You might not think of waterfalls when you think of Ohio, but the rivers that run through this state create many beautiful waterfalls that are worth seeing. If you’re a fan of chasing waterfalls, be sure to stop by a few of these on your next visit!
Top 10 Waterfalls in Ohio
Visiting Waterfalls in Ohio
Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls is located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and is a favorite of locals and visitors. This 65-foot cascading waterfall is located near the parking area in the national park, and has two different viewing points. The upper observation deck can be reached by a wheelchair and stroller accessible boardwalk, making this a great option for families. You can also reach the lower viewing area by hiking down a short but steep (non accessible) trail to the bottom of the falls.
It’s a popular place and the parking lot fills up on weekends, so visit early in the day or during the week to miss the crowds.
Things to do near Brandywine Falls
Explore the gorgeous scenery of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are tons of hiking trails and activities for the whole family in the park.
Charleston Falls
Charleston Falls is a 37-foot waterfall located in Charleston Falls Preserve. This 216-acre nature preserve in Miami County, Ohio is the perfect place to explore the four miles of hiking trails and marvel at the waterfall that flows over a small cliff into a shallow rocky pool.
There’s an observation deck at the falls, which is the perfect place for photos.
Things to do near Charleston Falls
Take some time to explore the rest of the preserve. This waterfall is just north of Dayton, Ohio. You’re also 65 miles from both Cincinnati and Columbus.
Hayden Falls
Our next waterfall is easy to get to! Hayden Falls is located in Griggs Nature Preserve in the city of Columbus. A boardwalk and overlook takes visitors right up to this beautiful waterfall where you can watch the 35-foot falls run over the rocks.
The preserve is a small park and there are even a few picnic benches if you’d like to bring a lunch and enjoy the sound of the falls splashing.
Things to do near Hayden Falls
The park and waterfall are in the city of Columbus, so there’s plenty of things to explore nearby!
Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek
The Great Falls of Tinkers Creek is another great waterfall in Ohio. This waterfall is 20 feet high and can be up to 80 feet wide when there’s a good flow of water.
Located in Viaduct Park in Bedford, this waterfall once powered a mill, the ruins of which can still be seen. These falls are the largest of the cascading waterfalls on Tinker’s Creek and is best seen after a rain storm or in spring
Things to do near Great Falls
This waterfall is just outside Cleveland. It’s also just north of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where you can hike and check out waterfall number one on our list.
Chagrin Falls
Another easy waterfall to visit is Chagrin Falls. Located right in the middle of the town of Chagrin Falls, this waterfall is just off of the main street. You can see the waterfall from above on the Main Street Bridge, or take the steps down to the viewing area next to the falls. It’s about 20 feet in height, and is worth a stop if you’re visiting.
Things to do near Chagrin Falls
Explore the rest of this cute historic town! You’re also just southeast of Cleveland and Cuyahoga Valley National Park is less than 20 miles away.
Old Man’s Cave
Another great area in Hocking Hills State Park is Old Man’s Cave. There are two impressive waterfalls here – Upper Falls and Lower Falls. There are several hiking trails that will take you through the area, but the Old Man’s Cave Trail will take you to both the upper and lower waterfalls.
Things to do near Mans Cave Waterfalls
Spend the rest of the day exploring Hocking Hills State Park, and be sure to take the trail over to Cedar Falls for more amazing waterfall hikes.
Lyons Falls
This is another stop that has double the waterfalls! Lyons Falls is actually comprised of two waterfalls. Big and Little Lyons Falls are a pair of waterfalls that sit in Mohican State Park. While they’re not the widest falls, Big Lyons Falls is 80-feet tall and drops over a ledge, and Little Lyons Falls is 25-feet high and drops into a gorge. You can take a 2-mile long loop hike to see both of the falls.
Things to do near Lyons Falls
Take advantage of the outdoor activities available at Mohican State Park like hiking, biking, and water activities on Pleasant Hill Lake.
Buttermilk Falls
This smaller waterfall is tucked away in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Buttermilk Falls is 20-feet tall and flows down a rocky ledge into a shallow pool. It’s surrounded by gorgeous scenery of trees, and on your way to the falls, you’ll pass a bonus waterfall, Blue Hen Falls.
Things to do near Buttermilk Falls
There are plenty of other falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park to see as well. These include Cedar Falls and the falls at Old Man’s Cave.
West Falls
Located in Cascade Park, West Falls is one of two waterfalls on the Black River. West Falls sits at 35-feet high and can be reached by taking the 1.2 mile trail. There’s an observation deck and a bridge that takes you to the other side of the river bank.
You can also hike to the other waterfall, East Falls, which is about a mile away.
Things to do near West Falls
Check out the other waterfall, East Falls before you leave. West Falls is located in Elyria, which is a western suburb of Cleveland. Check out the city, and then head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is only 35 miles away.
The Best Ohio Waterfalls for RVers
Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls is a fantastic waterfall to visit in the popular Hocking Hills State Park. Hiking the half mile long Cedar Falls Trail will bring you to this beautiful 50-foot waterfall.
Although it’s named Cedar Falls, the giant trees that surround the waterfall are actually hemlocks, not cedars. At the top of the falls there are also the remains of an old mill that use to stand there, using the waterfall for power.
Why this Waterfall is Perfect for RVers
This park has onsite camping! That means you can park your RV right by the waterfall and spend plenty of time exploring all the park has to offer.
Things to do near Cedar Falls
Be sure to explore the rest of Hocking Hills State Park. There are over 25 miles of hiking trail that take you through woods, cliffs, and waterfalls, including number 7 on our list.
Planning an RV Trip to Ohio
An RV trip is an excellent way to tour the great variety of waterfalls in Ohio. During your visit, make sure to see the best state parks in Ohio as well as the best campgrounds the state has to offer!
