Charleston Falls EarthCache
Hidden : 11/16/2007
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

Short hike back to the falls from the parking area. Unfortunately this area is not the most handicap accessible. The lower observation deck is not handicap accesible.

Charleston Falls is located in Bethel Township on Ross Road in Miami County Ohio. Charleston Falls is owned and maintained by the Miami County Park District. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year.

Recommended Parking is at the waypoint N 39° 54.962, W084° 08.951.
There are two viewing areas the Upper Viewing area is located at N 39° 55.072, W084° 08.616 and the Lower Viewing Deck is located at N 39° 55.077 and W084° 08.620.

From the Miami County Park District website (www.miamicountyparks.com):

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.

The Geology of the Falls

The top of the Falls consists of the Brassfield Formation from the Lower Silurian Period, and the lowest exposed rocks are Upper Ordovician. The Brassfield Formation is very fossiliferous and thus makes for good fossil collecting.

PLEASE DO NOT COLLECT ANY FOSSILS FROM CHARLESTON FALLS.

If you are interested in fossil collection in Ohio please visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Geological Survey’s website and read GeoFacts No. 17 Fossil Collection in Ohio (visit link)

To log this cache please email the answers to the following questions along with a picture of yourself with your GPS and the falls in the background. Logs missing any of the required information will be deleted per EarthCache Rules. Please do NOT post answers to the question in your logs. Logs missing any of the required information will be deleted per EarthCache Rules.

1. On the south side of the falls starting at the “Stay on Trails” sign, how many large rocks are there and what type of rock are they?
2. As you ascend from the upper viewing area to the lower observation deck on the south-southeast side of the Falls what are the steps made out of?
3. Name three of the Fossils that may be found in the Brassfield Formation?
4. What is the approximate age of the Brassfield Formation?
5. What shape is located in the middle of the lower viewing deck?

When posting pitures please do not include any information needed to answer the questions in your log or it will be deleted!

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