Waterfalls in Ohio

Ash Cave Falls is a 300-foot seasonal waterfall in Hocking State Park in southeastern Ohio.

The waterfall only runs in spring after the rains, plummeting dramatically over the rim of the most significant recess cave in the state and is best seen in April as it freezes into an ice column in the winter.

The falls cascade from the rim of Ash Cave, a 700-foot-long horseshoe-shaped recess cave that is 100 feet deep and 90 feet high, and was named for the fact that early settlers found huge piles of ash left behind by the Native Americans.

Even if there is no water flowing over the rim, Ash Cave is an impressive sight and worth a visit.

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

Berea Falls is a small urban waterfall in the Rocky River Reservation in Berea, Ohio.

The relatively small waterfall is only 25 feet in height and consists of two main drops and some more minor drops that cascade down a gentle slope.

While not the most scenic waterfall in the area, there are three bridges above the falls that are worth a visit and offer lovely views, as well as several other waterfalls to explore.

Berea Falls can be reached from Valley Parkway, which can be accessed from the I-71 off the Bagley Road exit.

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

Waterfalls for Families

Located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park just south of Cleveland, Blue Hen Falls is a small waterfall of only 15 feet with a 5-foot crest that makes for an enjoyable scenic hike.

The surrounding park has lush vegetation and plenty of wildlife to view, and there are two other waterfalls just downstream from Blue Hen Falls that are also worth a visit – the beautifully scenic Buttermilk Falls and the Brandywine Falls.

Blue Hen Falls can be reached from Boston Mills Road and maps are available on the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s website.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cuyahoga, Ohio

Brandywine Falls is located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and has one of the most impressive cascades in the Lake Erie watershed.

Boasting a height of over 60 feet, the scenic waterfall is one of the highlights of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and is easily accessed from Brandywine Road.

Resting along the Cuyahoga River, Cuyahoga Valley National Park features lush vegetation and natural landscapes along with a diverse variety of birds and wildlife, which can be viewed when visiting Brandywine Falls.

The park is home to the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a restored section of the canal's original towpath, and the Canal Exploration Center, which has an array of exhibits about the 19th century waterway’s history.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cuyahoga, Ohio

Romantic Waterfalls

Buttermilk Falls is a beautiful scenic cascade tucked away in a secluded glen within Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Set on Spring Creek, the beautiful falls can be reached on an easy 20-minute hike that also passes Blue Hen Falls along the way as well as a diverse variety of fauna and flora. Downstream from Blue Hen Falls, Buttermilk Falls is accessed by a rough trail that crosses the stream three times, however, there are no bridges, so some rock-hopping is involved.

The park is also home to the 60-foot Brandywine Falls, which boasts a height of over 60 feet and is one of the highlights of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cuyahoga, Ohio

Set on Crystal Creek in Nelson & Kennedy Ledges State Park, Cascade Falls is a delicate waterfall that cascades down the face of one of the Nelson Ledges, which makes for an interesting visit.

While the waterfall tends to dry up in the hot summer months, the ledges themselves are worth a visit, with scenic sandstone formations and can be reached by several accessible hiking trails.

Cascade Falls can be reached from Route 282, and there is a parking lot and picnic area on one side of the road, from which several hiking trails lead through narrow crevices in the rocks to the falls.

Nelson & Kennedy Ledges State Park is situated next to the watershed divide between the Ohio River and Lake Erie.

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

Falls For Photographers

Set within Hocking Hills State Park in southeastern Ohio, Cedar Falls is a 50-foot waterfall fed by Queer Creek and has one of the most impressive and most reliable cascades in Hocking Hills.

A popular site with locals and visitors, Cedar Falls slides down a massive section of sandstone, splits in the middle, and then converges again before plunging into a tranquil pool.

The unique looking waterfall has a large rocky beach-like area at the base of the falls, which makes for a beautiful and relaxing spot for picnics and days out with the family.

Cedar Falls can easily be reached by a trail leading a parking area next to the SR 374 that leads down into the gorge and to the falls.

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

Chagrin Falls is an urban waterfall with a height of 20 feet that is located in the heart of the town of Chagrin Falls.

Set right next to an ice cream shop and very easy to visit via a lovely boardwalk, Chagrin Falls is fed by the Chagrin River and has a little bridge above the cascade with a small dam upstream of the bridge.

Situated about 25 miles east of Cleveland, Chagrin Falls is named for the river from which they are fed, which was apparently named after the French trader Francois Séguin.

Chagrin Falls, 25 miles east of Cleveland, Ohio

Waterfalls for Hikers

Named for the Charleston Falls Preserve in which the falls are situated, the Charleston Falls is a 37-foot waterfall that is nearly as wide as it is tall.

The waterfall is fed by Charleston Creek, which has cut a deep and rocky gorge on its way to the Great Miami River and is unusual for the mostly rolling farmland landscapes of Ohio that surround it.

The falls are at their best after a good rain, and the waters flowing down the gorge make for an impressive sight.

The falls can be reached by several trails leading down into the ravine to the base of the falls, and there is a bridge and viewing area below the falls where beautiful photographs can be taken.

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

The Clifton Gorge Falls are located in the 269-acre Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve near the town of Clifton in southwestern Ohio.

Created by the Little Miami River racing through a rocky gorge carved from limestone and along a diverted man-made channel, the Clifton Gorge Falls is a pretty waterfall next to the historic Clifton Mill, which features the old waterwheel, a scenic wooden covered bridge, and several landmark buildings.

Clifton Gorge Falls can be reached by the Narrows Trail, which begins just west of the mill and follows the rim of the gorge, boasting stunning views of the rapids below.

2381 OH-343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387