One damp morning last September, I stumbled onto the Brandywine Falls Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park right as the mist drifted off the cascades—like nature’s own fog machine. My companion, Lucy, slipped on a rock (thankfully no harm done) but swore she’d never seen anything so lush just outside Cleveland. If you think Ohio’s all flat farmland, think again. This guide will steer you to every hidden drop, from baby ribbons to thunderous plunges.
Why Waterfalls in Ohio? (Yes, Really!)
I get it: Ohio isn’t Yosemite. But CVNP packs over 20 named falls along the Cuyahoga River and its tributaries—many within a short stroll of your car. According to park visitor stats, waterfall hikes spike 30% in spring when snowmelt swells the cascades. I once timed a visit after heavy rain and watched Blue Hen Falls roar louder than any kitchen blender. Worth planning around.
The Drive: Getting to Waterside Wonderlands
Most folks roll in from Cleveland or Akron. Below is a quick rundown of driving routes, distances, and must-see pit stops en route.
| Starting Point | Distance (miles) | Approx. Drive Time | Route Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland (University Circle) | 30 | 35 min | Scenic byway along Route 82, Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail access |
| Akron (Downtown) | 20 | 25 min | Laurel Park, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad |
| Youngstown | 65 | 1 hr 10 min | Mahoning River Valley, Blossom Music Center exit |
| Pittsburgh | 120 | 2 hr | Cross Ohio River, US-422 corridor, historic canal locks |
Tip: Google Maps can misdirect you onto service roads—stick to I-77 and take exit 105 to avoid gravel detours (ask me how I learned that at midnight).
Waterfall Rundown: Names, Heights & Trail Stats
Below, the park’s top falls ranked by height—but don’t discount the smaller ones; some are downright magical when the light slants just so.
| Waterfall | Height (ft) | Trail Length (round-trip) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandywine Falls | 65 | 1.5 km | Easy |
| Blue Hen Falls | 15 | 4 km | Moderate (muddy) |
| Buttermilk Falls | 15 | 2 km | Easy |
| Great Falls Gorge | 30 | 2.5 km | Moderate (steep stairs) |
| Brandywine Meadows (Seasonal Ribbon Falls) | 10 | 3 km | Easy |
Stuff to Have on Hand
- Waterproof hiking boots: Trails get slick after rain—Blue Hen turned me into a muppet until I invested in proper soles.
- Layers: Valley mornings can be cool, but midday sun bakes you. Pack a light fleece and a breathable shell.
- Camera or phone in a dry bag: Mist from Brandywine can coat lenses in seconds.
- Small first-aid kit: Blister pads and antiseptic wipes saved my toes after a rogue root got me at Buttermilk Falls.
- Trail map or GPX download: Cell service vanishes near Great Falls Gorge. I always keep printed directions tucked in my pocket.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, fruit. I once ran out of water and had to ration—it’s no fun.
How the Hikes Unfold
Trails here vary: boardwalks, crushed-stone towpaths, muddy singletrack. Below is a loose play-by-play of the five top waterfall loops.
The Brandywine Falls Loop
A 1.5 km boardwalk loop that leads you right to the base of the thunderous 65-foot drop. Expect viewpoints every 200 m—great for families and lens-switchers. I always linger at the lower deck while my dog splashes at the pool’s edge.
Blue Hen Falls Trail
A 4 km out-and-back that threads muddy woods and rocky creek crossings. A lightweight gaiter helps—trust me, I once flailed in ankle-deep sludge. The final scramble down to the 15-foot cascade is worth every slippery step.
Buttermilk Falls & Towpath Combo
An easy 2 km walk that starts on the canal towpath before diverting to a hidden 15-foot waterfall. My friend Sam swears by the early morning light filtering through the canal walls here—his sunrise shots are epic.
Great Falls & Gorge Trail
Moderate 2.5 km loop with steep stairs carved into the rock, leading to 30-foot cataracts. The echoing roar in the gorge reminded me of being inside a stone cathedral—bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to sound.
Ribbon Falls at Brandywine Meadows
Seasonal wonder: a gentle 10-foot ribbon emerges in spring runoff. The 3 km flat meadow trail is perfect for dappled sun and wildflowers—pack a picnic to linger on the grass.
When Things Get Tricky
Trails here aren’t manicured like national parks out West. You’ll face:
- Mud pits: Blue Hen and Gorge trails flood easily. I bring gaiters; if you don’t have them, stick to high ridges early.
- Steep stairs: Wear shoes with good grip. The Gorge stairs are carved but uneven—take your time.
- No cell service: GPS may vanish. Download trail maps offline (AllTrails allows this) or grab a paper map at the visitor center.
A Few More Tips from the Trail
Over the years I’ve learned:
- Beat the crowds: Weekdays before 10 am are blissfully empty.
- Check park alerts: Deer crossings, trail repairs, and weather advisories are posted online. Avoid surprises.
- Pack in, pack out: There’s no trash service on the far trails—carry a ziplock for wrappers and tissues.
FAQs: Quick Answers from a Valley Regular
Q: Are dogs allowed on these trails?
A: Yes—leashed dogs welcome. They adore the creek crossings at Blue Hen but bring towels; wet pups shake off everywhere.
Q: Can I swim at any of these waterfalls?
A: Only at Buttermilk Falls pool and Brandywine’s lower basin—check signage. Water’s chilly even in July.
Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No—Cuyahoga Valley NP is free to enter. Parking at main lots may charge $5–10 for overflow weekends, but most weekday parking is free.
Q: What’s the best season for waterfall volume?
A: Late March–May sees peak runoff. After July, falls can dwindle to trickles unless heavy rain falls.
Q: Are there restrooms on the trails?
A: Vault toilets at main trailheads (Brandywine, Blue Hen). None mid-trail—plan accordingly.
Wrapping Up Your Waterfall Quest
Cuyahoga Valley National Park proves you don’t have to cross state lines for epic waterfalls. From the thunderous Brandywine Falls to the hidden ribbon of Blue Hen, each drop tells a story carved by ice and time. Lace up your boots, map your route, and lean into the mist—then share your favorite falls and photos below. Can’t wait to hear which cascade stole your heart!