Everyone In Ohio Should Visit These Enchanting Urban Waterfalls
Here in Ohio, we often find ourselves daydreaming about “waterfalls near me,” as the Buckeye State is positively teeming with fabulous falls! And happily, you don’t necessarily have to travel off the beaten path to a secluded location or state park to find a waterfall. Throughout northeast and central Ohio, there are actually several urban waterfalls. Some are in plain sight of town passerby, while others are tucked within hidden gorges close by in urban parks. The following eight waterfalls might just be closer to you than you think.
Perhaps one of the most well-known and easily accessible Ohio waterfalls on this list is Chagrin Falls, located in, well, Chagrin Falls. This charming town is actually named after the falls of the Chagrin River. Chagrin Falls flows in the heart of the town, which was established in 1845. The entire town is worth visiting, especially during Christmastime, when it becomes an honest-to-goodness, real-life Hallmark-movie!
2. Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek (Bedford)
Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44264, USA
These charming 15-ft. high and 80-ft. wide falls are located in Bedford's Viaduct Park. The creek flows through a sizable man-made tunnel, called "The Arch." This is one of our favorite hidden waterfalls in the Greater Cleveland area, and it's worth seeking out anytime of the year. During the winter, it often freezes, too!
3. Mill Creek Falls (Cleveland)
Mill Creek Falls, Mill Creek Trail, Cleveland, OH 44105, USA
Within the city limits of Cleveland you'll find this beautiful waterfall, (also called Cataract Falls of Mill Creek,) off of Warner Rd. If you're feeling up for a walk, you can also park at Garfield Park Reservation and walk about 1.5 miles to the falls. It's an immensely beautiful place to explore; this lovely park traces its roots back to 1894, and its long history can be seen in many of its attractions. From the thick trunks of the old trees to the stonework of the 1930s New Deal-era projects, there is much to uncover in this pretty place, in addition to the falls!
4. East Falls (Elyria)
Cascade Park, 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
Within Cascade Park and just a stone's throw from downtown Elyria, impressive waterfalls flow from both the East Branch and West Branch of the the Black River. You can view the East Falls from an observation deck above or hike down the trail to the gorge for a closer look.
5. West Falls (Elyria)
Cascade Park, 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
Located approximately a mile from East Falls, a trail between the two waterfalls will lead you to West Falls if you're up for the walk. We can't recommend adding this incredible cascade to your adventures, however. The West Falls boast three flows beneath a picturesque bridge. While rainfall certainly impacts their flow, they're pretty powerful year-round!
6. Lanterman's Mill Falls (Youngstown)
Lanterman's Mill, 1001 Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH 44511, USA
You can find this enchanting and easy-access waterfall on the outskirts of Youngstown, right off of U.S. 62. The waterfall and mill is within Youngstown's Mill Creek Park, the second largest metropark in the U.S. (after Central Park in New York City), and it's a true gem amid the hustle and bustle of the city.
Within the heart of the state, Hayden Falls is hidden in a suburb of Columbus and is becoming increasingly popular among locals. Why? Well, just take a look! More than merely a 35-foot waterfall, Hayden Falls Park in Dublin features an entirely wondrous ecosystem, complete with rare plants and all sorts of woodland animals.
8. Indian Run Falls (Dublin)
Indian Run Falls, 700 Shawan Falls Dr, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
Less than 10 minutes from Hayden Falls you'll find this enchanting urban waterfall, also located just outside Columbus, in Dublin. This park features a waterfall as well as beautiful rocky water cascades in the river. The trail loops around the park and can be walked in about 30 minutes. However, you will find it easy to spend more time here as you meander the woods and enjoy the river. The park has a lot of vegetation, and on a hot summer day the shade can provide a nice reprieve from the heat!
Did you know about all of these glorious Ohio falls? How many have you seen in person? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
Still wondering about “waterfalls near me” in Ohio? We thought you might be… we’re avid waterfall chasers, too! Here’s a road trip we put together that visits some of the Buckeye State’s finest falls.
Address: Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
Address: Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44264, USA
Address: Mill Creek Falls, Mill Creek Trail, Cleveland, OH 44105, USA
Address: Cascade Park, 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
Address: Cascade Park, 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
Address: Hayden Falls, Columbus, OH, USA
Address: Indian Run Falls, 700 Shawan Falls Dr, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
Address: Lanterman's Mill, 1001 Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH 44511, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls near me
April 11, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some great places to go waterfall chasing in Ohio?
Beautiful waterfalls abound in the Buckeye State, and no matter where in Ohio you’re located, you’re guaranteed to be near several stunners. For those in the southeast part of the state, Hocking Hills is a veritable waterfall treasure trove, and you could quite literally spend days exploring its forests in search of fantastic falls! Of course, Ohio’s one-and-only national park, Cuyahoga Valley, is home to one of the most picture-perfect cascades in the country, and it’s perfect for exploring any time of the year. And for those hailing from the state capitol, you’ll be pleased to know that hidden waterfalls are everywhere, some hiding right in plain sight!
Address: Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
Address: Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44264, USA
Address: Mill Creek Falls, Mill Creek Trail, Cleveland, OH 44105, USA
Address: Cascade Park, 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
Address: Cascade Park, 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035, USA
Address: Hayden Falls, Columbus, OH, USA
Address: Indian Run Falls, 700 Shawan Falls Dr, Dublin, OH 43017, USA
Address: Lanterman's Mill, 1001 Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH 44511, USA
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April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
