Flyfisher's Letterboxes
Charleston Falls

Charleston Falls
Difficulty: 1.5 (one mile of park trails with specific directions)
Near West Charleston, Miami County, Ohio
Placed 12 December 2001 by Flyfisher ([email protected])

This box is placed in the prettiest part of a very pretty park.  A 30- foot waterfall cascades to the base of a huge sycamore tree only feet from the hiding spot.  Take your camera.

Beginning on I 70 on the north side of Dayton, take the State Route 202 exit north at Huber Heights.  Pass through Phoneton and cross US 40.  The next major intersection is Ross Road.  Take Ross west for a mile and the parking area is on the north side of the road. 

Only one trail begins at the parking area.  Walk a few paces into the woods and take the path that heads off at 40 degrees.  After 45 paces (1 pace = 2 steps, or about 5 feet) the trail splits.  Take the right fork toward the falls.  It is about a quarter of a mile to the falls. 

Arriving at the falls overlook, note the wood steps just past the sycamore tree in the chasm.  Your goal is the top of those wood steps.  The easiest way to get there is to go back the way you came 23 paces to a path heading over the edge of the cliff.  It is a lot safer than it looks!  Take the stairs down, take a picture, and then climb the stairs on the other side. 

From the top of the stairs, count 11 paces.  On your right note a white rock.  If no one is around, lift the rock and find one of the best hiding places I have seen.  Check how the box is situated in the cavity.  It only fits one way.  If you jam it in and it will not be waterproof.

Stamp in and then put the box back quietly and quickly.  Orient the white rock so the crack is covered and the box is invisible.

Continue along the trail and you will find a small cave on the right side.  If you have a flashlight, you may want to explore it. 

Continuing, the path climbs to the rim of the gorge.  Retracing your steps toward the waterfall, but now 20 feet higher, enjoy the views.  Continuing will take you across a small bridge and then back to the falls overlook. 

There is also a Geocache in the park.  A map that shows the approximate location of the letterbox and the Geocache can be viewed here.

Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

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