Waterfalls Near Mount Vernon, Ohio

There’s something about a waterfall that makes even a short hike feel like an adventure. Fortunately, you don’t have to head for the mountains to find one. Around Mount Vernon, Ohio, you’ll find wooded trails, sandstone cliffs, scenic rivers, and several waterfalls that are easy to work into a weekend getaway.

The best-known local stop is Honey Run Waterfall near Howard. Venture a little farther and you’ll experience forested trails and deep canyons as you explore Big and Little Lyons Falls at Mohican State Park.

Whether you’re planning a couples’ getaway, a family outing, or simply looking for a reason to spend more time outside, these waterfalls near Mount Vernon are always worth a visit.

If you only have time to visit one waterfall near Mount Vernon, start with Honey Run. Located at Honey Run Waterfall Park near Howard, this roughly 25-foot waterfall spills over a sandstone ledge surrounded by trees, moss, and rugged rock formations. It’s one of Knox County’s most stunning natural attractions, and an easy addition to a Mount Vernon getaway.

You don’t need to hike for hours before reaching the main view, making it a good option for visitors who want impressive scenery without committing to a strenuous trek. Trails around Honey Run wind through a landscape of sandstone, mature forest, and hemlocks, with opportunities to continue exploring toward the Kokosing State Scenic River.

What to know before visiting Honey Run Waterfall

Location: Honey Run Waterfall Park near Howard, Ohio
Distance from Mount Vernon: About a 20-minute drive
Waterfall height: Roughly 25 feet
Best for: Couples, families, photographers, casual hikers, and nature lovers
Highlights: Waterfall views, sandstone formations, woodland trails, and river scenery
Season: Open throughout the year

Like most waterfalls, Honey Run changes with the weather. After periods of rain, the flow can be stronger and more dramatic. During dry summer stretches, it may be quieter. Either way, the surrounding scenery makes the trip worthwhile.

Once you’ve seen the waterfall, don’t be too quick to head back to the car. Across the road, Honey Run Highlands gives you even more room to explore. The area includes hiking trails, restored grasslands, picnic spots, wildlife habitats, and seasonal wildflowers. It also offers a nice contrast to the shaded, rocky scenery around the waterfall.

Depending on your schedule, you can turn Honey Run into a quick sightseeing stop or spend several hours outside.

A few ideas:

Visit the waterfall and take a short walk.
Follow nearby trails toward the Kokosing River.
Explore Honey Run Highlands.
Pack a lunch and make an afternoon of it.
Bring a camera and spend far too long deciding which waterfall photo is best.

It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy hiking near Mount Vernon without planning a full-day expedition.

If Honey Run leaves you wanting more, head to Mohican State Park near Loudonville. Mohican is one of the region’s best destinations for hiking, forest scenery, river views, and sandstone gorges. It also gives you the chance to see two waterfalls in one outing.

The Lyons Falls Trail is a roughly two-mile route through Clear Fork Gorge that passes both Big and Little Lyons Falls. The first major highlight is Big Lyons Falls, where water drops over a sandstone ledge into a wooded gorge. It’s more remote than Honey Run, and getting there requires some extra effort.

The trail winds through forest and rocky terrain, so there’s plenty to enjoy before you even reach the falls. In spring and summer, the woods are lush and green. In fall, the changing leaves make the gorge especially scenic.

Continue along the trail and you’ll also reach Little Lyons Falls. Seeing both waterfalls is one reason Mohican State Park makes such a good day trip from Mount Vernon. Instead of driving from one viewpoint to another, you get two scenic destinations built into the route. You’ll pass sandstone formations, forest, and gorge scenery along the way.

Keep in mind that the Lyons Falls Trail is considered moderate. Depending on weather and trail conditions, you may encounter roots, stairs, slopes, uneven ground, and mud. This is the day for sturdy shoes.

If you have a full weekend, visit both. If you’re short on time, each offers a different kind of outing.

Choose Honey Run Waterfall if you want:

A waterfall close to Mount Vernon
A shorter, easier outing
A scenic payoff without a long hike
Sandstone cliffs and woodland views
Extra hiking nearby at Honey Run Highlands

Choose Mohican State Park if you want:

A longer hiking experience
Two waterfalls in one trip
Forest and gorge scenery
A more active day outdoors
More park activities to explore afterward

For a weekend trip, Honey Run fits nicely into one day while Mohican can anchor another. That way, you can enjoy both without turning your getaway into a competitive waterfall scavenger hunt.

You don’t need much specialized gear, but a few basics will make your outing more comfortable.

Consider packing:

Sturdy walking or hiking shoes
Water
Weather-appropriate layers
A fully charged phone
A camera or binoculars
Bug spray in warmer months
Snacks or a picnic
An extra pair of socks
A small bag for anything you need to carry out

It’s also a good idea to check the weather and current park conditions before heading out. Heavy rain, flooding, ice, storms, or maintenance can occasionally affect trail access. And while waterfall rocks always seem to invite a closer look, wet sandstone can be surprisingly slick. Be careful as you take in the scenery.

Mount Vernon offers plenty of other ways to round out your trip. The Kokosing Gap Trail, for example, runs through the Knox County countryside and is a popular option for biking and walking. You can also explore downtown Mount Vernon, grab a meal, browse local shops, or simply give your feet a break.

A simple two-day itinerary might look like this:

Day One: Arrive in Mount Vernon, visit Honey Run Waterfall, explore Honey Run Highlands, then return to town for dinner.
Day Two: Start with breakfast, drive to Mohican State Park, hike the Lyons Falls Trail, and head back to Mount Vernon for a relaxed evening.

Have another day? Add a bike ride, visit another local park, or leave some open time in the schedule.

After a day of hiking and waterfall chasing, a comfortable place to come back to makes all the difference. The Mount Vernon Inn offers a welcoming home base just minutes from downtown Mount Vernon. Our locally owned boutique inn features comfortable guest rooms and spacious suites, making it a great choice for couples, families, and anyone planning a weekend of exploring Knox County.

In the morning, enjoy a homemade, cooked-to-order breakfast before heading out for another adventure. And when the hiking is done, the inn’s garden courtyard offers a relaxing place to spend the evening.

From nearby Honey Run Waterfall to the wooded paths of Mohican State Park, some of north-central Ohio’s best outdoor escapes are within easy reach of Mount Vernon. So pack your hiking shoes, check the forecast, and give yourself a weekend to explore.

Book your stay at The Mount Vernon Inn and make Mount Vernon your home base for your next Ohio waterfall getaway.

A Guide to Ariel-Foundation Park in Mount Vernon, Ohio

Why Mount Vernon Is a Great Base for a Waterfall Weekend

What to know before visiting Honey Run Waterfall

Honey Run Waterfall: The Local Favorite

Explore Honey Run Highlands

Big Lyons Falls at Mohican State Park

Little Lyons Falls: Keep Going

Honey Run or Mohican: Which Should You Choose?

What to Bring on Your Waterfall Adventure

Make It a Mount Vernon Weekend

Stay at The Mount Vernon Inn