If you love chasing waterfalls, Ohio's hiking trails are definitely for you. The following are some of our favorite waterfall trails in the state. Find your sense of adventure; add these hiking trails near me to your bucket list, and explore your home state. They're some of the best hiking in Ohio with waterfalls, after all. And who doesn't want to chase waterfalls?
1. Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Cedar Falls (Hocking Hills State Park)
Several beautiful waterfalls can be found along the Old Mans Cave Trail within Hocking Hills State Park. This impressive hiking spot is stunning all year long, but the falls are best seen after a notable rainfall. (Pictured: Upper Falls). Visit the Hocking Hills State Park website for more information. It's one of the best hiking trails in Ohio with waterfalls.
Check out this video by OhioTravelerDOTcom:
2. Charleston Falls Loop Trail (Charleston Falls Preserve)
The trek to Charleston Falls is perfect for a day hike when you need a little adventure in your life, but not too much. The 1.8-mile loop to the falls is a fairly easy hike, and there's also a small cave that's fun to find.
3. Glen Helen Falls and the Yellow Spring (Glen Helen Nature Preserve)
The Inman Trail takes you to both Glen Helen Falls and the official "Yellow Spring," which the town of Yellow Springs is named after. It's a loop trail that's categorized as "moderate," and it begins at the preserve's main entrance. (Pictured: Glen Helen Falls or "The Cascades")
Check out this waterfall drone footage by Revived Productions:
4. Brandywine Falls (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
This breathtaking 65-foot waterfall flows from Brandywine Creek. These most beautiful waterfalls in Ohio are a popular highlight within the state's very own national park. Near the falls, the 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Trail allows you to explore beyond the waterfall.
Check out this video by
5. Dundee Falls (Beach City Wildlife Area)
This Tuscarawas County waterfall is part of the Beach City Wildlife Area. It's best seen following heavy rainfall, but it's a gorgeous hiking area year-round.
6. Horseshoe Falls (Caesar Creek State Park)
The trek to Horseshoe Falls follows the park's 11.5-mile Perimeter Loop Trail. (You can hike the whole loop trail to see the falls, or just park your vehicle at Flat Fork Ridge and follow the yellow markings.) Although it's not a towering waterfall, these off-the-radar falls are picture-perfect.
7. Cascade Falls (Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park)
The short and sweet 0.5-mile trek to Cascade Falls is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The Yellow Trail even features a recess cave beneath Cascade Falls, which gives you a really unique perspective of the falls.
8. West and East Falls (Cascade Park)
Within Cascade Park, close to downtown Elyria, impressive waterfalls flow from both the East Branch and West Branch of the Black River. The 1.2-mile loop trail is an absolute must-do to see some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Ohio. (Pictured: West Falls)
9. Ash Cave Falls (Hocking Hills State Park)
The Ash Cave Trail within Hocking Hills State Park features a 0.25-mile-long Gorge Trail that is wheelchair accessible, as well as a 0.5-mile-long Rim Trail. Most days, the falls that flow from the top of Ash Cave are fairly narrow, but being able to walk behind them is still a magical experience.
Have you ever hiked any of these Ohio waterfall trails before? Do you think they are some of the best hiking in Ohio with waterfalls? If so, please share your experiences with us in the comments below. Also, what other waterfall trails would you add to this list? We would love to know!
For more waterfall adventures in Ohio, check out Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Ohio’s Waterfalls.
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