Falls of the Ohio State Park trails

Falls of the Ohio State Park is an Indiana state park at 201 W Riverside Dr in Clarksville, Indiana, on the north bank of the Ohio River opposite Louisville, Kentucky. It lies about 4 miles (6 km) north of Downtown Louisville. Most visitors drive or take a rideshare, and parking was listed at about $2 USD, though visitors should confirm current fees at fallsoftheohio.org or by calling 812-280-9970. Walkers can also cross the Big Four Bridge from Louisville's Waterfront Park to Jeffersonville and continue roughly 2 to 3 miles to the park.

The trails and fossil-bed walks total about 1 to 2 miles (1.6 to 3.2 km) and take one to two hours. The terrain is flat, following riverside paths and the exposed bedrock shoreline, so there is virtually no elevation gain. The footing is the main challenge: the fossil beds are uneven, sometimes wet or slippery rock, and sturdy shoes are advisable. There is little shade along the river, so the walk is exposed to sun and heat in summer.

The main landmark is the exposed Devonian fossil bed, an ancient coral reef formed roughly 390 million years ago and one of the largest naturally exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. Low water in late summer and fall exposes the most rock, which is the best time for walking the beds, while high water in spring can cover them. The interpretive center is a natural starting point and turn-around, and it offers exhibits on the geology and the area's history. Visitors should keep to permitted areas and leave fossils in place, since collecting is restricted. Water and restrooms are available at the interpretive center, but visitors should bring water for the shoreline. The park is open year-round, though conditions vary with river levels and weather.