largest amusement park and waterpark in the Midwest. In fact, there are so many great family-friendly attractions around Warren County that Mason is a great home base. Jump & Jack's playground, the WEB Extreme Entertainment, and EnterTRAINment Junction are a few miles east.
Distance From: Cleveland (136 miles) | Columbus (77 miles) | Cincinnati (185 miles)
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Looking to get a little wild on your family getaway? Then head to Cumberland and visit The Wilds. This unique zoo features animals from around the world and you can go on your own safari through the park. You can take a zipline tour, learn about animals in the nature center, and even spend the night on the property and let the sounds of wildlife rock you to sleep.
Distance From: Cleveland (195 miles) | Columbus (56 miles) | Cincinnati (70 miles)
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There's a reason Yellow Springs is known as "Everyone's Favorite Place." Arts, culture, local cuisine, and outdoor recreation all combine to give you an awesome weekend trip. Take a family bike ride through the trails within John Bryan State Park or hike around Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve. Grab fresh food from Flying Mouse Farms then dust off your new favorite book at one of the two Yellow Springs independent bookstores. With events nearly every weekend in downtown, there's always something fun to see and do for the whole family in Yellow Springs.
Distance From: Cleveland (78 miles) | Columbus (84 miles) | Cincinnati (200 miles)
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If you've never visited Ohio's Amish Country, then you're in for a yesteryear treat! Amish Country is full of unique little towns that give you a sample of true Amish life. Take an Amish Heartland Tour in Millersburg, eat at the Amish Door Restaurant in Wilmot, and visit the "Little Switzerland of Ohio" in Sugarcreek. Whichever towns you stop in, be sure to sample the fresh cheese and pick up a few handcrafted souvenirs around Berlin.
Distance From: Cleveland (114 miles) | Columbus (146 miles) | Cincinnati (202 miles)
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Instead of heading to the three Big C cities, head to Toledo and experience a different side of Ohio. The Toledo Zoo, Imagination Station, National Museum of the Great Lakes, and Wildwood Park are just a few of the great destinations inside Toledo. With dozens upon dozens of indoor and outdoor attractions that are ideal for all ages, Toldeo may just become your new favorite urban getaway in Ohio!
Where is your favorite place to take the family for a weekend getaway? Tell us where we should plan our next family staycation in the comments!

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which waterfalls around Cincinnati will you be chasing this year?