Piatt Park is situated in Monroe County in southeast Ohio near Woodsfield. This 119 acre county park is truly a nature lovers paradise offering an opportunity to view some interesting and unique geology!
Beneath the tree canopy is a rocky gorge, a natural rock shelter or cave and a number of small water falls, including the pair of cascading falls at the end of the trail. We spotted a variety of birds during our hike including Red Tanagers, Indigo Bunting and even spotted a Baltimore Oriole along with a snake that crossed our paths, Other wildlife in the area could include deer, wild turkey and black bear.
The park features a small developed campground with ten sites that include water and electric hookups. Limited parking for day visitors is available though most visitors utilized the parking slips at the individual campsites during our time there. The park includes handicapped showers and flush toilets (although only the pit toilets were open during our visit) as well as a sheltered picnic area available on a first come first serve basis or can be reserved.
The trail head begins near the sheltered picnic area leading down into the woods toward a stream that the trail crosses over. Rocks have been strategically placed to step across the creek though do be careful not to slip. Note that even though it hadn’t rained for a couple of days the trail was quite muddy in spots.
Once across the stream the trail forks which forms a loop, we took the trail to the right that follows along a ridge toward the waterfalls.
As you get closer to the falls you will encounter a series of wooden stairs leading down to the cave and the bottom of the gorge. Be cautious as the stairs are steep with some of the treads a little shorter than average and could be slippery.
You will see the trail that leads to the entrance of the rock shelter where you can make your way under and between large boulders to the back of a gorge.
On the day we visited there was a trickle of a waterfall. Exit the gorge the way you entered remembering to exercise caution as it’s quite a drop off.
Exiting the cave the trail continues down another sequence of steep stairs to the trail that ultimately leads to the stream where you can view both of the waterfalls.
The end of the trail rewards you with a view of these beautiful cascading waterfalls making the effort all worth it! You can venture down to the very bottom of the stream where the waterfall fills a small pool that you can do some wading in, though it’s quite a big, steep step down; some visitors might hesitate or require assistance for this final step. It’s also possible to make your way to the upper falls.
We returned via the same trail though some opt to complete the loop and still others being more adventurous make their way back upstream through the ravine.
Considering some of the steeper climbs and navigating some muddy areas we would classify this as being more of a moderate than easy trail as some sites portray it. Good footwear with some tread is advised.
For information on camping fees visit the Monroe County Ohio Parks site.
