Millikin Falls

The Milliken Falls via Tall Wall, Connector, and Milliken Falls Trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history within Quarry Trails Metro Park. You'll traverse a 2.4-mile (3.8 km) loop, encountering varied terrain from paved paths to rocky sections and dramatic limestone cliffs, all leading to the impressive 25-foot Millikin Falls. The route, rated easy with only 180 feet (55 metres) of elevation gain, provides a scenic experience that takes about 1 hour and 1 minute, making it an ideal choice for a quick, rewarding outing.

Planning your visit to this popular trail is straightforward. The park is pet-friendly, so your dog can join you on this adventure. While the Millikin Falls Trail portion includes some steep steps, the overall route is considered easy and accessible for most. For the most spectacular views of the falls, consider visiting after spring snowmelt when the water flow is at its peak.

This trail stands out in the Columbus metro park system due to Millikin Falls, a rare and significant waterfall feature. The entire Quarry Trails Metro Park is a testament to transforming a former limestone quarry into a vibrant recreational area, showcasing a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. It's a fantastic option for family-friendly outings and beginner hikers looking for natural features and viewpoints.

The Millikin Falls Loop offers a refreshing escape into a landscape shaped by the historic Marble Cliff Quarry, providing a unique, rugged character unlike typical Ohio trails. As you traverse the varied terrain of paved sections, gravel, and rocks, you'll be treated to views of limestone cliffs and the highlight of the route: Millikin Falls, a 25-foot waterfall cascading into Roberts Millikin Ditch. Keep an eye out for wildlife around the quarry lakes like Turtle Cove and Swan Lake, where you might spot swans or great blue herons.

This easy hiking route is perfect for a quick nature fix, covering 1.9 miles (3.1 km) with a minimal 68 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 48 minutes. The trail is located within Quarry Trails Metro Park, which is pet-friendly for leashed dogs. While the falls are particularly impressive after spring snowmelt, the trail is enjoyable year-round and offers different perspectives from its upper and lower sections.

What makes this trail truly stand out is its setting within Quarry Trails Metro Park, a reclaimed quarry site that provides a distinct geography in central Ohio. Millikin Falls itself is notable as the first waterfall featured in a Columbus Metro Park, making it a popular spot for nature photography and picnics. The park also honors its limestone heritage, with rock from the quarry even used to build the Ohio Statehouse, adding a layer of historical context to your walk.