If you've never been to The West Woods, you'll want to swing by its AllTrails page... you're in for a treat. With over 900 acres, this park in Geauga County has no shortage of natural wonders. However, the park also hides one little-known waterfall near Cleveland that's surprisingly easy to get to, and visitors nod to this feature as one of the park's shining gems. The best part? This charming natural feature is just a little over half an hour outside of Cleveland, so it's an effortless addition to any bucket list. Lace up your hiking boots, because this local landmark is calling your name.

Most recently, The West Woods made the news for renovations to the Lewis and Ruth Affelder House.

This lovely little retreat in the Geauga County Park District is ridiculously cozy. The structure was built in 1955, and it still bears the name of the family that donated the structure and 85 acres to the park district.

While it's not an overnight destination, it's the dreamiest place to hold an event surrounded by nature.

From family reunions to bridal showers, this cozy space is oh-so-welcoming. Plus, with wide windows, you're immersed in the beauty of the park's natural landscape. It's available for reservation between 8:30 a.m. and 11 p.m., and it's got a small dedicated parking lot for easy access.

Around the same time of the house's renovation, a new trail opened that takes you straight to a waterfall.

At about half a mile in length, this trail is an easy, breezy hike. And it leads to a feature that many Clevelanders have never even heard of.

This beauty is Affelder Falls, a 20-foot stream that dazzles visitors.

Powered by a tributary of the Chagrin River, the waterfall flows over moss-encrusted sandstone and shale formations. The local rocks are poorly fossiliferous, at least in the top-most layers, but it's incredible to imagine that these features are remnants of Ohio's era under an ancient ocean.

As is true with most local waterfalls, the majesty of the cascade's crest is dependent on local rainfall.

With a decent rain, the waterfall becomes a breathtaking beast. Otherwise, it's a much smaller stream, but it's still awe-inspiring. It's amazing to think that this little-known waterfall near Cleveland has remained such a closely-guarded secret, even after a trail opened to take visitors to it.

While the waterfall is the main draw, there's also much to see throughout The West Woods.

From birdwatching to fungus hunting, you'll be amazed by the variety of species you discover in these woods. I personally love the abundance of ferns... these plants are as ancient as our native rocks, having first appeared over 300 million years ago.

There's so much to discover when you visit this little-known waterfall near Cleveland.

You'll find its trail near 15139 Chillicothe Rd, Russell Center, OH 44072.

Stunning and awe-inspiring, this little-known waterfall near Cleveland is always a treat to visit. Have you ever heard of Affelder Falls? Have you visited it? Share your thoughts in the comments!

While you're in The West Woods, don't forget to visit Ansel's Cave. There's a great deal of history at this spot, and much of it is preserved in local legends that are still told to this day.