I often wonder how places get their names. Hobuck is unique. I have never heard of another place like this and would love to learn of the original of its name. Another part of the name – Flats – is more perplexing.
We had some extra time in the morning, and Hobuck Flats has a waterfall that is a short walk from the parking lot. As we were approaching, we saw a deep gorge alongside the road. I asked my wife if she could see the bottom, and she replied that she could not. The road to the parking lot is steep and has a couple of sharp turns. Although not the most challenging road I have been on, I would not want to attempt it if snow or ice were on the surface.
Hobuck Flats is a very popular public fishing area. There is enough room for about seven vehicles; we got the last space when we arrived. Despite the name, there is nothing flat about this area. There is a bridge that spans the river. On one side, the gorge does start to lessen. On the other, the gorge is imposing. It was a relatively flat trail that ran along the river to the falls. It could be seen through the leafless trees from the parking lot.
I had Hobuck Flats waterfall as one of the locations to visit for the Fun Frozen Falls Day Trip, which I had to cancel due to excessive snowfall. The winter of 2023/2024 was unusual. It began with extreme cold, then record mild temperatures. Another bitter cold snap was also followed by extended warmth. The Let’s Play Hooky, Cleveland Road Trip, which we were currently pursuing, had us visiting some of the region’s waterfalls in hopes that they were frozen. To our disappointment, all the falls were thawed entirely but flowing very well. It came as a surprise that Hobuck Flats was frozen.
We approached and saw small ice formations on the cliff face. I pondered what the gorge would look like had we come during a cold spell, like I had initially hoped. Then we saw the waterfalls. It stood out awkwardly, being the only frozen thing in sight. The ground was thawing, and the trails were muddy. The only remnants of snow were the lingering piles in the parking lot. Then, to see this icy wonder made me wonder if this deep gorge traps the cold, allowing the water to freeze when it falls.
It was unexpected but a happy surprise. I will definitely keep this on our list of places to visit for the next winter and a cold spell. It looks like the entire gorge turns into an ice display.
- View my Featured Map to find out how to get to Hobuck Falls.
- Parking is limited.
- A free site to visit.
- The falls are less than a five-minute walk on a flat trail from the parking lot.
- You may need to hop over a creek to get to the best viewing area.
