Best Waterfalls in Ohio: 14 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
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Kim Falchek
Author
Do you enjoy chasing waterfalls? If so, you may be wondering, “Where are the best waterfalls near me?” You may be surprised to find out that there are over 90 magnificent falls throughout Ohio. Many lie within some of the state’s most beautiful parks and nature preserves. Below is a list of 14 stunning Ohio waterfalls worthy of any chaser’s bucket list. While most of these falls are open year-round, they are particularly beautiful in the spring and summer, especially after a storm.
Tallest Waterfalls In Ohio
Some of the tallest waterfalls in the state are also the most breathtaking. As you watch the water cascade from high above, you will be mesmerized by the natural beauty of these stunning wonders.
1. Brandywine Falls, Northfield
8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USA
8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
You can find one of the tallest waterfalls in Ohio at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Northfield. Brandywine Fallsis a majestic 65-foot cascading fall that flows from Brandywine Creek. It is one of the most popular attractions within the park. You can access the breathtaking waterfall by hiking the 1.75-mile Stanford Trail or the 1.5 Brandywine Gorge Trail. Or skip the walk and drive to the boardwalk at the base of the falls. Either way, you are in for a gorgeous view at any time of year.
2. Cedar Falls, Logan
21724 OH-374 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138, USA
You can find one of the biggest waterfalls in Ohio at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio. Cedar Falls is a 50-foot fall that you won’t want to miss! This spectacular work of nature is one of the most photographed falls in the state and is accessible by an easy, half-hour hike across a gorgeous trail.Hocking Hills is an internationally acclaimed park. Other fun trails within the park include the Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave Gorge hikes.
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3. Charleston Falls, Tipp City
Charleston Falls Preserve, 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USA
If you are looking to chase waterfalls near Miami County, Charleston Falls in Tipp City is one that you won’t want to miss. Dubbed "Miniature Niagara," this beauty is the tallest waterfall in Western Ohio. The 37-foot tall fall is located within the Charleston Falls Preserve, a scenic nature park with over 216 acres of land and some fantastic hiking trails. A short walk to an observation boardwalk will lead you to the falls.
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Best Waterfall Hikes In Ohio
There is so much fantastic hiking in Ohio, and the best trails are those that reward you with a spectacular view or majestic natural wonder. These wonderful waterfall hikes in Ohio should be added to any waterfall bucket list.
4. Dundee Falls, Dundee
Dundee Falls, Dundee, OH 44624, USA
You may not have heard about Dundee Falls, but this lesser-known natural attraction is not to be missed. Located in Northeast Ohio in the Beach City Wildlife Area, this spectacular waterfall can be accessed by taking an easy two-mile out-and-back hike. Dundee Falls is roughly 15 feet and the walk to see it is also quite scenic. The water consistently flows strongly throughout the year, so just about any time is good for a visit.
5. Lyons Falls, Loudonville
Mohican State Park, 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
You can find a lovely pair of low-flowing waterfalls at Mohican State Park in Loudonville. The park is home to both the Big Lyons Falls and the Little Lyons Falls. There are cool caves behind Big Lyons and at the base of Little Lyons. You can see both falls on a moderate two-mile trail. The picturesque park is a wonderful place to spend the day. The gorge is spectacular and there are also bridges, cool rock formations, and a 113-foot earth-filled dam to see.
6. Cascade Park, Elyria
Cascade Park, 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
If you are looking for a short waterfall hike that packs a punch, you should definitely visit Cascade Park in Elyria. The easy 1.2-mile loop trail within the park is considered by many to be one of the best waterfall hikes in Ohio. On your journey, you will be able to see two picturesque falls! West Fall has three separate streams that cascade 35 feet down from a bridge above. The nearby East Falls are also quite majestic. The 30-foot drop includes a small dam.
Accessible Waterfalls In Ohio (No Hiking Required)
You don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy the beauty of a waterfall. Some of the best waterfalls in Ohio require little to no hiking and can be reached by a short walk or car ride. Many have viewing platforms where you can watch the cascades up close.
7. Mill Creek Falls, Cleveland
Mill Creek Falls, Cleveland, OH 44105, USA
Did you know a gorgeous, accessible waterfall can be found right in the heart of Cleveland? At 48 feet tall, Mill Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Cuyahoga County. This stunning man-made structure lies within Garfield Park Reservation. A convenient viewing station provides you with a fantastic view of this urban hidden gem.
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8. Hayden Falls, Dublin
4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017
4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
You can find one of Central Ohio's most accessible waterfalls in Dublin, a suburb of Columbus. An easy .3-mile boardwalk path within the Griggs Nature Preserve is all that lies between the parking lot and the 35-foot Hayden Falls. Due to the presence of several endangered plant species, the park prohibits visitors from climbing the falls.
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9. Great Falls Of Tinkers Creek, Bedford
Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44264, USA
Roughly 15-30 minutes south of Cleveland, a remarkable waterfall flows strong within the scenic Bedford Reservation’s Viaduct Park. The reservation is part of Cleveland Metroparks and is named a National Natural Landmark. The Great Falls Of Tinkers Creek is a picturesque 20-foot-tall waterfall that is one of the state’s widest. The gorge below is just as impressive as the falls and is accessible by a short, easy walk.
10. Clifton Mill Falls, Clifton
75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316, USA
And speaking of accessible waterfalls, how does dining with a waterfall view sound? At the historic Clifton Mill restaurant, you can enjoy a delicious meal while you gaze out at the wondrous Clifton Falls double cascade. The mill dates back to 1802. There is also a wishing well and a covered bridge to explore. The property puts on a stunning display at Christmastime.
Best Waterfalls near Cleveland
Majestic waterfalls can be found throughout the state, and many lovely ones are located right in urban settings. You don’t have to travel far to view these awesome Cleveland area wonders but believe me, you will be glad you took the time to visit.
11. Blue Hen Falls, Brecksville
Blue Hen Falls, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
Blue Hen Falls is another waterfall that you won’t want to miss when visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Although not as tall as the park’s popular, Brandywine Falls, Blue Hen Falls is equally as beautiful. This gorgeous waterfall makes a beautiful backdrop for photos during any season and is particularly breathtaking when it freezes in the winter months. You can view the 15-foot fall by taking a short, moderate walk or opt to take a more rugged hike from the Boston Mill Visitor Center along the Buckeye Trail.
12. Bridal Veil Falls, Walton Hills
Bridal Veil Falls, Walton Hills, OH 44146, USA
Another fabulous fall located within Cleveland Metroparks' Bedford Reservation is the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls. This 20-foot fall is easily accessible by a short half-mile hike along a beautiful hemlock-covered trail. The fall is a fun place to wade and a relaxing spot to sit and relax. If you want to see even more waterfalls during your trip, I suggest checking out the nearby Deerlick Creek Waterfall which is just a short hike from here.
13. Buttermilk Falls, Mayfield
Buttermilk Falls, Mayfield, OH 44143, USA
Buttermilk Falls in North Chagrin Reservation is another one of Cleveland Metroparks' hidden gems. The delightful fall flows under an adorable footbridge, making this spot perfect for snapping some lovely photos. The hike to the falls is only about a mile long, so this one is ideal for a short day trip.
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14. Columbia Beach Falls, Bay Village
Columbia Beach Falls, 25550 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140, USA
Our final cascade is one of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls in Ohio. This unique 20-foot beach waterfall flows right into Lake Erie. You can find Columbia Beach Falls hidden within Columbia Park in the city of Bay Village. The fall can be accessed from a paved path as well as a viewing platform. A bucket-worthy waterfall stop, for sure!
Have you visited any of the Ohio waterfalls on this list? Do you have another favorite beautiful waterfall somewhere else in the USA? While waterfall chasing is certainly a rewarding outdoor adventure, getting lost on some of the more complex trails can be easy to do. Be sure to download a map of your hike on Alltrails+ before heading out to view these magnificent wonders.
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