14 Breathtaking Waterfalls You’ll Find in Ohio

Do you enjoy chasing waterfalls? If so, you may be wondering, "Where are the best waterfalls in Ohio?" You may be surprised to learn that there are over 90 magnificent waterfalls 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.

Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.

Tallest Waterfalls in Ohio

Some of the tallest waterfalls in Ohio are also among the most breathtaking natural attractions in the state. As you watch the water cascade from high above, you will be mesmerized by the natural beauty of these stunning wonders.

1. Brandywine Falls – Ohio’s Most Famous 65-Foot Waterfall

• Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Northfield, Ohio
• Popularity: Very popular, especially during the summer months.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. Accessible by moderate hike or drive to the boardwalk viewing area. The parking area fills up quickly during peak season.

You can find one of the tallest waterfalls in Ohio at Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Northfield. Brandywine Falls is a majestic 65-foot cascading fall that flows from Brandywine Creek. It is one of the most popular attractions in the park. You can access the breathtaking waterfall by hiking the 3.6-mile Stanford Trail or the 1.4-mile 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 – A Powerful Cascade in Hocking Hills

• Location: Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, Ohio
• Popularity: Somewhat popular.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. The park offers hiking and camping, and there is no fee to enter.

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 natural wonder is one of the most photographed falls in the state and is accessible via an easy half-hour hike along a gorgeous trail. Hocking Hills State Park is one of Ohio’s most popular state parks. Other fun trails within the park include the Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave Gorge hikes. Visit AllTrails for all hiking options within Hocking Hills.

3. Charleston Falls – A Scenic 37-Foot Waterfall Near Dayton

• Location: Charleston Falls Preserve in Tipp City, Ohio
• Popularity: This is a very popular park for hiking.
• Need To Know: The nature preserve is open daily. There are restrooms on-site.

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 waterfall is located within the Charleston Falls Preserve, a scenic nature park with over 216 acres of land and fantastic hiking trails. A short walk to an observation boardwalk will lead you to the falls, or you can take one of the Charleston Falls Preserve's hiking trails.

Best Waterfall Hikes In Ohio

There is so much fantastic hiking in Ohio, and the best trails reward you with spectacular views or majestic natural wonders. These wonderful waterfall hikes in Ohio should be added to any waterfall bucket list.

4. Dundee Falls – A Hidden Waterfall Worth the Short Hike

• Location: Beach City Wildlife Area in Dundee, Ohio
• Popularity: This is a popular area for hiking and viewing the waterfall.
• Need To Know Open year-round. Dogs are welcome on the trail and can even be off-leash in certain areas.

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 2.1-mile out-and-back hike. Dundee Falls is roughly 15 feet high, and walking to see it is quite scenic. The water flows strongly year-round, so just about any time is suitable for a visit.

5. Lyons Falls – A Quiet Forest Waterfall Near Loudonville

• Location: Mohican State Park in Loudonville, Ohio
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. Falls are easily accessible.

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. Several trails in the park connect to the falls, including longer loop routes totaling more than 10 miles. The picturesque park is a wonderful place to spend the day. The gorge is spectacular, with bridges, cool rock formations, and a 113-foot earth-filled dam.

6. Cascade Park – Twin Waterfalls in a Historic Gorge

• Location: Cascade Park in Elyria, Ohio
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. Falls are easily accessible.

If you are looking for a short waterfall hike with big scenery, you should definitely visit Cascade Park in Elyria. The easy 0.9-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 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 (Little to 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’s Tallest Waterfall

• Location: Garfield Park Reservation in Cleveland, Ohio
• Popularity: Hidden gem.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. No hiking is required to view the falls.

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 offers a fantastic view of this urban hidden gem.

8. Hayden Falls – A Dramatic Urban Waterfall Near Columbus

• Location: Griggs Nature Preserve in Dublin, Ohio
• Popularity: This waterfall park is very popular.
• Need To Know Open year-round. It's a short 0.3-mile walk (including some stairs) to the viewing platform.

You can find one of Central Ohio's most accessible waterfalls in Dublin, a suburb of Columbus. An easy 0.3-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.

9. Great Falls of Tinkers Creek – A Powerful Cascade in Bedford Reservation

• Location: Viaduct Park at Bedford Reservation in Bedford, Ohio
• Popularity: Typically not crowded.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. There is a paved, accessible pathway leading to the falls.

Roughly 15 to 30 minutes south of Cleveland, a remarkable waterfall flows strongly 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 – A Historic Waterfall Beside a Famous Mill

• Location: Clifton, Ohio
• Popularity: This waterfall is popular for its accessibility and location.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. The waterfall is easily accessible.

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 see these awesome Cleveland-area wonders, but believe me, you will be glad you took the time to visit.

11. Blue Hen Falls – A Charming Hidden Gem in Cuyahoga Valley

• Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville, Ohio
• Popularity: This waterfall is very popular.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. There's a 2.5-mile moderate hike to the falls. There's no fee to enter this national park.

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 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 – A Quiet Waterfall Tucked in the Forest

• Location: Bedford Reservation in Walton Hills, Ohio
• Popularity: Very popular.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. Easily accessible waterfall.

Another fabulous fall located within the 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 area around the falls is a relaxing place to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. 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 – A Small But Scenic Suburban Waterfall

• Location: North Chagrin Reservation in Mayfield, Ohio
• Popularity: This is one of the prettiest hidden gem waterfalls in Ohio.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. A short 0.7-mile loop trail leads to the waterfall.

Buttermilk Falls in the 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 short trail to the falls makes this an ideal stop for a quick nature outing.

14. Columbia Beach Falls – A Rare Lake Erie Shoreline Waterfall

• Location: Columbia Park in Bay Village, Ohio
• Popularity: This is one of the best lesser-known waterfalls in Ohio.
• Need To Know: Open year-round. The waterfall is easily accessible.

Our final cascade is one of the most beautiful hidden waterfalls in Ohio. This unique 20-foot waterfall flows directly into Lake Erie. You can find Columbia Beach Falls hidden within Columbia Park in the city of Bay Village. The fall can be accessed via a paved path and 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? Go ahead and nominate it! While waterfall chasing is certainly a rewarding outdoor adventure, getting lost on some of the more complex trails is easy. Be sure to download a map of your hike on Alltrails+ before heading out to view these magnificent wonders.

And when planning a waterfall road trip across the Buckeye State? Remember to use the Only In Your State Itinerary Planner to map out your route.