Waterfalls in Ohio

Location:

Logan, OH

Highlights:

Looking for a dramatic waterfall with a side of ancient history? Ash Cave Falls is a seasonal 300-foot stunner that drops from the rim of Ohio’s largest recess cave in Hocking Hills State Park—absolutely worth the walk, water or no water.

Recommended For:

Springtime explorers, geology fans, history buffs, and anyone craving a magical, mossy landscape with a towering natural amphitheater.

What we Love:

The huge cave backdrop, the seasonal waterfall that transforms with each visit, and the peaceful, accessible trail perfect for all levels.

• See Ash Cave Falls in full glory in spring, or marvel at the frozen ice column in winter—truly one of nature’s art installations.
• Walk the short, wheelchair-accessible trail through a forested gorge to reach the 700-foot-wide cave and its 100-foot-deep, 90-foot-high opening.
• Discover the site’s cultural significance—named for the huge mounds of ash left by Native American use, still visible when settlers arrived.
• Relax beneath the towering cliffside even if the waterfall is dry—it’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring place year-round.

Cost:

Free; no entrance or parking fees.

Best time to visit:

April for full flow; winter to see the frozen falls; fall for foliage and open views.

Local tips:

Arrive early for best lighting and fewer crowds. The trail is short, so bring a snack and linger at the cave.

Distance:

1 hour from Columbus, OH

How to Get to Ash Cave Falls:

From Logan, take OH-664 South for about 12 miles into Hocking Hills State Park. Follow signs for Ash Cave; the parking area and trailhead are well marked. The paved trail to the falls is a gentle half-mile walk.

Address:

Hocking State Park, 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, OH 43138

Location:

Berea, OH

Highlights:

Want a quick waterfall fix without leaving the city? Berea Falls is a charming urban cascade in the Rocky River Reservation—easy to reach and perfect for a spontaneous nature break with great views from above.

Recommended For:

Locals, casual explorers, architecture lovers, and anyone wanting a peaceful green space with flowing water and scenic bridges.

What we Love:

The layered rock drops, the trio of bridges offering different perspectives, and its accessibility for all ages just minutes from downtown areas.

• Visit the small but lovely 25-foot falls with two main drops and smaller cascades tumbling down the rocky slope of Rocky River.
• Stroll across three picturesque bridges above the falls for photo ops and panoramic views of the surrounding gorge.
• Explore the wider Rocky River Reservation, which features additional trails, picnic areas, and other small waterfalls along Valley Parkway.
• Relax in a surprisingly peaceful pocket of nature nestled within the greater Cleveland metro area.

Cost:

Free; no entrance or parking fees.

Best time to visit:

Spring for strongest flow; fall for pretty foliage and cooler air.

Local tips:

Ideal for a short visit—pair it with other stops in the Metroparks for a full day of urban-nature exploration.

Distance:

25 minutes from downtown Cleveland, OH

How to Get to Berea Falls:

From I-71, take the Bagley Road exit and head west. Turn onto Valley Parkway and follow signs into Rocky River Reservation. The falls are easily visible from the roadside and nearby footbridges.

Address:

Rocky River Reservation, Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070

Waterfalls for Families

Location:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

Highlights:

Looking for a peaceful forest stroll with a charming waterfall reward? Blue Hen Falls is a quiet 15-foot cascade tucked into the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park—perfect for a short, relaxing escape just south of Cleveland.

Recommended For:

Nature walkers, local day-trippers, wildlife watchers, and anyone who enjoys smaller scenic waterfalls without the crowds.

What we Love:

The serene woodland trail, the simplicity of the falls, and the option to keep exploring nearby Buttermilk Falls and Brandywine Falls.

• Hike an easy trail from Boston Mills Road to reach Blue Hen Falls, a 15-foot drop framed by mossy cliffs and vibrant forest.
• Continue past the falls to visit Buttermilk Falls and Brandywine Falls, two more stunning drops deeper into the park.
• Explore the rich biodiversity of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with birds, deer, and wildflowers along every step of the way.
• Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere—ideal for a mindful nature walk or photography outing.

Cost:

Free; no entrance fee to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Best time to visit:

Spring or after rainfall for stronger flow; fall for colorful foliage and crisp air.

Local tips:

The trail beyond Blue Hen Falls to Buttermilk Falls is unmarked and rugged—be prepared with good shoes and a map if you go further.

Distance:

40 minutes from Cleveland, OH

How to Get to Blue Hen Falls:

From Cleveland, take I-77 South to Boston Mills Road. Turn onto Boston Mills Road and look for the parking lot and trailhead on the south side. A short trail leads to the falls, with park maps available online or at visitor centers.

Address:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Boston Mills Rd, Cuyahoga, OH

Location:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

Highlights:

In the mood for a waterfall with real wow factor? Brandywine Falls is a 60-foot cascade and one of the most iconic sights in Cuyahoga Valley National Park—easy to reach, endlessly photogenic, and surrounded by natural beauty.

Recommended For:

Families, history lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to experience the park’s most dramatic waterfall.

What we Love:

The boardwalk access, the thunderous drop, the nearby historic canal trail, and the lush scenery that makes this a standout all year long.

• Visit a 60-foot waterfall that plunges into a gorge carved by Brandywine Creek—one of the tallest and most impressive falls in northern Ohio.
• Access the falls easily from Brandywine Road via a short boardwalk and overlook trail, perfect for all ages.
• Explore the park’s larger attractions, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Canal Exploration Center for a look into 19th-century canal life.
• Watch for native birds and wildlife—this area is teeming with biodiversity and beautiful forest views.

Cost:

Free; no entrance fee to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Best time to visit:

Spring and early summer for peak flow; fall for colorful foliage and great photo ops.

Local tips:

Go early in the morning or on weekdays—Brandywine is one of the park’s most popular stops and gets busy fast.

Distance:

40 minutes from Cleveland, OH

How to Get to Brandywine Falls:

From Cleveland, take I-77 South to I-271, then exit onto OH-8 and follow signs for Brandywine Road. Parking is available near the trailhead, with a short walk on a boardwalk to the main overlook.

Address:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cuyahoga, OH

Romantic Waterfalls

Location:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

Highlights:

If you’re up for a little stream-hopping and seclusion, Buttermilk Falls is a hidden gem worth seeking out. This quiet cascade flows gently through a shady glen just downstream from Blue Hen Falls—perfect for adventurous spirits who like their waterfalls off the beaten path.

Recommended For:

Explorers, nature photographers, solitude seekers, and hikers looking for a lesser-known waterfall escape.

What we Love:

The peaceful setting, the journey through forested trails and creek crossings, and the chance to pair it with visits to Blue Hen and Brandywine Falls nearby.

• Hike about 20 minutes from Blue Hen Falls on a rugged trail to reach this tranquil cascade tucked in the woods along Spring Creek.
• Cross the creek three times—no bridges here, so wear waterproof shoes or get ready to rock-hop.
• Enjoy a more private waterfall experience with minimal crowds and the soothing sounds of running water and forest life.
• Pair your visit with nearby Blue Hen Falls and Brandywine Falls for a full day of scenic discovery in the park.

Cost:

Free; no entrance fee to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Best time to visit:

Spring and early summer for best water flow and lush greenery.

Local tips:

Trail is unofficial and unmarked—download a map beforehand and be cautious during wet or icy conditions.

Distance:

45 minutes from Cleveland, OH

How to Get to Buttermilk Falls:

Park at the Blue Hen Falls trailhead on Boston Mills Road. Follow the trail past Blue Hen Falls and continue downstream along a rough, narrow path that crosses the creek several times before reaching Buttermilk Falls.

Address:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Boston Mills Rd, Cuyahoga, OH

Location:

Garrettsville, OH

Highlights:

Want a little waterfall adventure tucked into a sandstone wonderland? Cascade Falls in Nelson & Kennedy Ledges State Park is a delicate seasonal drop, best visited in cooler months—and the ledges around it are half the fun.

Recommended For:

Geology lovers, light hikers, families, and anyone who enjoys exploring caves, crevices, and forested rock trails.

What we Love:

Winding trails through narrow rock passageways, scenic sandstone formations, and the peaceful drop of Cascade Falls after rain.

• Explore the park’s network of trails, which wind through mossy crevices, under rock overhangs, and past the base of the Nelson Ledges.
• Visit Cascade Falls on Crystal Creek—a gentle waterfall flowing off the ledge face, best seen in spring or after rainstorms.
• Relax at the picnic area near the parking lot on OH-282 before or after your hike.
• Discover the park’s location along the watershed divide between Lake Erie and the Ohio River—an interesting geological feature in its own right.

Cost:

Free; no entrance or parking fees.

Best time to visit:

Spring and late fall after rain—water levels are often too low in the summer.

Local tips:

The trails can be slippery and uneven—wear good hiking shoes and bring a flashlight if you plan to explore crevices or underpasses.

Distance:

1 hour from Cleveland, OH

How to Get to Cascade Falls:

Take OH-282 to the parking lot at Nelson & Kennedy Ledges State Park. The trailheads begin across the road and lead through scenic ledges to the waterfall. Look for park signs and trail color markers to stay on route.

Address:

Nelson & Kennedy Ledges State Park, 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville, OH 44231

Falls For Photographers

Location:

Logan, OH

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a waterfall that’s big, bold, and reliably flowing, Cedar Falls is a must-visit. Tucked into Hocking Hills State Park, this 50-foot cascade is one of the park’s most impressive natural features—and it’s easy to get to, too.

Recommended For:

Families, casual hikers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys a waterfall with a picturesque setting and a wide splash zone.

What we Love:

The powerful sheet of water sliding over sandstone, the tranquil pool at the base, and the roomy rock area perfect for picnics and lounging.

• See one of the most reliable waterfalls in the region, where Queer Creek tumbles 50 feet through a natural sandstone amphitheater.
• Watch the falls split in the middle before merging again and crashing into the peaceful basin below.
• Relax at the rocky “beach” area at the bottom—ideal for families, photographers, and a mid-hike rest stop.
• Access the falls via a short, well-maintained trail that descends into the gorge directly from the SR 374 parking area.

Cost:

Free; no entrance or parking fees.

Best time to visit:

Spring and after rains for full flow; fall for stunning colors and clear hiking paths.

Local tips:

Arrive early on weekends—it’s a popular spot and the parking lot can fill quickly. The trail is scenic but includes stairs and some uneven terrain.

Distance:

1 hour from Columbus, OH

How to Get to Cedar Falls:

From Logan, take OH-664 South to State Route 374. The Cedar Falls trailhead and parking area are clearly marked. Follow the trail down into the gorge for an easy-to-moderate hike to the falls.

Address:

Hocking State Park, 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, OH 43138

Location:

Chagrin Falls, OH

Highlights:

If you’re craving waterfall charm with a side of downtown delight, Chagrin Falls is the perfect blend. This 20-foot urban cascade sits right in the heart of the historic village of Chagrin Falls—just steps from an ice cream shop and a charming boardwalk.

Recommended For:

Families, casual sightseers, day-trippers, and anyone who wants a scenic stop with cafés, boutiques, and nature in one spot.

What we Love:

The ease of access, picturesque viewing platforms, and how the sound of rushing water pairs perfectly with a cone of homemade ice cream.

• Visit a 20-foot drop of the Chagrin River framed by a cute downtown, complete with a dam and bridge just above the cascade.
• Stroll the boardwalk and pedestrian bridge for great views from all angles—no hiking required.
• Enjoy a walkable town square filled with shops, cafés, and riverside dining, all centered around the waterfall.
• Learn a bit of history—Chagrin Falls gets its name from the river, which was likely named for 18th-century French trader Francois Séguin.

Cost:

Free; public access from downtown streets and public parking nearby.

Best time to visit:

Spring through fall for full river flow, sidewalk browsing, and patio dining with a view.

Local tips:

Don’t miss the local popcorn shop or the art galleries nearby. Go early on weekends to avoid crowds!

Distance:

40 minutes from Cleveland, OH

How to Get to Chagrin Falls:

From Cleveland, take I-271 or US-422 east toward Chagrin Falls. Park in the public lots or along Main Street, then walk to the boardwalk and viewing areas downtown—the falls are impossible to miss!

Address:

Chagrin Falls, 25 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio

Waterfalls for Hikers

Location:

Tipp City, OH

Highlights:

If you're in western Ohio and want a surprise tucked into farmland, Charleston Falls is a scenic gem. This 37-foot-wide cascade is the centerpiece of Charleston Falls Preserve and feels wonderfully out of place in the surrounding flatlands.

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking a scenic day trip that’s easy to access and explore.

What we Love:

The wide waterfall pouring into a rugged gorge, wooden viewing platforms for the perfect photo angle, and how peaceful and refreshing the preserve feels after a rain.

• Visit a 37-foot waterfall fed by Charleston Creek as it carves through a gorge on its way to the Great Miami River.
• Hike several well-marked trails through the preserve that lead to the falls, including routes that descend to the base and viewing bridge.
• Admire the rocky cliffs and shaded paths—especially beautiful in spring or after a downpour when the falls are at their most dramatic.
• Explore the full preserve, which features prairie, woods, and boardwalks—great for spotting local birds and wildflowers.

Cost:

Free; public preserve with no entrance or parking fees.

Best time to visit:

After rainfall in spring or fall for the best water flow and cooler hiking conditions.

Local tips:

Bring a camera and water-resistant shoes—trail can get muddy near the falls. Early mornings are best for peaceful visits and soft light.

Distance:

25 minutes from Dayton, OH

How to Get to Charleston Falls:

From Tipp City, take OH-571 to Ross Road. The Charleston Falls Preserve entrance and parking lot are clearly marked. Follow the trail signs to the falls—multiple loop options are available.

Address:

Charleston Falls Preserve, 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371

Location:

Yellow Springs, OH

Highlights:

If you love waterfalls with a bit of history and charm, Clifton Gorge Falls delivers on all fronts. Set beside a historic mill and carved into a limestone gorge, this southwestern Ohio spot is scenic, storied, and perfect for a day trip.

Recommended For:

History buffs, nature lovers, families, and anyone who enjoys waterfall views with a side of local heritage.

What we Love:

The unique gorge-top views, the charming covered bridge and waterwheel at Clifton Mill, and the mix of natural and historical sights all in one visit.

• See the picturesque Clifton Gorge Falls, created by the fast-flowing Little Miami River as it cuts through limestone cliffs and man-made channels.
• Visit the historic Clifton Mill with its working waterwheel, covered bridge, and iconic red buildings—especially beautiful in fall or at Christmas.
• Hike the Narrows Trail starting just west of the mill, which runs along the rim of the gorge with panoramic views of the rapids and falls below.
• Explore the 269-acre Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve for additional hiking trails, native wildflowers, and geological wonders.

Cost:

Free for the nature preserve; Clifton Mill access may have fees during special events or tours.

Best time to visit:

Spring and fall for waterfall flow, wildflowers, and cool air—plus extra charm during the mill’s holiday light display in winter.

Local tips:

Pair your visit with a meal or coffee at Clifton Mill, and wear good shoes—some rim trails can be rocky and narrow.

Distance:

1 hour from Columbus, OH

How to Get to Clifton Gorge Falls:

From Yellow Springs, head east on OH-343 toward Clifton. Park near Clifton Mill and follow signs for the Narrows Trail west of the mill to access views of the gorge and falls.

Address:

2381 OH-343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387