Charleston Falls is located on Ross Road near the Park District education/program headquarters. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year. Sunset times can be found on the Park Hours page. The newly renovated lower viewing area grants a beautiful view of the falls.
Park Features
- 216 acres
- 37' waterfall
- newly renovated boardwalk to lower viewing area
- 2.5 miles of hiking trail (winter cross country skiing is permitted)
- planted prairie site
- diverse topography and vegetation
- small pond with viewing platform (no fishing permitted)
- limestone cave
- observation tower
- drinking water
- handicap accessible year around restrooms
- small picnic area (no cooking fires)
- program information center
Park History
Gaining its name from the nearby community of West Charleston, Charleston Falls Preserve consists of 216 acres in Bethel Township on Ross Road between State Route 202 and the Great Miami River.
The first stewards of the Falls were the native North American Indians and evidence of their presence in the area has been found in the form of burial mounds, fire pits and artifacts. Since European settlement, the Falls has gained respect from its landowners and visiting local residents who, while enjoying its peace and beauty, have kept the area relatively undisturbed. In a continuing effort to promote land stewardship, the Park District has constructed trails and boardwalks in the preserve to optimize scenic viewing without infringing on the native habitat.
Originating from small underground springs several miles to the east, the stream creating the Falls plummets 37 feet on its meandering journey to the Great Miami River, one mile to the west. Flowing over rock strata also found in New York State and Canada, the Falls can rightly be called a “Miniature Niagara”. Uncommon plants such as wild columbine, walking fern, purple cliff break, and rock honeysuckle grace the limestone faces of the surrounding gorge. The black locust split-rail fences were hewn from trees found within the Preserve and installed by park staff.
In harmony with the natural setting, land management is geared toward maintaining a diversity if plant and animal life. Nearly two miles of trails pass through varied habitats such as Redbud Valley and the Thorny Badlands, offering explosions of color and varieties of scenic wonder. A small pond, a planted tall grass prairie and an observation tower add to the interest in the remaining portions of the Preserve. You are encouraged to use the pathways provided to broaden your experience and to help protect this unique natural site by obeying the rules of the Preserve.
In the fall of 2001, a 1.1-mill ten-year levy was passed allowing the Park District to further grow and develop. The Board of Park Commissioners hopes you will enjoy your visit to the Charleston Falls Preserve and will continue to enjoy the Miami County Park District by also visiting our other parks.
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