There is so much to see and explore right here in Ohio! We are fortunate enough to have the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) right in Summit County! We even have waterfalls in Ohio! Brandywine Falls is by far the most spectacular waterfall in the Akron, Ohio area but there are also other CVNP parks with waterfalls to0.
Brandywine Falls is home to the 65-foot bridal veil falls that sends water cascading down the falls.
- Brandywine Falls Waterfall Sagamore Hills, Ohio photo by Erik Drost
Brandywine Falls is a must-see for anyone living in Ohio or visiting Ohio. It is located within CVNP, in Northern Summit County in Sagamore Hills Township, Ohio. I like that it these Ohio waterfalls are easily accessible. You can see the view from the top with a short walk from the parking lot, on a paved trail. 
There are signs, but be sure to keep an eye on younger kids as this is a dangerous location, even with the trails, fences, etc.
For a great view from the side and bottom, follow the well-maintained trails on either side of the waterfalls. The trail that is located right off of the parking lot is the most used, it is a combination of a boardwalk, paved walkway, and plenty of steps! There are great photo opp spots to get your photo taken in front of the waterfalls.
Brandywine Falls are gorgeous anytime of year. The top photo is from Summer, the three above were taken at the end of Fall, and below is Winter. Once the leaves start turning color this Fall, I’ll snap more photos, as this is a beautiful time to hike around the waterfall. In the Winter, the ice is spectacular.
Speaking of hiking, the 1.5 mile Brandywine Gorge Trail is so fun for families to explore together! The trail follows the waterfall and edge of the gorge. There are plenty of hills, so be prepared! This trail goes from the top of the waterfall to creek level.
Like I said earlier, this can be a dangerous trail for young kids, keep holding hands on this trail, especially near the cliff edges. I personally didn’t take my kids here until they were in grade school.
As of September 2015, the bridge at the bottom of the trail is out due to damage from a recent storm. The bridge is being repaired, however it is not accessible currently. You can either try your luck at crossing on the dry rocks in the stream, or circle back the way you came. It is such a short trail that this shouldn’t keep you from visiting! The view following the stream down is completely different from the view going back, it’s worth it!
We are also fortunate to live in Summit County with the fabulous Summit Metro Parks! The 34 mile Bike & Hike Trail runs through Brandywine Falls. You can pick it up at Brandywine Falls to travel either North or South here.
You’ll see all kinds of people on the Bike & Hike Trail, athletes riding the whole trail, families with both younger kids on training wheels and older kids, and even guys like this just out for a fun ride on his 3-wheeler?! 🙂
Brandywine Falls
8176 Brandywine Road
Sagamore Hills Township, OH
