These 6 Breathtaking Waterfalls Are Hiding Around Cleveland
Cleveland might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about waterfalls, but there is so much more to Forest City than meets the eye! With a national park that’s practically in our own backyard, and several superlative state parks all within reach, waterfall chasers have a lot to see and do in this town. So if you’re wondering about “waterfalls near me” in Cleveland, here are six breathtaking falls all within reach to wherever you are in this lovely Ohio city!
1. Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls, Sagamore Hills Township, OH 44067, USA
At 65 feet, Brandywine Falls is the tallest waterfall in Ohio, and one of the biggest attractions in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Soak in the grandeur from the viewing platforms. It's accessible by boardwalk or a combination of stairs and boardwalk. If you're heading out in winter, check the website first, because the trail is sometimes closed in icy conditions ... but the possibility of seeing a frozen Brandywine Falls is worth braving a little cold and ice!
2. Great Falls of Tinker's Creek
Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44264, USA
This is a 15-foot urban waterfall located in Bedford. Great Falls is the biggest waterfall along the run of Tinkers Creek. It has some of the most interesting surroundings on the list, including an old viaduct and ruins of a 19th-century mill.
Also located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Blue Hen Falls is a peaceful cascade. The overhang of rock gives the falls some extra dimension, as the white water stands out starkly against the shadow. There's also a soft echo of the trickling falls when you stand at the base. It's an easy walk to the falls from the trailhead at Boston Mills Road.
Starting in 1873, Chagrin Falls Village was built up around this natural waterfall. The waterfall forms a centerpiece for this beautiful historic town. Make sure to visit the Popcorn Shop for some ice cream and candy while you're there!
5. Berea Falls
Berea Falls Dam, Valley Pkwy Trail, Berea, OH 44017, USA
Formed by melting glacial waters rushing through the Rocky River basin, Berea Falls is a small but lovely waterfall. It has three drops, passed over by three bridges. There's an overlook of the falls, which is accessible by car from the Valley Parkway, and it's absolutely worth seeking out!
6. Bonnie Park Waterfall
Mill Stream Run Reservation, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
Located on the Mill Stream Run Reservation, Bonnie Park is a relaxing picnic site. The reservation includes grills and a baseball field, as well as hiking trails and practical amenities like restrooms. Of course, if you're looking for an exhilarating thrill instead, the adventure park in Mill Steam is pretty awesome!
The best thing about the waterfalls in Cleveland is that they’re all easily accessible, meaning you can enjoy them almost any time you want, without the hassle of a long hike. This makes them a perfect outing for the kids, too! What is your favorite waterfall near me to visit in Cleveland?
Address: Brandywine Falls, Sagamore Hills Township, OH 44067, USA
Address: Berea Falls Dam, Valley Pkwy Trail, Berea, OH 44017, USA
Address: Blue Hen Falls, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
Address: Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
Address: Mill Stream Run Reservation, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
Address: Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44264, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
March 04, 2022
Sarah M.
What’s the tallest waterfall in Ohio?
The United States is home to some truly astounding waterfalls, and you might not realize it, but the humble Buckeye State has a place on the winner’s podium with some of the country’s most immense cascades. Standing at a commanding 65 feet tall, Brandywine Falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the tallest waterfall in Ohio, and arguably the most stunning waterfall in the Buckeye State. If you have yet to experience this glorious natural wonder in person, lace up your hiking boots, and hit the trails!
Are there many waterfalls near Ohio?
If the above list of falls illustrated anything, it’s that Ohio is flush with fabulous waterfalls! Because those cascades in Cleveland are just the beginning; the entire Buckeye State is truly a waterfall chaser’s dream! In southwestern Ohio, there are numerous beautiful and babbling cascades in Yellow Springs, especially at Glen Helen Nature Preserve. This entire region is teeming with falls. In fact, if you wish to dine with a roaring waterfall within view, the restaurant at Clifton Mill is the place to be. And then, in the southeast corner of the state, there’s Hocking Hills State Park, a treasure trove of beautiful caves *and* glorious waterfalls. Old Man’s Cave is a must-do hike. It’s only about a mile long, and ventures to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ohio. Despite this trail being short, there are many incredible features to enjoy along the way. You’ll encounter Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, and Lower Falls en route to the headlining Old Man’s Cave. The cascade at Ash Cave is another stunner, and it’s also one of the most accessible and popular waterfall hikes in all of Ohio.
Address: Brandywine Falls, Sagamore Hills Township, OH 44067, USA
Address: Berea Falls Dam, Valley Pkwy Trail, Berea, OH 44017, USA
Address: Blue Hen Falls, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
Address: Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
Address: Mill Stream Run Reservation, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
Address: Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44264, USA
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