Hayden Run Falls is an unexpected little treat in the middle of a busy Columbus suburb. Located right off of Hayden Run Road just west of Riverside Drive, is a gorge with a waterfall in Griggs Reservoir. Wooden steps off of the parking area take visitors down to a beautiful wooden walkway leading to the falls. Once there kids can get in the water, skip stones, and admire this lovely bit of nature. We wore shoes that could get wet, and really, I should have put the kids in their bathing suits because they were soaked from head to toe when we left.
The waterfall and the gorge were amazing, but not quite as magical as I wanted them to be…because of trash. It was rather sad to see the complete lack of respect people have for nature. After the third pair of underwear, second beer box, and endless broken bottles, cans, and shoes laying everywhere, I was rather disappointed and a little grossed out. Luckily, the trash kept itself contained to around the wooden walkway and
I was able to take the kids down stream to explore. *please note: I am researching who I can contact to complain. In defense of the litterbugs, there were no trashcans in site.*
Hayden Run Falls is more of a place to explore and let the kids play in the water for a while. We were fine just sitting down on the wooden walkway and eating lunch, there’s not a dedicated eating area or port-o-lets, so my suggestion is to make it a short trip with younger children. Also, don’t forget your camera!!
Hayden Run Falls
Located on the South side of Hayden Run Road between Frantz and Riverside Drive
A few tips:
- Parking is right off of Hayden Run Road in the lot by the sign for Griggs.
- The way down to the wooden walkway is made up of a stretch of stairs. Unfortunately, no ramp for strollers or wheelchairs. (I think, though, if you go to the left there is a dirt path down, but then you’d have to traipse through water back to the falls and there’d be no way up to the walkway except by climbing.)
- No bathrooms or port-o-lets nearby, plan accordingly.
- Have the kids wear shoes in the water. Not only because of the rocks, but because of potential broken glass.
- Not sure how deep the pool at the bottom of the waterfall gets. Plan to not allow your kids in there or be in there with them.
- No trashcans, so be prepared to take snack trash back out with you.
My husband took me there on one of our first dates
You should have your kids clean up the park. They could use a bit of hard labor.