Posted in Cleveland
July 21, 2019
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.
Click here for an interactive map.
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.
Address: Valley Parkway, Berea, OH, 44017
Address: Valley Parkway, Berea, OH, 44017
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
Address: 11350 Broadway Avenue, Garfield Heights, OH, 44125
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
Address: 11350 Broadway Avenue, Garfield Heights, OH, 44125
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.
Address: 8263 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, OH, 44141
Address: 8263 Chippewa Road, Brecksville, OH, 44141
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.
Address: Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Mayfield, OH, 44143
Address: Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Mayfield, OH, 44143
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
Address: Gorge Parkway, Walton Hills, OH, 44146
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.
Address: Willis Street, Bedford, OH, 44264
Address: Willis Street, Bedford, OH, 44264
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.
Address: 36050 Solon Road, Bentleyville, OH, 44022
Address: 36050 Solon Road, Bentleyville, OH, 44022
This road trip will immerse you in the most moving natural beauty in Northeast Ohio. Which of these waterfalls is your favorite?
Want to add one more waterfall to your list? Look for this cascade hiding in one Cleveland cemetery.
