Ohio · Hiking

Plainview Horsehoe Falls

2.6 mi
round trip
725 ft
climb
1,100 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Oct
best months

Caution at last check

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 20 h ago

Is Plainview Horsehoe Falls open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Athens Ranger District. It doesn't name Plainview Horsehoe Falls, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Athens Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Plainview Horsehoe Falls is an easy out-and-back hike in the Athens Ranger District of Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio. The trail runs about 2.6 miles, with a high point of about 1,100 feet and a total elevation gain of 725 feet over the round trip. The climb is steepest near the start, with a grade of about 15% at about 0.3 miles. Bikes and horses are both allowed, and the trail surface is natural. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Hannibal Locks & Dam show May highs around 73°F and September highs around 77°F, with September also seeing the fewest wet days of the year. The hike is open year-round, and the trip takes about an hour. Several other trails sit close by, including Plainview Schoolhouse Trail at about 0.4 miles and Plainview Ghost at about 0.7 miles. For an overnight stay, Ring Mill campground is about 4.3 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Plainview Horsehoe Falls

    Best months: June–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      38° / 20°

      14 wet

    2. Feb

      42° / 22°

      13 wet

    3. Mar

      51° / 29°

      13 wet

    4. Apr

      64° / 38°

      13 wet

    5. May

      73° / 48°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      80° / 57°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      83° / 62°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      83° / 61°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      77° / 54°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 43°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      53° / 32°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      42° / 26°

      14 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Hannibal Locks & Dam, OH, 12.5 mi away at 620 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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