Indian Mound Reserve

Indian Mound Reserve is not one park, it is three parks combined to make Indian Mound Reserve. This is a charming place that can be enjoyed by all. If you would like to know more about this park, then please read on…

About Indian Mound Reserve

Indian Mound Reserve is essentially three parks rolled into one. On the west side, there is Peterson Park, Williamson Mound is at the north point, and Cedar Cliff Falls is on the east side, just outside Cedarville. Each park has its own individual charm, yet it is all interconnected to give visitors a unique experience.

Indian Mound Reserve has had an interesting past. The park is over 165 acres in size and it has some amazing areas where visitors can take in the natural beauty and history of the park. The park has a stunning waterfall, walking trails, and a restored pre-victorian log house.

The Park at Indian Mound Reserve

The two forks of Massies Creek flow through Cedarville from the east. This is where the creek flows in a westward direction towards the Little Miami River.

For the first two miles, the creek utilizes a sheer canyon that reaches up to 12 meters below the surface of the terrain.

By the end of the Victorian era, the area known as the ‘cliffs’ became a great place for people to have picnics and lunches. As time went on, more and more people were visiting this magnificent area and there were demands to turn it into a park.

In 1929, Williamson Mound was donated to the Ohio Historical Society and today Indian Mound Reserve is operated as a unit of Greene County Parks.

Williamson Mound

The Williamson Mound is a large mound in a field close to Massies Creek. This mound is perfectly oval. Trees on the mound’s surface with hundreds of years of growth prove the mound is very old.

From the top of the mound, you can see far into the distance. It was said to be constructed so that the people using it were able to see any enemies who were on the attack.

It is believed that residents decided to dig around the mound in the early twentieth century. Fortunately, from this act, there does not seem to have been any damage to the mound.

Recent archaeological studies of the site have concluded that the Adena people constructed the mound before the birth of Christ. The studies showed that the construction of the mound took a long time.

Pollock Works

The Pollock Works is situated on the Southern side of Massies Creek. The northern and southern sides are steep limestone walls and they have an average height of 7.6 meters and are now known as ‘the cliffs’.

Excavations carried out by a Wright State University archaeologist and team have proved that the Hopewell Culture built the Pollock Works. They were built in a five-stage process.

Although it appears that this site was also used as a hill fort, it seems to be more important as a religious site and it is one of numerous Hopewell hilltop ceremonial sites.

Cedar Cliff Falls

Cedar Cliff Falls was constructed in 1887 as a stone dam for the flour mill that was located behind the falls. The Falls replaced an old dam that had been destroyed in a flood. The dam is approximately 30 feet wide and 40 feet high.

Trails at Indian Mound Reserve

There are five trails available in the Indian Mound Reserve.

Peterson Trail

• 1 Mile | Easy | Hike
• This trail which is just a little over 1 mile is an out-and-back trail through forest. This will take approximately 20 minutes.

Williamson Mound via Rim Trail and Gorge Trail

• 2 Miles | Easy | Hike | Dogs
• This out-and-back trail is a little under 2 miles. Outstanding scenery along this trail makes it quite busy. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. This hike should take a little over 40 minutes.

Enclosure Trail and Pollock Works Loop

• 1.5 Miles | Easy | Hike | Dogs
• This easy loop trail takes you through forests, by a river and waterfall, and has amazing scenery, and wildflowers. It will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Old Channel Loop

• 0.75 Mile | Easy | Hike
• This fairly short loop trail takes you through forest and is generally very quiet. You can expect this loop to take approximately 15 minutes.

Cedar Cliff Falls via Gorge Trail and Rim Trail

• 3 Miles | Easy | Hike | Dogs
• An easy but long out-and-back trail that will take you through forest, along the river, and past the waterfall. It is rocky in places and there is lots of wildlife and wildflowers along the trail. Dogs on a leash are welcome. This trail will take about an hour to complete.

Be sure to check out this map for more information on the various walking trails in and around Indian Mound Reserve!

Where is Indian Mound Reserve Located?

• Address: 2750 US Rt. 42 E. Cedarville, Ohio 45314
• Phone: 937-562-6440 | Website | Facebook

Location Map for Indian Mound Reserve

Let’s Go to Indian Mound Reserve!

Have you visited Indian Mound Reserve? Are you fascinated by Indian Mounds? Leave a comment below and share your experience!

Wildlife such as Woodpeckers and Caterpillars enjoy relaxing in areas like Indian Mound Reserve, so be sure to keep an eye out for them!

If you enjoy wildlife reserves, be sure to check out Rock Bridge State Park!