Hayden Falls Park - A tree in a park with a path in the foreground
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Hayden Falls Park

4.5
·3k reviews·Dublin, United States

Discover Hayden Falls Park, a hidden gem in Dublin, Ohio, featuring a stunning 35-foot waterfall accessible via a scenic boardwalk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After rain

Waterfall is at its most impressive

CrowdMedium
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Hayden Falls Park - A tree in a park with a path in the foreground

Hayden Falls Park

Best Time

After rain

Waterfall is at its most impressive

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Hayden Falls Park, a hidden gem in Dublin, Ohio, featuring a stunning 35-foot waterfall accessible via a scenic boardwalk.

4.5
(3k reviews)

"A quick walk to see a beautiful waterfall, perfect for little feet and picturesque photo spots."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Rainfall First

The falls are best after rain! Check local weather before you go to ensure a good experience. :cloud_rain:

Parking is Tricky

The lot is small. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk. :car:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 35-Foot Waterfall

The 35-Foot Waterfall

Main viewing area

A stunning cascade after rain, offering a serene natural escape right in the city.

Boardwalk Trail

Boardwalk Trail

Path to the falls

An easy, picturesque stroll leading to the main attraction, perfect for quick visits.

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Around the falls and creek

Keep an eye out for turtles, fish, crawdads, and even ducks in this active natural habitat.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Falls

Hayden Falls' beauty is directly tied to recent rainfall. Check the weather before you go; a dry spell can significantly diminish the waterfall's flow. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photos and fewer crowds.

Parking Pains & Accessibility

Parking at Hayden Falls Park is notoriously limited. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk. While the boardwalk is accessible, the steep stairs down to the falls may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.

Best Times

When
After rain
Why
Waterfall is at its most impressive
Crowd
Medium
When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, best light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌿 Discover Hayden Falls Park in Dublin, Ohio! Tucked away just off the road, Hayden Falls Park offers a serene escape with its stunning 35-foot waterfall and lush surroundings. A quick stroll along the boardwalk leads you to this hidden gem—perfect for a peaceful walk or a picturesque photo spot. Looking to explore more natural retreats around Columbus? Comment "Nature Guide" below, and I'll send ...
@samsellscolumbus
21.2K likes • 368.2K views

Check Rainfall First

The falls are best after rain! Check local weather before you go to ensure a good experience. :cloud_rain:

Parking is Tricky

The lot is small. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk. :car:

#kaisergt #columbus #ohio #haydenfalls #cataratas #turismo #naturaleza #Vlog #familia #parque #ciudad #unitedstates #usa
@kaiser.gt
8.2K likes • 408.7K views
Tucked away just off the road, Hayden Falls Park offers a serene escape with its stunning 35-foot waterfall and lush surroundings. A quick stroll along the boardwalk leads you to this hidden gem—perfect for a peaceful walk or a picturesque photo spot. Looking to explore more natural retreats around Columbus? Comment “NATURE” below, and I’ll send you a curated list of the best parks and trails in ...
samsellscolumbus
0 likes • 122.9K views

Stairs Can Be Steep

The boardwalk has stairs. Not ideal for those with mobility issues. :athletic_shoe:

Great for Photos

A beautiful spot for pictures, especially with the boardwalk and falls. :camerawithflash:

📌 Hayden Falls Park We visited back in March on the first day it started to feel a little warm here in Ohio. A very short walk to see a beautiful waterfall. Perfect for little feet. Parking is a b lol but once you find parking it’s such a fun little hike! #columbusohio #waterfall #waterfalls #hike
columbusohiomama
7 likes • 173 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Rainfall First

The falls are best after rain! Check local weather before you go to ensure a good experience. :cloud_rain:

Parking is Tricky

The lot is small. Arrive early or be prepared for a short walk. :car:

Stairs Can Be Steep

The boardwalk has stairs. Not ideal for those with mobility issues. :athletic_shoe:

Great for Photos

A beautiful spot for pictures, especially with the boardwalk and falls. :camerawithflash:

Pack a Picnic

Picnic tables are available for a relaxing break amidst nature. :sandwich:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hayden Falls Park is praised for its beautiful 35-foot waterfall and serene boardwalk trail, offering a lovely natural escape. Visitors enjoy spotting wildlife and the picturesque photo opportunities. However, the park's small parking lot and steep stairs can be significant drawbacks for some.

"Pretty little park! The waterfall was stunning and we saw a family of ducks! Not pictured but we also saw crayfish down in the river. They keep it nice and clean and natural."

Rowan Dazley

"Cute 5 minute trail, some good picture opportunities if there's not too much trash in the stream. Easy for kids, definitely don't suggest for the disabled (lots of steps).

Parking can be a huge pain, there are not many steps. Use whatever luck you have, because there are not many convenient spots to park nearby and walk if the lot is full. There is a nearby garden center that you may one day be able to park at and walk to the park, but as of July 2025 there is construction in that area and most of the walking paths are completely blocked off."

Sean G

"A quick walk down stairs and a wooden walkway and you're at this pretty waterfall. Parking lot right nearby. It'd be nice if a longer hike and had more ways to walk around, but still a nice spot to stop by. Before they built the stairs, we enjoyed adventuring around there and swimming around the waterfall as teens."

Kira Setterlin

What People Like

Beautiful waterfall
Scenic boardwalk
Wildlife sightings

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Steep stairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hayden Falls Park is located at 4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017. It's described as being tucked away just off the road.TikTok While it's in a populated community, it offers a surprising natural escape.Reddit

Parking at Hayden Falls Park is very limited and can be a significant challenge. Visitors often report that the parking lot is small and fills up quickly, sometimes requiring a walk if the lot is full.InstagramReddit Arriving early is highly recommended.

Public transportation options to Hayden Falls Park are not widely advertised or recommended. The park's somewhat secluded location suggests that driving is the most practical way to access it.

While it's a 'hidden gem',TikTok the park is generally easy to find once you're in the vicinity. The main challenge is often the limited parking once you arrive at the location.

Indian Run Falls is another waterfall option located just west of Old Dublin, mentioned as being in the same general area.Reddit Exploring the surrounding areas of Dublin, Ohio, can offer additional natural beauty and local charm.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Hayden Falls Park is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. It's a free natural attraction for visitors to enjoy.

As a public park, Hayden Falls Park is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific closing times are not usually posted, but it's best to visit during reasonable daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.

There is no admission fee to visit Hayden Falls Park. It is a free public park.

Yes, Hayden Falls Park can be visited year-round. However, the visual appeal of the waterfall is significantly dependent on recent rainfall, making it most impressive after periods of rain.

While generally open, it's always a good idea to be mindful of park rules, such as not littering and respecting the natural environment. During periods of heavy rain, the boardwalk might become slippery.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main attraction is the beautiful 35-foot waterfall, which is most impressive after recent rainfall.TikTokInstagram The park also features a boardwalk leading to the falls and picnic tables.

The walk to the waterfall is described as a 'quick stroll' TikTok or a 'cute 5-minute trail'.Instagram It involves a boardwalk and some stairs.

Yes, the short boardwalk trail is generally considered suitable for children.Instagram However, the stairs down to the falls might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Visitors have reported seeing a variety of wildlife, including turtles, snakes, fish, and crawdads.Reddit Families of ducks have also been spotted.Reddit

Hayden Falls Park itself is more of a scenic stop with a short boardwalk trail rather than extensive hiking trails. Some visitors wish for longer hikes,Reddit but the focus is on the waterfall viewing experience.

📸 📸 Photography

The best times for photography are generally early mornings or late afternoons when the light is softer and more dramatic. After a good rain, the waterfall will be at its most photogenic.TikTok

Yes, the park offers picturesque photo opportunities, especially with the 35-foot waterfall and the boardwalk trail.TikTokInstagram The natural surroundings provide a beautiful backdrop.

Be mindful of potential trash in the stream, which can detract from photos.Reddit Also, the stairs and boardwalk can be slippery after rain, so exercise caution while handling your camera.

Drone usage in public parks can be restricted. It's advisable to check local regulations and park policies regarding drone operation before attempting to fly one at Hayden Falls Park.

Popular shots include wide-angle views of the waterfall, close-ups of the cascading water, and shots incorporating the boardwalk for a sense of scale and perspective.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hayden Falls Park offers a quick and engaging nature outing for families. The short boardwalk trail is easy for little legs to manage, and the chance to see a waterfall and potentially spot wildlife like ducks or crawdads can be exciting for children.InstagramReddit However, parents should be aware of the steep stairs leading down to the falls, which might require extra supervision or carrying younger children. Parking can also be a challenge, so arriving early is a good strategy to minimize waiting time with kids.

While the park itself doesn't offer extensive play areas, the natural setting provides a good opportunity for kids to explore and connect with nature. Bringing snacks or a picnic to enjoy at the available tables can extend the visit and make it a more relaxed experience. The 'cute 5-minute trail' makes it manageable for even short attention spans.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Photographers

For those seeking a brief but beautiful nature escape, Hayden Falls Park is a gem. The 35-foot waterfall, especially after rain, provides a stunning focal point for photography.TikTokInstagram The boardwalk offers a pleasant, albeit short, walk through a natural setting, allowing for easy access to the falls and creek area. Photographers will appreciate the opportunities for capturing cascading water and the surrounding greenery, with early mornings and late afternoons offering the best light.TikTok

While the park isn't designed for long hikes, it's perfect for a quick visit to appreciate natural beauty. The chance to spot local wildlife adds another layer of interest for nature enthusiasts.Reddit Be prepared for the possibility of limited parking and the stairs, but the reward is a picturesque natural scene surprisingly close to urban amenities.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Waterfall's Flow: Understanding Hayden Falls

The star attraction of Hayden Falls Park is its 35-foot waterfall. However, its visual impact is highly dependent on recent weather patterns. After a significant rainfall, the falls are a breathtaking sight, creating a serene and powerful natural display.TikTok Conversely, during dry spells, the waterfall can be reduced to a trickle or even disappear entirely, as noted by visitors.Reddit This variability means checking the weather forecast is crucial for planning a visit focused on seeing the falls in their full glory.

When the water is flowing, the area around the falls becomes a lively ecosystem. Reviewers have noted the presence of various wildlife, including turtles, snakes, fish, and crawdads, making it an interesting spot for nature observation.Reddit The creek bed and surrounding rocks offer a chance to explore and appreciate the natural habitat, though visitors are reminded to be mindful of any trash that might be present in the stream.Reddit

For photographers and nature enthusiasts, the best times to visit are often after a good rain. Early mornings and late afternoons provide softer lighting, ideal for capturing the beauty of the falls and the surrounding greenery.TikTokInstagram The boardwalk provides easy access and a stable platform for viewing and photography, though caution is advised due to potential slipperiness after wet weather.

Navigating Hayden Falls Park: Parking and Accessibility

One of the most frequently mentioned challenges at Hayden Falls Park is the limited parking. The designated parking lot is quite small, and it's common for visitors to find it full, especially during peak times or weekends.InstagramReddit This often necessitates parking further away and walking a short distance to the park entrance. Planning to arrive early in the day is a widely shared tip to secure a parking spot.Instagram

Accessibility is another key consideration. While the park features a boardwalk that leads to the waterfall, this path includes a steep flight of stairs.Reddit This makes the main viewing area less accessible for individuals with mobility issues, the elderly, or those with very young children who may struggle with the descent and ascent.Reddit For those who can navigate the stairs, the boardwalk offers a pleasant and relatively short walk to the main attraction.TikTok

Despite these challenges, the park is generally considered easy to find, being described as 'tucked away just off the road'.TikTok The effort to find parking and navigate the stairs is often deemed worthwhile by visitors who appreciate the natural beauty and the unique experience of finding a waterfall within a populated community.Reddit

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