The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Cleveland Who Loves Waterfall Hikes
There’s something humbling about waterfalls. The power and majesty they possess has the ability to make us feel like a tiny piece of the universe, awe-struck before something just as serendipitous as but more everlasting than ourselves. Waterfalls, additionally, are simply visually stunning, adding an ironic hint of softness to bold, vibrant environments. Cleveland is spectacular in that the city and its surrounding suburbs feature countless waterfalls, and many of them are on public property and easily accessible. And, to locals’ delight, you’ll find many waterfall hikes in the Cleveland Metroparks.
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Ready to go chasing waterfalls? This road trip will immerse you in total beauty.
Valley Parkway's expanse is simply overflowing with natural splendor, and one of its greatest features can be found on the Rocky River. Berea Falls was formed by glacial activity, like many local waterfalls were, and it reveals chunks of Berea sandstone beneath its powerful waters.
Not only is this waterfall the tallest man-made cascade in Cleveland... it's the tallest waterfall in Cuyahoga County. Period. This 48 foot tall beauty was created when a railroad company diverted the flow of this creek, redirecting its course to trickle down this stunning stone wall. The effect is one of the most unique waterfalls in this part of the state, and one of the greatest urban wonders hiding within city limits.
Address: 11350 Broadway Avenue, Garfield Heights, OH, 44125
3. Old Boating Pond Bridge, Garfield Park Reservation
This miniature man-made trickle is located in Garfield Park Reservation beneath a New Deal-era bridge. The New Deal was a series of public work projects designed to reinvigorate local economies following the Great Depression. Here in Cleveland, this movement resulted in dramatic murals, landscaping, and stonework, the latter of which resulted in these fabulous mini waterfalls right in Garfield Park Reservation.
Address: 11350 Broadway Avenue, Garfield Heights, OH, 44125
4. Chippewa Creek Gorge in Brecksville Reservation
Tucked near the mouth of the Route 82 entrance to Brecksville Reservation is a gorge that one could, admittedly, easily overlook. Its splendor is a mystery from the road, but upon approach, you will find a petite waterfall tucked beneath a scenic bridge. This gorge was created by the glaciers that once populated our landscape, and its expanse continues to be shaped by water to this day.
North Chagrin Reservation is delightfully forested, but visitors may find an unexpected sound bouncing off of the trees: the rush of moving water. Nearby, you'll find an actual sandstone castle, an impressive edifice made out of the very material that this scenic waterfall is trickling over. This park, you'll find, is nothing short of a dream.
So named for its veil-like appearance, Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most delicate waterfalls anywhere near Cleveland. This gentle, lacy trickle of Deerlick Creek is a coveted photography destination, as its picturesque bridge and hardwood-lined expanse is downright dreamy in every season.
Address: Gorge Parkway, Walton Hills, OH, 44146
7. Great Falls of Tinker's Creek in Bedford Reservation
Bedford Reservation is a gorgeous park, and, once upon a time, it was a lovely natural fuel source for area industry. The Great Falls of Tinker's Creek fueled early mills, and evidence of these and an old school viaduct still remain in the form of ruins and discarded bricks. These falls are impressive, and they are surrounded by rocks that allow daredevils to get up close and personal with the falls.
Once you pull into the parking lot of the Quarry Rock Picnic Area, you'll be treated to the tantalizing sound of water rushing nearby. These falls can vary from a gentle trick to a roaring cascade, depending on recent rainfall. Waterfalls are an abundant resource in this park, and others can be found on Sulphur Springs Creek and the Chagrin River near Squaw Rock.
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.
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