Broken Rock Falls

Broken Rock Falls is a small waterfall tucked into a side canyon of Old Man's Cave Gorge. It is a separate stop from Lower Falls, reached by the signed Broken Rock Trail spur. The detour is short, but its steep stair climb takes more effort than the distance suggests.

The cascade steps across rocky ledges into a small plunge pool, then runs among angular blocks. A few steps lead down toward a shallow recess at the base of the wall. After rain, more water may show over the ledges; the narrow cleft and layered stone still give the falls their character when the flow is light.

The gorge is cut into Black Hand Sandstone, deposited more than 350 million years ago and later shaped by uplift and stream erosion. This is part of the same sandstone landscape that forms the caves, cliffs, and narrow passages around Old Man's Cave.

Start from the Old Man's Cave parking area off OH-664 and follow the gorge trail toward the signed Broken Rock turn. One route account puts the spur at about 0.1 mile each way and counted 91 steps on the climb; treat both as approximate, since the current condition of the steps has not been verified. Expect a steep, stair-heavy walk with uneven footing.

The main Old Man's Cave hike is listed at about a mile, with the Broken Rock spur adding distance. Winter trails can be icy. The visitor center and public restrooms are at the parking area; no services are identified at the falls.

For a closer photograph, step down toward the pool and frame the water with the cleft walls and broken ledges around it. A visit after rain may show more flow, though the rocks can be slick; keep your footing on the steps and at the water's edge.