Frozen Beauty
In Miami County & Western Ohio
Photos by Matt Bayman
Charleston Falls Preserve
2535 Ross Rd., Tipp City
There are two very good reasons to visit and hike at Charleston Falls Preserve in the winter. The first is a chance to see the falls frozen in place. This includes massive ice pillars that build up behind the frozen falls. The second is, with the lack of foliage, it’s a chance to see just how large the falls area and gorge are.
Stillwater Prairie Reserve
9750 OH 185, Covington
After a fresh snow, try to be the first person to arrive at Stillwater Prairie Reserve. The park’s combination of woods, river, pond and prairie, when added to by a fresh blanket of snow, cold temperatures and the morning light, is breathtaking.
The Icicles of the Greenville Falls Scenic River Area
9140 Covington-Gettysburg Rd., Covington
The icicles that form along the north rim of the Greenville Falls gorge are stunning. They cling to an outcropping of limestone that seems to run for several hundred yards to the east, maybe more. They can best be seen by parking on the south side of the gorge and walking down to Greenville Creek on foot.
Eldean Covered Bridge
On Eldean Road off of County Road 25-A between Troy and Piqua
Eldean Covered Bridge after a morning snow.
F.L. Blankenship Riverside Sanctuary & Falknor Road Bridge
4112 OH 48, Covington
F.L. Blankenship Riverside Sanctuary is a very small park that offers quick access to the Stillwater River. When it gets very cold, the part of the river that the park touches often freezes over. An abandoned steel bridge and an old stone bridge on the property adds to the view. If you’d rather just look at the frozen river from your car, the Falknor Road bridge offers great views.
Great Miami River in Tipp City
235 E. Tipp Pike, Tipp City
Located next to the canoe livery, a small parking lot at this location offers great views of the Great Miami River, especially in the winter.
Farrington Reserve Waterfall
1594 W. Peterson Rd., Piqua
Visible from Peterson Road, the waterfall at Farrington Reserve has quick, short limestone steps that drop toward the nearby Great Miami River. Because of the quick drops, when frozen, the waterfall jumbles up and creates a rare-looking, rounded formation.
The Stillwater River
As seen from the Falknor Road Bridge and Owens Road
The Stillwater River after an early spring snow in 2019 and completely frozen over in 2017.
Brukner Nature Center
5995 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Troy
A hike around Brukner Nature Center in the winter passes many interesting sights. The creeks in the park, not to mention the edges of the Stillwater River, form impressive ice crystals and wavy formations. Also, with little foliage, it’s easy to spot the deer that call the center home. Click HERE to see the unique ice formations at Brukner Nature Center.
Barn on Horseshoe Bend Rd.
A red barn with filter on Horseshoe Bend Road near Brukner Nature Center.
Greenville Falls
9140 Covington-Gettysburg Rd., Covington
Greenville Falls, looking west and the natural arch, as seen from the south side of Greenville Creek.
Old Train Station in Tipp City
Fifth Street and Main Street
An old train station that is now part of a park in Tipp City and a row of houses on Dow Street, near the train station.
Ludlow Falls
In Ludlow Falls off of State Route 48
Pull in the parking lot next to the bridge and walk down for a look!
The stone walls on Falknor and Fletcher Roads
Falknor and Fletcher Roads off of State Route 48 near Covington
The old stone wall and pine trees.
Ross Covered Bridge in Sidney
Located at Tawawa Park
The Ross Covered Bridge at Tawawa Park in Sidney.
The Spillway at Bear's Mill
6450 Arcanum Bears Mill Rd
A winter scene at the spillway at Historic Bear’s Mill in Greenville. Bottom right with effect.