You Can See 5 Waterfalls In Just One Day Of Hiking In Ohio
Waterfalls were meant to be chased and Ohio was meant to be explored. The good news is that you’ll find an endless array of effortless adventure along some surprisingly easy waterfall hikes in Ohio.
If you’ve yet to hike the Old Man’s Cave trails at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, you’re truly missing out. It’s arguably the most beautiful hiking trail in Ohio—and it will make you feel like you’re temporarily living in a Lord of the Rings film. Plan a day (or weekend) trip to this stunning park and hike to 5 waterfalls in just one day. Factoring in the detours and stops you’ll make, the following trek should take around 2 -3 hours, depending on your pace.
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Although there are several trails that intertwine at Old Man's Cave (which make it easy to detour and see everything), you'll mainly want to stay on the Buckeye Trail, also known as the Grandma Gatewood Trail, to see all the waterfalls.
To arrive back to where you started, just take one of the green Exit Trails. To see a map of the park's trails in a separate tab or window, click here.
The first waterfall you'll encounter on your journey from the Welcome Center is Upper Falls, which flows beneath a picturesque bridge that's worthy of a photo or two.
Bonus stop: The Devil's Bathtub
April Dray/Only In Your State
Although it's not a waterfall, Devil's Bathtub is an interesting stop along the trail. Devil's Bathtub flows into a bowl-shaped basin, forming a captivating whirlpool. (While legend has it that the pool extends deep into the depths of Hades, it's actually no more than a few feet deep.)
The next waterfall you'l encounter is Lower Falls. On a hot summer day, it's the perfect place to stop and splash for a minute or two. You'll pass Old Man's Cave to get to this waterfall, so if you don't take a detour to see the cave along the Exit Trail, be sure to do so on your way back.
Best seen after a heavy rainfall, this little-known waterfall requires a short detour from the Buckeye Trail via the Exit Trail. There's a .1-mile loop trail off the Exit Trail that allows you to stop and take in this hidden gem.
4. Cedar Falls
April Dray/Only In Your State
Once you've made it back to the Buckeye Trail, it will lead you straight to Cedar Falls. As the area's most powerful and easily accessible waterfall, it's an ideal place to stop and rest for awhile, especially if you plan on looping back around to the Visitor's Center.
Located no more than 50 yards from Cedar Falls, a little-known, seasonal (and off the map) waterfall is hidden behind a boulder. Just follow the short, beaten path off the dirt staircase and look for the large boulder. Like many waterfalls, these falls are best seen after a heavy rainfall and may only feature a trickle of water if it's been awhile since rainfall.
Have you ever hiked the Old Man’s Cave loop before? If so, share your photos and experiences with us! We’d also love to hear any suggestions you may have for other easy waterfall hikes in Ohio.
The largest and best waterfall in Ohio is Brandywine Falls. This magnificent natural landmark in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is among the most easily accessible waterfalls in Ohio, as a large staircase and boardwalk allow you to get up close and personal without the risk of muddying up your shoes. At over 60 feet tall, this monster waterfall dwarfs all others in the state. It trickles down over sandstone and shale, both of which are remnants of Ohio’s history as an ancient ocean many millions of years ago.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Ohio?
The Buckeye State is full of surprises, and this is especially true when it comes to waterfalls. Sure, our waterworks are nothing like Niagara Falls, but even our most modest trickles can make a waterfall day trip in Ohio all the more enchanting. Of course, hiking to any waterfalls in Hocking Hills is endlessly rewarding. Equally rewarding are the hikes through Ohio’s only national park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Are there any waterfalls in Ohio I can see without hiking?
There are many incredible waterfalls here in The Buckeye State that can be viewed without a long trek! Mill Creek Falls in Cleveland is a treat, and it is a wonder that was made by man. The center of Chagrin Falls is literally a waterfall, and Lanternman’s Falls in Youngstown is worth visiting, too. These are just a handful of our plentiful easy-to-access waterfalls. No matter which you visit, you will find yourself in for a visual treat. Make sure to bring a camera with you when you plan your visit!
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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