Mariaville Falls Preserve

While searching for things to do in this area I came across this short hike to a waterfall that is just down the road (about 20 minutes) from us.

Mariaville Falls Preserve is 123 acres on the Union River.

The trailhead looked a little weedy so we tucked our pants inside our socks, sprayed tick repellent and set out.

There were a few nice, steady, bridges to cross.

Everyone looks good with their pants tucked in their socks!!

The trail follows the river bank with lots of opportunities for pictures.  This is a beautiful place - and we hadn’t even gotten to the Falls!

The trail is wide and well-maintained.    

We saw butterflies in a few of the sunny areas of the trail.

Viceroy

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail

White Admiral

We also saw plenty of these Ebony Jewelwing damselflies along the way. 

We heard the roar of the falls before we could see them. As we rounded a corner they came into view. 

The trail continued to a bench that someone had thoughtfully put next to the falls.

I love to hear the roaring of the water! The water in the Union River is very clear, but is stained with tannin from fallen leaves so it looks brown in the pictures. 

We walked a little farther past the falls before turning around.

An adult Bald Eagle flew up and then back down the river while we hiked. 

The trail is 1.3 miles round trip.  It’s a short, easy hike.

With the timer on my camera we were able to take a picture of both of us in this beautiful area.