Think you’ve done it all in terms of Northeast Ohio hiking? Think again. Even the most seasoned local travel expert has surprises awaiting them in this area, as its diversity knows no bounds. From the concrete jungle of Cleveland’s streets to rural farmland and scenes of suburbia, there’s a plethora of lifestyles here… and they’re surrounded by natural landscapes hiding secrets. Don’t believe it? Well, we’re going to explore what locals call Day’s Dam Waterfall, a little-known cascade near Cleveland that is so isolated that it doesn’t even have an official name. Be sure to download AllTrails+ and come with us on one of the best waterfall hikes near Cleveland to see this incredible natural wonder for yourself. Let’s take a look:

Black River Reservation in the Lorain County Metro Parks is a well-visited park with 5.5 miles of paved trail.
hikes near cleveland
Della King/Google Images
Nestled against the namesake Black River, this lovely park is well worth exploring. It has three distinctive picnic areas you can visit: High Meadows, Bur Oak, and Day's Dam.
As you hike along the three-mile Bridgeway Trail, you'll come along a 0.5-mile loop that's hiding a big secret. 
Lady DeAnne Dench-Layton/Google Images
If you glance at a trail map of Black River Reservation, you'll spot a tiny red circle. This is the Waterfall Trail, a petite loop that leads to an unnamed 30-foot-tall wonder.
Known locally as the Day's Dam Waterfall or Ditch Falls, this beautiful landmark actually doesn't have a given name.
hikes near cleveland
Eric McFarland/Google Images
This marvel is visible all year long, but its mighty crest is, at times, a mere trickle. Its strength is dependent on recent precipitation, as this waterfall is created by stormwater drainage.
Before it was acquired by the Lorain County Metro Parks, this waterfall site was actually a former dump site.
Kenny/Google Images
Can you imagine tainting the beauty of this spot with trash? Fortunately, it has been cleaned up and fully reclaimed by nature since 1994, but perhaps this shameful past explains why this waterfall isn't exactly bragged about in hiking circles.
This pretty park also boasts a 1,000-foot bridge, a launching point for kayaking and canoeing, a volleyball court, two playgrounds, and more. 
Julio Mojica/Google Images
From meadows to forests, this park is magnificent to explore. That's true even if you don't visit the on-site waterfall... though it is obviously recommended!

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Of course, the Black River itself is also a well-photographed site at the park.
Joann Napier/Google Images
Hikers love stopping to admire the twists and turns of this busy river. If you recognize it, you may have visited its other waterfalls... East and West Falls in Cascade Park!
This park is magnificent in each and every season, but it has a certain sort of magic in the fall and spring months.
Azreal music/Google Images
In the spring, the trails and meadows of Black River Reservation erupt in color as wildflowers awaken to greet the long-awaited seasonal sunshine. In the autumn months, a palette of rust and gold captivates visitors.
The waterfall is located near the north end of the park, so it is best to park at the Day's Dam Picnic Area if you're visiting in the colder months.
Kenny/Google Images
As we mentioned, the paved, multipurpose trail that carves through this park is pretty long. On a chilly day, it's best to park as close to the waterfall as possible, as hiking from the south end of the reservation can be a pretty breezy experience.
But if you visit on a pleasant, warm day, it's well worth taking the time to explore this park.
Mike Hogan/AllTrails
In addition to hiding one of the most little-known waterfalls near Cleveland, this park has many features and scenic views that are worth admiring. The park is open every day between 8 a.m. and sunset, so there's plenty of time to explore, picnic, and hike.
This stunning landmark near Cleveland is well worth the visit.
Kyle G/Google Images
You can find the Day's Dam picnic area near 2720 East 31st Street, Lorain, Ohio 44055.

Though it may not have an official name, this captivating and little-known landmark is one of the best waterfall hikes near Cleveland. It’s well worth visiting! Have you ever hiked at Black River Reservation? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

Want to see more local waterfalls? You can keep exploring the day away at the best waterfalls near Cleveland, Ohio.

The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Cleveland Who Loves Waterfall Hikes

 

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More to Explore

Best Hikes Near Cleveland

Melanie J. | February 07, 2024

What are some more hiking trails near Cleveland that are worth exploring?

There is no shortage of hiking trails near Cleveland and if you ask us, they’re all worthy of your list. But here are some of the hikes that we like the best:

  • Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve
  • Cherry Lane Trail (F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm), Akron
  • North Ravine Loop (Garfield Park Reservation), Garfield Heights
  • Meadow Loop Trail, Tallmadge
  • Bridal Veil Falls, Bridle Trail, Walton Hills
  • Quarry Trail (Deep Lock Quarry MetroPark), Peninsula
  • Squire's Castle Loop Trail, Willoughby Hills
  • Ledges Trail, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Peninsula
  • Wakerobin Boardwalk Trail, Mentor
  • Hinckley Hills Loop Trail, Hinckley Township

Be sure to read our previous article telling you more about these hiking trails near Cleveland. 

Are there more waterfalls in Ohio?

The short answer is yes! We have plenty of waterfalls in Ohio and here are a few that you should chase: 

  • Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Cedar Falls, Logan
  • Charleston Falls Loop Trail, Tipp City
  • Glen Helen Falls, Yellow Spring 
  • Brandywine Falls, Northfield
  • Dundee Falls Trail, Wayne Township
  • Horseshoe Falls Trails, Waynesville
  • Cascade Falls, Garrettsville
  • Berea Falls in Rocky River Reservation, Berea
  • West and East Falls, Elyria
  • Old Man's Cave and Naturalist Cabin Loop, South Bloomingville
  • Broken Rock Falls Loop, South Bloomingville
  • Hayden Run Falls Trail, Columbus

Don’t forget to read our previous article to discover more about these waterfalls in Ohio.

What are some more natural wonders in Ohio?

From waterfalls to caves to gorges and more, here are the most incredible natural wonders in Ohio that will amaze you. 

  • Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Yellow Springs
  • Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, Heath
  • Ash Cave, South Bloomingville
  • Glacial Grooves, Kelleys Island
  • Lake Erie, Erie County
  • Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve, Springfield
  • Ohio Caverns, West Liberty
  • Buzzard's Roost, Chillicothe
  • Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Bedford
  • Mount Jeez Overlook, Lucas

Check out our article with more information about these natural wonders in Ohio.

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Featured Addresses
Day’s Dam Falls, 2720 E 31st St, Lorain, OH 44055, USA