Park Programs

(Special Events listed elsewhere)

For more information about specific programs please contact us at: (812) 280-9970 or park@fallsoftheohio.org

Public Hikes on fossil beds

May be requested daily from June 1 - September 2. Saturday hikes are available Memorial Day weekend and go through the last weekend in October. Roving volunteer naturalists may be found on the fossil beds and recognized with a brown vest or a lanyard (hang-tag) with their name and "Naturalist at Heart" logo.

Saturday History Programs
Now in its ninth year, the last Saturday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in our auditorium, we show a different 20 - 40 minute video on our "big screen." The Ancient Kentucke Historical Association continues the series. A speaker will accompany each video to answer questions you might have. The program topic will be announced one month in advance. These programs are free with regular Interpretive Center admission.

2010 Outer Fossil Bed Hikes
August 21, 9:30 a.m.
September 11, 9:30 a.m.
September 18, 9:30 a.m. (part of Falls Fossil Festival weekend)
September 19, 9:30 a.m.(part of Falls Fossil Festival weekend)
September 29, 12:30
October 2, 9:30 a.m.
October 9, 9:30 a.m.

                                                                                               Brian Vance Photo                        

Led by long-time park volunteer Paul Olliges. 3 to 3 1/2 hour hike, moderate to strenuous.

Meet on the Interpretive Center deck. If you have difficulty walking on rocks, uneven ground, rough terrain, this hike isn't for you. We will walk several minutes in water about six inches to as much as three feet deep with little to moderate current. Guide will talk about the history, flora & fauna, the river and the engineering behind the McAlpine dam and locks. Expect to see thousands of fossils! Some are the best ones to be seen on the fossil beds.

Bring water to drink, a hat, good hiking shoes - no shoes with exposed toes (i.e., sandals)! Old athletic shoes will work. A walking stick is helpful. If you do not have one, you can probably find something that will work among the driftwood. This hike is a terrific photo-op. Call the state park office (812-280-9970) the day before to verify the hike is on, because the hike is dependent on river conditions. If the one gate on the dam is open even a few inches, we cannot go.

2010 Canoe Hikes                                   
August 28, September 25, and October 16.
Meet at the GRC Boat Ramp on Harrison Avenue at 9:30 a.m. Will go to 12:30 p.m.
Paddle the falls and discover a very pleasant way to discover wildlife and seldom-seen fossils. Join interpretive naturalist Bett Etenohan and see our park as few are able. Call 812-280-9970 the day before for current information / to make sure we are able to go out. Rent a canoe or kayak from www.canoeky.com for these guided excursions.

Paddling between the inner and outer fossil beds.            Paddling below the Clark Cabin.

Volunteer Training Program Schedule offers a variety of programs open to the public.

Updated September 7, 2010