Falls of the Ohio State Park


This park incorporates a large fossil bed in the Ohio River floodplain and offers a glimpse into the far distant past. When the river is low enough (the summer months are usually best) you can walk out on a large rock shelf located between the visitor center and the Ohio. Embedded within the rock are numerous fossilized plants and animals, preserved as they died when this area was ocean, roughly 400 million years ago. There’s also a short upland trail. The Interpretive Center (Fee) has exhibits on local human history and the formation of the fossil beds. The emphasis is on coral reefs, both present and long ago, rather than on current Ohio River aquatic life, as well as the human history of the area. Lewis and Clark met here before commencing their epic western journey.


Directions


Clark County. The convoluted route follows numerous city streets; your best bet is to take I-65 Exit 1 and follow the signs.

GPS: N 38 16.587 W 85 45.804


Facilities


Interpretive center, bathrooms, water


Nearby Natural Areas (miles)


Brock-Sampson Nature Preserve (13.5)
Deam Lake State Recreation Area (16.6)
Charlestown State Park (16.9)
Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve (18.9)


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Mike Habeck