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Norvin Green State Forest: Chikahoki Falls
On our second venture into Norvin Green State Forest, Gavin, Chris and I decided to take a system of trails that, although complicated, would lead us to two picture-worthy locations in one day. The first was the Chikahoki Falls, pictures of which can be seen in this article. The second was the abandoned Roomy Mine, which was deserving of its own article.
Due to the mingling of public and private property in this section of Norvin Green, any direct route to the mines or falls was impossible. We had to take the long way around. That started with the same trail we took to the Wyanokie High Point. We then veered off onto the Yellow Trail. The Yellow Trail brought us to the Orange Trail, on which lies the Chikahoki Falls.
It is a giant circle that hugs the private property, which is clearly marked with yellow caution tape wrapped around several trees visible from the trail. I’ve included a segment of the map to illustrate.
As you can see, the trails get more complicated after the falls, but that is a story for the Roomy Mine article. If you just wish to visit the falls, there is more than enough to see and climb there to make it worthy of your trip. The rocks (although some might contain ice depending on the weather so be careful) are relatively easy to navigate and you can take pictures of the falls from a lot of different vantage points. When we went the water was low enough to capture some sights that probably are not accessible during other parts of the year. I am very much looking forward to going back when the water rises so I can see the falls at full force.
Regardless of the time of year, this is a must-see. Just remember, because of the private property this is not a loop. You need to double back on the same trails in order to get back to the parking lot.
See pictures of the Roomy Mine here.
