While waterfalls don't immediately come to mind when you think of Ohio, our state has its beautiful share of them.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park in northeast Ohio is home to a breathtaking 65-foot waterfall that flows from Brandywine Creek. Known as Brandywine Falls, these easily accessible, beautiful falls are a popular highlight within the park.
Wooden pathways and stairs lead the way to Brandywine Falls---which you can hear before you see:
No matter the season, these falls will captivate you.
Brandywine Falls is located at 8176 Brandywine Road in Sagamore Hills Township. It's best to visit the falls after a heavy rainfall, but all throughout the year this waterfall flows pretty powerfully. To see the falls in action, view the video below:
Have you ever been to Brandywine Falls? What do you think of this waterfall? Share your thoughts and experiences with us below!
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.
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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.
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.
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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!
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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.
Sometimes the best adventures are the ones closest to home; hidden gems located right in our own backyards, or, as with today's feature destination, on an unassuming plot of land. In April 2007, the Knox County Park District acquired two flora-filled acres that included a stunning, 25-foot high waterfall. Named for the stream that runs through it, Honey Run Falls is a vision. This tiny-but-mighty waterfall in Ohio can be found on a picture-perfect hike that's teeming with loads of native flora and fauna. Lace up your hiking shoes and let's explore Honey Run Falls.
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If you've ever found yourself daydreaming about "waterfalls near me," you'll be delighted to discover today's feature falls.
Nestled in Knox County in the heart of the Buckeye State, Honey Run Falls is a hidden gem that feels a bit like stumbling upon the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
A 25-foot-tall waterfall with several "steps," Honey Run Falls was a happy discovery when the Knox County Park District acquired a small plot of land back in 2007.
To access this darling little cascade, you'll head to the parking lot located at 10855 Hazel Dell Road in Howard, Ohio. From there, a short, well-marked trail will lead you to this captivating treasure.
The journey to the falls is equally enchanting; this area is teeming with flora and fauna, including some of the most majestic Eastern hemlock trees in Ohio.
The trail also features grand geological features such as blackhand sandstone cliffs and boulders that, when paired with verdant mosses and plants, paints a scene that's straight out of a Tolkien fantasy.
As for the falls, you'll find yourself swooning no matter what time of year you visit. In the autumn, when Honey Run Falls is flanked by fall foliage, there's nothing more beautiful...
Did you know about this tiny waterfall in Ohio? With a wonderfully central location, Honey Run Falls is the perfect adventure sure to satisfy your waterfall wanderlust!
Post-hike, head into the charming town of Mt. Vernon for some historic sightseeing and a meal! I personally love The Alcove -- this is Ohio farm-to-table dining at its best!
