The Hike To This Little-Known Greater Cleveland Waterfall Is Short And Sweet
By Nikki Rhoades|Published May 14, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Do you ever find yourself longing for a moment in nature despite your busy schedule? There are plenty of parks in this beautiful region that we call home, but many of them include several miles of crisscrossing trails that require a lot of time to traverse. A busy person just doesn’t always have time to dedicate to the great outdoors… or do we? If you live in Greater Cleveland, you may be surprised to learn that there are many natural treasures nearby that require little to no hiking. Grab some sunscreen and comfortable shoes, because today we’re visiting one stunning feature that’s amazingly close to home.
Think you've seen everything that Greater Cleveland has to offer? Think again.
Even within city limits, there's almost too much to see. Longtime residents discover new attractions each and every day, and some of the most awe-inspiring features can be found in nature.
You've just stumbled upon Cataract Falls, a waterfall that's amazingly hidden despite its urban location.
At 48 feet tall, Cataract Falls of Mill Creek may seem hard to miss, but it's surprisingly hidden on Mill Creek Trail. Broadway Avenue is just steps away, and both residences and businesses are plentiful in this area. As urban as the neighborhood is, this natural oasis remains a hidden gem.
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It's located in Garfield Park Reservation, and both the park and the waterfall have a unique history.
The park originally opened with about 180 acres. It was renamed to Garfield Park just three years after its purchase by the city. It is named for President James A. Garfield, and it is located in Garfield Heights though it began its life in the boundaries of Cleveland.
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This plot of land originally opened as Newburg Park in 1895, and its landscape hides charming historical features.
At 48 feet tall, this incredible waterfall is the tallest in the entire county. It's a natural gem treasured by city dwellers, both for its beauty and its unique story.
In 1905, a railroad company diverted the flow of Mill Creek, which created this stunning waterfall.
The creation of the waterfall would go on to contribute to the growth of the area. It powered several mills, including a sawmill and a gristmill, and even helped to fuel one of the first steel mills using the Bessemer process in the nation.
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If you've never visited the tallest waterfall in Cuyahoga County, there's no better time than now to plan a visit.
While Cleveland’s loveliest natural wonders may feel far from home, you’ll be amazed to learn that some of the most stunning features are close to home and require almost no hiking. Have you ever visited this stunning waterfall?
