Charleston Falls Preserve

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.

Charleston Falls Preserve is the most visited nature park in Miami County with over 216 acres of prairie and forests. The most unusual feature of this preserve is the waterfall. 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 that are 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.

In harmony with the natural setting, land management is geared toward maintaining a diversity of 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.