Waterfalls are one of nature’s greatest gifts. Northeast Ohio is home to several amazing waterfalls. Whether you and your family are avid hikers or you just want to get out of the house for an afternoon, there are waterfalls accessible for everyone.
If you have a favorite local waterfall that isn't listed, send us the details so we can add it. Thanks!
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Waterfalls in Cuyahoga County
Bridal Veil Falls at Bedford Reservation
Easily Accessible. This is a calmer waterfall than some of the others. To get to the waterfall, park in the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead parking lot located off Gorge Parkway in the Bedford Reservation. Then cross the street and use the boardwalk steps to get down to the waterfall. It is at most a 1/4 mile walk.
Parking: Park in the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead parking lot located off Gorge Parkway in the Bedford Reservation.
Tip: Continue along the trail for about a mile past the waterfall to see the Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook.
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Great Falls of Tinkers Creek at Viaduct Park
Easily Accessible by a paved trail. Viaduct Park is the hidden gem of Bedford and is one of the widest waterfalls in Ohio. The waterfall is located in Viaduct Park, which can be found at the intersection of Taylor and Willis Roads. Once you've found the park, take the paved trail for a few minutes to get to the waterfall.
Parking: Located in Viaduct Park, which can be found at the intersection of Taylor Rd. and Willis Rd. in Bedford, OH.
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Cataract Falls at Mill Creek at Garfield Park Reservation
Easily Accessible. Cataract Falls is a manmade waterfall from the 1900s. Parking is available on Webb Terrace, near the intersection of Warner Rd. and Broadway Ave. A viewing deck is located right next to the falls.
Parking: On Webb Terrace, near the intersection of Warner Rd. and Broadway Ave.
Tip: Make sure to go after it has rained since it thins out in the drier months.
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Waterfalls in Lake County
Paine Falls at Paine Falls Park
Easily Accessible. With two tiers and a 30-foot drop, this waterfall is definitely a must-see. The trail takes you down a set of stairs to the observation area below.
Parking: 5570 Paine Rd., Painesville, OH 44077
Trail: Falls Lookout Trail
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Waterfalls in Lorain County
East Falls and West Falls at Cascade Park
Easily Accessible. Two waterfalls in one park make this worth the hike. West Falls are wider and taller but they both are amazing to see. Park at Cascade Park's main parking lot. (Tip: there is a playground there) Take the 1.2 mile Loop Trail to get to the waterfalls.
Parking: 170 Cascade St., Elyria, OH 44035
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Waterfalls in Mahoning County
Lanterman’s Falls at Lanterman’s Mill
Easily Accessible. This waterfall is easily accessible via the trail located near the river. It is very close to the historic mill. Admission: Children under 6: free, Students (ages 6-18) and Seniors (age 60+): $.75, Mahoning County Resident: $1, Non-resident: $2
Parking: 1001 Canfield Rd., Youngstown, OH 44511
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Waterfalls in Portage County
Cascade Falls at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
Located at the north end of the park, Cascade Falls is a beautiful 50-foot, low volume waterfall. Be careful to make sure you stay on the trail. There are marked trees and rocks but it is easy to get lost. Parking is available in the Nelson Ledges State Park parking lot. To get to Cascade Falls, cross the street and take the yellow trail to the right.
Parking: 12440 Nelson Ledge Rd., Garrettsville, OH 44231
Trail: Yellow Trail
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Minnehaha Falls at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park
This small waterfall is thin and doesn’t carry a lot of volume but is still worth checking out. The water eventually flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Parking is available in the Nelson Ledges State Park parking lot. To get to Minnehaha Falls, cross the street and take the white trail to the left.
Parking: 12440 Nelson Ledge Rd., Garrettsville, OH 44231
Trail: White Trail
Website
Waterfalls in Summit County
Brandywine Falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
With a 65-foot drop and easy accessibility, Brandywine Falls is the most popular waterfall in the CVNP. The great observation area is a perfect spot to get pictures.
Parking: 8176 Brandywine Rd., Northfield, OH 44067
Trail: Brandywine Gorge Trail
Website | Our Review
Blue Hen Falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The parking area for this waterfall is about a 10-minute drive from Brandywine Falls which makes it easy to see both in one afternoon. Blue Hen Falls is much smaller with only a 15-foot drop.
Parking: 2001 Boston Mills Rd., Boston Township, OH 44236
Trail: Buckeye Trail then Blue Hen Falls Trail
Website
Buttermilk Falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Parks
Approximately 1-1/2 to 2 miles round trip from Blue Hen Falls along the trail there. It is a slightly rugged trail that crosses the water twice (Tip: usually there are rocks to cross or the water is low). Enjoy the beautiful walk to the small canyon-like enclosed waterfall.
Parking: 2001 Boston Mills Rd., Boston Township, OH 44236
Trail: Approximately 1-1/2 to 2 miles round trip from Blue Hen Falls
The Gorge Metro Park
Technically, the falls here are caused by a dam but it is still beautiful nonetheless. A boardwalk leads up to the water, offering a great view.
Parking: 1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Trail: Gorge Trail
Website
If you have a favorite local waterfall that isn't listed, send us the details so we can add it. Thanks!
Map of Waterfalls in Northeast Ohio
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