You’ll Fall In Love With The Tiny Waterfall Hiding Along This Breathtaking Cleveland Trail

I love a good waterfall. The sound of falling water, the awe-striking power of Mother Nature... they almost seem too exotic for a place like Northeast Ohio. However, if you’re looking for a perfect blend of serene sounds and scenic beauty, you need to know about a hidden gem in Bentleyville, Ohio – Sulphur Springs. Hiding in South Chagrin Reservation off Sulphur Springs Drive, this beautiful little waterfall near Cleveland is just a downstream hike away. AllTrails is a great resource to lean on for your trip to Sulphur Springs Loop, but in the meantime, grab your gear, pack a lunch, and get ready to explore one of the coolest hidden gems near The Land.

In one unassuming branch of the Cleveland Metroparks, a collection of waterfalls awaits visitors.

That's right! There are actually several waterfalls near Sulphur Springs Picnic Area, and they range in size from five to fifteen feet in height. We're going to be focusing on the very first waterfall on this hike, however – it's right off the Sulphur Springs Picnic Area parking lot, so you might even hear it as soon as you step out of your car.

The first waterfall on the trail is a five-foot buttermilk falls, and it's perfectly picturesque.

Growing up, I loved to go "creeking." You know, standing in a healthy creek and watching as fish swim by, occasionally flipping a rock to see what's living underneath before gently easing it back in place. Whenever I saw flowing water like this, I always expected to find a healthy creek. In addition to all sorts of native critters, you'll also spot gorgeous Bedford Shale in and around Sulphur Springs.

Bedford Shale is a fascinating feature at the waterfall, and it's one of the many natural resources that makes Northeast Ohio so special.

Bedford Shale was first identified in 1870, and yes, it was named after Bedford, Ohio, though it's also present in Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. These rocks are 365 to 358.9 million years old – much older than the dinosaurs – and they come in many different shades, though it's mainly red to a grayish-black in this region. Occasionally, these rocks contain fossils, though they're largely fossil-free.

In Central to Northern Ohio, Devonian fish are common fossils found in the lowest layers of the rock. Interestingly, another type of shale, Cleveland Shale, is also said to be fossil poor, but its lowest layers preserve exceptional and world-famous fossils like those of Dunkleosteus terrella.

Along the 1.9-mile Sulphur Springs Loop, you'll find the same richness in diversity.

A lot has changed since the Devonian era (when Ohio was covered by an ancient ocean), but this area is still delightfully rich in life. Keep your eyes peeled on (and above) the trail, because you never know which local resident will grace you with their presence.

At 1.9-miles in length, the trail is a bit of a challenge.

With waters that rise during heavy rains, this trail may be flooded or extremely muddy in the spring. You'll cross the stream a few times along the hike, but don't expect many wood or gravel surfaces along this route. Plan to wear hiking boots!

And while spotting the trail can be a especially challenging during the snowy months, it's always a treat to hike.

Keep your eyes peeled for footprints and trail markers, because the latter aren't especially prominent here. However, this is a hike with huge payoffs.

All along the water, you'll find a variety of waterfalls.

Online sources present a few different numbers when it comes to how many waterfalls are present here. This likely means that some waterfalls are more visibile following heavy rainfall, so if you can, plan to come after the earth has had a few good showers.

If you don't manage to come when the water is high, don't even sweat it. It's still beautiful!

Whether you take it easy and picnic near the first tiny waterfall or complete the entirety of the trail, you're in for a treat. The serene sounds of flowing water are the perfect backdrop for a day in the Cleveland Metroparks!

No matter the time of year, a hike along Sulphur Springs Loop is incredible.

Be prepared for a bit of mud, but you'll love the payoff. In the spring, gorgeous flowers like trillium pop up around the trail, and there's truly a surprise hiding around every corner.

There's never a bad time to visit Sulphur Springs Loop in South Chagrin Reservation!

Be sure to have your phone charged. You're going to want a photo with the cutest little waterfall near Cleveland!

This lovely little waterfall near Cleveland is a treat to discover, no matter the season. Have you ever hiked on Sulphur Springs Loop? We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments!

While you're in the area, why not keep chasing waterfalls? The stunning and urban Chagrin Falls waterfall is just a five-minute drive away.