Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Ohio’s Waterfalls
It’s great to do something unique and out of the ordinary with your weekends every once in awhile. Living in Ohio, there’s plenty to see and do when you need a weekend getaway and a change of pace. And if you love chasing waterfalls, then we have the perfect northeast Ohio weekend itinerary for you, complete with hidden waterfalls, a restaurant right over some falls and a waterfall inn. No matter the season, a waterfall road trip in Ohio is always rewarding. Pack some road trip snacks and grab the camera, because these scenic spots are calling.
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The total trip takes about 5 and half hours of drive time round-trip, so you can take the trip within 3 days and 2 nights. (We’ve included some restaurant and overnight accommodation recommendations.) It’s designed in a loop, so you can start with the waterfall nearest you. We’ve included a link to the Google Map here.
Within Cascade Park close to downtown Elyria, impressive waterfalls flow from both the East Branch and West Branch of the the Black River. Find the East Falls off of Lake Avenue behind the police station. (You can view the East Falls from the observation deck above or hike down the trail to the gorge for a closer look.) All in all, Cascade Park includes 135 acres worth exploring. Find this pretty place at 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035.
At the entrance of Cascade Park, these impressive falls flow. You can reach these falls via the trail from East Falls, or drive to the park and find them off of N. West River Street.
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. Within the city limits of Cleveland you'll find this beautiful waterfall, also called Cataract Falls of Mill Creek, off of Warner Road. 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. Visit this iconic site at Mill Creek Trail, Cleveland, OH 44105.
Perhaps one of the most easily accessible waterfalls on this trip is Chagrin Falls, located in 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. You'll easily spot this scenic waterfall behind the Popcorn Shop off of N Main St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022.
For a beautiful, quiet stay with a wonderful view of Brandywine Falls, consider staying at the Inn at Brandywine Falls. It offers 6 charming guest rooms right in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Inn at Brandywine Falls is located at 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067.
Ready for the next stop on the waterfall road trip in Ohio? Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is home to a breathtaking 65-foot waterfall that flows from Brandywine Creek. If you’d rather not take the 1.75-mile hike to the falls, you can drive to the upper and lower boardwalks, which are located just off of Brandywine Road. (A boardwalk option without stairs is also available.) Want to visit the waterfall? Just plug 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067 into your GPS.
At the Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, you'll find this hidden gem of a restaurant, which features a casual atmosphere, stunning views of the river rapids and falls and floor to ceiling windows. Beau's on the River is located at 1989 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.
This Tuscarawas County waterfall is part of the Beach City Wildlife Area. It's best seen after heavy rainfall, but it's a gorgeous hiking area year-round. This is one of the many Ohio waterfalls that you can easily walk behind and, boy, is it a magical experience. You'll find it at 96 Dundee Wilmot Road Northwest, Beach City, OH 44608.
7. Big (and Little) Lyons Falls (Mohican State Park)
Mohican State Park is home to a pair of low flow falls. Pictured is Big Lyons Falls within a 300-foot deep sandstone gorge. They're best seen after heavy rainfall as well. If these waterfalls aren't enough to satiate your craving for beauty, you'll surely find more excitement hiking amidst the 1,110 acres of this pretty state park. Visit Mohican State Park at 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842.
What do you think of this waterfall road trip in Ohio? Would you take it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and let us know if there are any other scenic spots that you’d add to this road trip. The more the merrier!
Address: Mill Creek Trail, Garfield Heights, OH 44105, USA
Address: N Main St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
Address: 8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USA
Address: 1989 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221, USA
Address: Dundee Wilmot Rd NW, Wayne Township, OH, USA
Address: 3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfall Road Trip In Ohio
August 09, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
Which hikes in Ohio are best in the winter?
These Ohio waterfalls are absolutely magnificent in the winter, transforming into works of icy art signed by Mother Nature herself. You’ll also love wintertime hiking at spots like Old Man’s Cave and Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve.
Does Ohio have any natural wonders?
The Buckeye State is full of natural wonders, from modest tributaries of our mightiest rivers to massive sandstone and shale cliffs and outcrops. However, our most magnificent natural wonder is doubtless the glacial grooves at Kelleys Island. These glacial striations are among the boldest and deepest visible marks in the world!
Where can I hike to a cave in Ohio?
If these waterfalls bring out your inner adventurer, you’ll be pleased to know that our stunning state is full of other fascinating natural formations. Caves are one of the coolest places to explore in the state! The best caves in Ohio include subterranean wonders like the Ohio Caverns, plus aboveground wonders like the Rock House in Hocking Hills.
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.
