Little Lyons Falls waterfall

Little Lyons Falls

Ohio

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Mohican State Park SP · SDNR
Photo Credits (5)
1.
2.
thart2009 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
3.
chris.rycroft CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
4.
catastriphie CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr
5.
chris.rycroft CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Little Lyons Falls

Little Lyons Falls is a picturesque waterfall located within Mohican State Park in Ohio. It is part of the Lyons Falls Trail, which also leads to Big Lyons Falls. The waterfall is surrounded by lush forest and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Little Lyons Falls sits at 1,106 feet within Mohican State Park, in the foothills of Ohio.

Trail & Hike Details

Trailhead Falls
2.0 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 2.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Little Lyons Falls is part of the Lyons Falls Trail, which is well-maintained but includes some uneven terrain and moderate elevation changes. The trail winds through a scenic forested area and crosses small streams, offering a peaceful and immersive hiking experience.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little Lyons Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Lyons Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest after seasonal rains. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a chance to see the falls partially frozen.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery after rain, and there are some steep sections near the falls. Exercise caution and stay on marked trails. Watch for roots and rocks that may pose tripping hazards.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Clear Fork, 0.3 miles away, not on Little Lyons Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

0.84 ft

Water depth at gauge

About This Gauge

USGS 03133500
0.3 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 198 sq mi
Altitude: 967 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Clear Fork bl Pleasant Hill Dam nr Perrysville OH (0 km away).

High confidence

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late April, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Perrysville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar measures about 149 feet of descent through Little Lyons Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,113 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 111 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 88 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Little Lyons Falls near Perrysville, Ohio, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Little Lyons Falls near Perrysville, Ohio, showing about 149 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation
1,113 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 149 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
Northeast
Catches soft morning light.
Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Little Lyons Falls is located within Mohican State Park near Loudonville, Ohio. Visitors can access the falls via the Lyons Falls Trail, which begins near the Covered Bridge in the park.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the Covered Bridge in Mohican State Park. The parking area is well-marked and provides access to the trailhead.

Elevation

1,106 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.619300° N, -82.329200° W

Land Management

Mohican State Park SP

Managed by SDNR

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Big Lyons Falls, Mohican State Park Covered Bridge, Clear Fork Gorge, Pleasant Hill Lake.

Wildlife

The area is home to deer, squirrels, various bird species, and other small woodland animals. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail.

Cities near Little Lyons Falls

Nearby Waterfalls

0.2 miles away
Ohio
Moderate
2.0 miles 200 ft

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