Hemlock Falls; 5th in series

OHIO'S HISTORICAL MARKERS
Richland County

Speaking of historical, the Black Hand Sandstone underlying Hemlock Falls dates to the geologic, Mississippian Period of some 350 million years ago.

About 200 million years ago a river known as the Groveport flowed from the Appalachian Mountains through here and turned south in what we now know as the Bunker Hill valley, passing the present locations of Butler and Fredericktown to join the pre-glacial Teays River.

The Illinoian Glacier blocked the Groveport about 150,000 years ago and a new riverbed was formed; known today as the Clear Fork.  Waters you see flowing over Hemlock Falls today are tributary to the Clear Fork and ultimately travel down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to the Gulf of Mexico.

The feeder stream that feeds Hemlock Falls today splits in the forest above and forms two falls; one about 60 feet tall and the other nearly 100 feet.  Views of both falls are quite accessible by a moderate hike from the Mohican Outdoor School which owns the falls property.  You can contact them at 5370 Bunker Hill Rd., Butler to arrange your visit.

The above photo reflects the scene you will see as you proceed northbound on Bunker Hill N. Rd., approaching the Mohican School and their sign in the background.  This is about one mile north of the intersection with SR 97 east of Butler.

The small photo left is a file photo from a previous blog story on the falls.  Do a search for Hemlock Falls (above left) for lots of photos and several blog stories we have done on this marvelous venue.

Then do yourself a favor and take a hike--so to speak, of course.