The One Loop Trail In Ohio That’s Perfect For A Short Day Hike, No Matter What Time Of Year

Ohio is an immensely beautiful state, something you'll appreciate while out on the trails. From mountain treks to waterfall hikes, cavern adventures and old-growth forest trails, hiking is the best way to revel in the resplendence of the Buckeye State! One of our favorite hikes in Ohio is the Brandywine Gorge Trail, a short-and-sweet hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park that belongs on your Buckeye State hiking bucket list.

Tucked away in Ohio’s one and only national park, you’ll find the tallest waterfall in the state. Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is home to a breathtaking 65-foot waterfall that flows from Brandywine Creek: the eponymous and extraordinary Brandywine Falls.

These easily accessible and beautiful falls are a popular highlight within the park, and the loop trail to get to Brandywine Falls is a fan favorite.

The best way to hike this loop trail is to go counterclockwise. Begin at the parking lot and take the paved trail over the waterfall.

As you wander through the beautiful wilds of northern Ohio, check out the rocky outcrops along the way. They're quite stunning!

Before long, you'll hear the melodious sound of the falls cascading into Brandywine Creek. Standing at 65 feet tall, Brandywine Falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Park is arguably the most stunning waterfall in the Buckeye State -- and it's gorgeous all year round.

In the spring when the waterfall is framed by emerald greens and vibrant wildflowers, it's a nature scene that will completely mesmerize you.

The Buckeye State is known for its breathtaking fall foliage, and visiting these falls during the autumn months is always, always a good idea.

(But it's a good idea lots of folks have, making it popular and often quite crowded!)

If you visit during the cold and quiet winter months, you're in for a treat. Not only are the falls less crowded, but if it's been cold enough, you might even get to experience a frozen Brandywine Falls!

The Brandywine Falls Trail is arguably the most beautiful hike in the Buckeye State. And at just 1.4 miles long, it's an accessible loop trail that everyone can enjoy!

Have you hiked the Brandywine Gorge Trail before? What's your favorite loop trail in Ohio? Share your thoughts in the comments below!