10 Best Waterfalls In Ohio
While Ohio may lack the towering peaks of more mountainous states, it more than makes up for it with a stunning array of waterfalls tucked into diverse and picturesque settings. From the mossy gorges of deep, wooded parks to unexpected cascades hidden in the heart of bustling cities, the Buckeye State offers a surprising variety of natural beauty. Whether you're planning a full-day hiking adventure or just looking for a quick scenic stop to snap a few photos, these ten waterfalls represent some of the very best that Ohio has to offer—each one worth the visit.
Tips For Visiting Ohio Waterfalls
- Check recent rainfall: Many falls are seasonal or have greatly reduced flow during dry spells. For best views, aim for spring or just after heavy rain.
- Go early or on weekdays: Popular spots (especially in Hocking Hills and Cuyahoga Valley) get crowded. Early morning gives better light and fewer people.
- Wear proper footwear: Trails around waterfalls can be slippery; rocks especially near plunge pools or cascades may be mossy.
- Respect the environment: Stay on trails, avoid disturbing natural areas, and pack out what you pack in. Some sites may have fragile flora, caves, or wildlife. Don't be a litterbug!
- Accessibility considerations: Some waterfalls are easier to reach than others. Ash Cave, for instance, has a path that's more accessible. Others may require steep trails or stairs.
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls, located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park between Cleveland and Akron, is one of Ohio’s most iconic waterfalls. Dropping approximately 60 to 65 feet over layers of Berea sandstone and shale, the falls create a dramatic, fan-like cascade that’s especially powerful after rainfall or during spring melt. The surrounding gorge and forested landscape make it a favorite year-round destination for both hikers and photographers. A short, accessible boardwalk leads to multiple viewing platforms, while the 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Trail offers a deeper exploration of the area’s natural beauty. In autumn, the vibrant foliage provides a stunning backdrop to the falls, making it one of the best photo spots in the park. Once home to a 19th-century milling village, the area still holds remnants of its historic past, adding a layer of intrigue to the natural wonder.
Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Directions: Google Maps to Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls Photo by Blakelewis07Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls, nestled within Hocking Hills State Park, is one of the most striking and heavily visited waterfalls in Ohio. Despite its name, the falls are surrounded not by cedar trees but by towering hemlocks, which early settlers mistakenly identified. The waterfall plunges about 50 feet down a steep sandstone cliff into a rocky pool, creating a powerful, picturesque scene—especially after heavy rain. It's located along a scenic trail lined with massive rock formations, lush greenery, and narrow passageways, offering an immersive hike through some of the park’s most dramatic terrain. The easy-to-moderate trail to the falls is well-maintained and family-friendly, making Cedar Falls both accessible and rewarding for visitors of all ages.
Location: Hocking Hills State Park | Directions: Google Maps to Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls Photo by James St. JohnAsh Cave Waterfall
Ash Cave Waterfall is one of the most breathtaking natural features in Hocking Hills State Park, known as much for its setting as for the waterfall itself. Cascading roughly 90 feet from the rim of a massive horseshoe-shaped sandstone recess cave, the waterfall creates a delicate, misty veil that shimmers in the sunlight. The cave—Ohio’s largest recessed cave—spans nearly 700 feet wide and 100 feet deep, forming a natural amphitheater that amplifies the peaceful sound of falling water. While the waterfall’s flow varies with the seasons—ranging from a trickle in dry months to a stunning torrent after heavy rains—it remains a striking sight year-round. A flat, paved trail leads directly to the cave, making it highly accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and ideal for visitors of all mobility levels.
Location: Hocking Hills State Park | Directions: Google Maps To Ash Cave
Ash Cave Photo by Always ShootingChagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls is a charming and picturesque waterfall located in the heart of the village of Chagrin Falls, just east of Cleveland. The falls drop about 20 feet over a series of rocky ledges along the Chagrin River, right in the middle of the town’s historic district. Framed by old-fashioned storefronts, restaurants, and cozy cafes, the waterfall offers a rare blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Easily accessible via public walkways and viewing platforms, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy a peaceful view, snap photos, or relax with ice cream from a nearby shop. While not as tall or remote as other Ohio waterfalls, Chagrin Falls stands out for its unique setting—blending nature and community in a way that feels like stepping into a postcard.
Location: Chagrin Falls | Directions: Google Maps to Chagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls Photo by Erik DrostCharlestons Falls Preserve
Charleston Falls Preserve, located near Tipp City in western Ohio, is a hidden gem featuring one of the region’s most scenic and accessible waterfalls. The highlight of the 216-acre preserve is Charleston Falls, a striking 37-foot cascade that tumbles over a limestone cliff into a serene rock basin below. Often called the “Miniature Niagara” for its wide crest and powerful flow after rain, the falls are surrounded by lush woodlands and rugged rock formations. Over four miles of well-maintained trails wind through diverse habitats—including prairies, wetlands, and forests—offering excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. With its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and easy access, Charleston Falls Preserve is a favorite for both casual visitors and nature lovers looking to explore one of western Ohio’s best-kept secrets.
Location: Charlestone Falls Preserve | Directions: Google Maps to Charlestons Falls Preserve
Charlestons Falls Photo by Logan RickertLyons Falls (Big & Little Lyons)
Big and Little Lyons Falls, located within Mohican State Park near Loudonville, Ohio, are two of the park's most scenic and well-loved natural features. Big Lyons Falls drops roughly 80 feet into a dramatic sandstone gorge, often forming a slender ribbon of water that flows through a recess cave before hitting the rocks below—especially striking after rainfall. Little Lyons Falls, though shorter at about 25–30 feet, offers a more secluded, tranquil setting, tucked into a wooded ravine just a short hike away. Both waterfalls are accessible via the Lyons Falls Trail, a moderate 2-mile loop that winds through dense forest, over footbridges, and past mossy rock outcrops, providing a peaceful and immersive nature experience. These falls showcase the raw beauty of central Ohio's landscape and are especially popular in spring and after heavy rain when the water flow is at its most dramatic.
Location: Mohican State Park | Directions: Google Maps to Little Lyons Falls
Lyons Falls Photo by Michael KnightGreat Falls of Tinker's Creek
The Great Falls of Tinkers Creek, located in Bedford Reservation within the Cleveland Metroparks system, is one of northeast Ohio’s most dramatic and historically rich waterfalls. This powerful cascade spans nearly 80 feet in width and drops about 15 to 20 feet over a rugged shale and sandstone ledge, creating a thunderous flow—especially after heavy rain. Once the site of an early 19th-century mill and power station, the area still features remnants of stone foundations, blending natural beauty with industrial history. Surrounded by steep gorges, dense forest, and scenic overlooks, the falls are accessible via a short, paved trail from the parking area, making it an easy but rewarding stop for hikers, photographers, and history enthusiasts alike. The Great Falls serve as both a natural spectacle and a reminder of the region's early reliance on water power.
Location: Cleveland Metroparks Bedford Reservation | Directions: Google Maps to Tinker's Creek Falls
Great Falls Photo by Tim EvansonWest Milton Cascades
West Milton Cascades, located near the town of West Milton in southwestern Ohio, is a charming and lesser-known waterfall that offers a peaceful retreat into nature. This cascading waterfall gently flows over a series of small rock ledges, creating a soothing, stepped effect rather than a single dramatic drop. Surrounded by lush greenery and shaded woodland, the cascades provide a tranquil setting perfect for a quiet hike or a reflective moment away from the bustle of everyday life. Though modest in size compared to some of Ohio’s larger waterfalls, West Milton Cascades’ serene beauty and accessibility make it a favorite among locals and nature lovers seeking a peaceful spot to connect with the outdoors.
Location: West Milton | Directions: Google Maps to West Milton Cascades
West Milton Cascades Photo by Matt Shiffler PhotographyButtermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls, nestled near the outskirts of Cleveland in the Cuyahoga Valley area, is a charming and intimate waterfall known for its gentle cascade over smooth rock formations. Unlike taller, more dramatic falls, Buttermilk Falls offers a peaceful, ribbon-like flow that tumbles softly into a shallow pool surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered stones. The falls are easily accessible via a short trail, making it a perfect spot for a quick nature escape or a quiet moment of reflection. Its understated beauty and secluded location make Buttermilk Falls a hidden gem for those looking to enjoy the soothing sounds and sights of flowing water away from the more crowded park areas.
Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Directions: Google Maps to Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls Photo by Vince ReinhartCascade Park Falls
Cascade Park Falls, located in Elyria, Ohio, is a charming urban waterfall that adds a touch of natural beauty to the city’s historic park. The falls cascade gracefully over a series of rocky ledges into a peaceful pool below, creating a serene atmosphere amid well-maintained walking paths and lush landscaping. This easily accessible waterfall is a favorite spot for local families and visitors seeking a relaxing place to stroll, picnic, or enjoy a quiet moment in nature without leaving the city. The park’s blend of natural features and community space makes Cascade Park Falls a delightful oasis that highlights the unexpected presence of waterfalls in Ohio’s urban settings.
Location: Lorain County Cascade Park | Directions: Google Maps to Cascade Falls West
Create Your Own Waterfall!
If exploring Ohio’s waterfalls has you dreaming of your own backyard cascade, the good news is that creating a waterfall at home is entirely possible—even in a small space. Backyard waterfalls can be designed to suit a variety of styles, from natural, rock-lined streams to sleek, modern water walls. The basic concept is simple: water flows from a higher elevation to a lower basin, powered by a recirculating pump. With a bit of planning, you can build one yourself using materials like a pond liner, stacked stone, tubing, and a pump to keep the water moving.
To create a more natural feel, many people incorporate surrounding plants, moss, and lighting to blend the feature into the landscape. Whether it’s a bold focal point or a quiet corner trickle, a backyard waterfall adds soothing sound, visual interest, and a touch of the wild right outside your door. It’s a rewarding DIY project that brings the spirit of Ohio’s great outdoors home to stay.
Looking for something pondless? Check out How To Build a Pondless Waterfall!
Follow up with more waterfall building and Browse more artcles about Waterfalls!