Spring is the best time to view Ohio’s Waterfalls! The consistent rainfall launches flowers but also countless rivulets that drop drop together into sometimes roaring but always dramatic lessons in the effects of gravity.
Check our list and share with you friends about the short road trip you want to take with them soon!
Ohio Waterfalls Listed from Southern Ohio to Northern Ohio
Fallsville Falls
Fallsville Falls is located South of Washington Court House and North of Hillsboro, Ohio. These beautiful and not often visited waterfalls get little mention in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) website, but are absolutely stunning.
Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills
Cedar Falls is in the Hocking Hills area (like some of our favorite caves!) and provides a great place for kids and adults alike to take beautiful photos, and play in the water! The shape of the falls changes over the course of the seasons, an Ohio Treasure!
Clifton Gorge
Near Dayton, Ohio, the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve is a gorge carved out of limestone deposit by glaciers. The north facing gorge provides great protection and allows a wide variety of plant species including hemlock, red baneberry and spring flowers including a rare show trillium. Spring is the best time to visit these falls, as they can dry in the summer.
Charleston Falls
Charleston Falls Preserve in Miami County boasts the Charleston Falls! Again, we recommend a springtime visit. The rock strata in these falls matches that of the rock formation that the great Niagara Falls runs through.
Ludlow Falls
Ludlow Falls is a breathtaking 15′ plunge hidden in no Ohio Park whatsoever- it resides under a highway bridge in Miami County.
Hayden Falls
Hayden Falls is inside the city limits of Dublin, Ohio just North of Columbus (Dublin is the home of Wendy’s I believe). Some use the pool beneath the falls for swimming, but, as cities go, check for new local ordinances that could prohibit. The falls splash down 25 feet and is a popular Columbus area attraction.
Indian Run Falls
Also in Dublin, Ohio, Indian Run Falls seem out of place in the Urban Setting, but make for great access since the City built walkways and formal paths.
Greenville Falls
The closer you get to Indiana, the harder it is to come by waterfalls. Located in the Greenville Falls State Nature Area in Miami County, this is the Western Most set of falls on our list. Beautiful and calming, these shallow drop falls are a beautiful respite amidst the farmland they set inside.
Big Lyons Falls
Located in the Mohican State Park, this very low flow has a drop of 80 feet through the 300 foot deep Clear Fork Gorge. Hard to photograph but easy to walk behind, the falls have a matching, smaller companion nearby called the Little Lyons Falls.
Cuyahoga Falls
I attended a wedding reception at the Sheraton Suites a number of years ago. A beautiful setting and a beautiful location overlooking the Little Falls of the Cuyahoga River. The Sheraton does kind of hog the Little Cuyahoga Falls, but, you can get to them!
Don’t forget the remnants of the Big Falls, and the Gorge Dam, which boasts just as much water and some impressive sights!
Lantermans Falls
Just outside of Youngstown, the Mill Creek takes a plunge next to a working and historic Mill. Buy Flour ground AT this location in the Gift Shop. Nearby you will also find a covered bridge. This is quite the attraction that many in Northeast Ohio have never heard of!!
Buttermilk Falls
Near Peninsula, Ohio in Boston Township, you can find the Blue Hens Falls on any map, which are beautiful, but, BUT, you should take the 20 minute continued walk to find the luscious Buttermilk Falls about 20 minutes walk down stream. There is no official trail, and no signs, so this is certainly an adventure to find. Waypoint: 41.26278N 81.5675W
West Falls and East Falls in Elyria
Another Urban Waterfall, you can find this extravagant waterfall in Elyria, Ohio. This is one of the biggest waterfalls leading to Lake Erie. An observation Deck, Trail System fill out the Cascade MetroPark. You can also walk eastward One mile and find the similarly impressive East Falls.
Brandywine Falls
Called the Most Impressive waterfall in the Lake Erie Watershed by GoWaterfalling.com, Brandywine Falls is easy to get to, easy to see and a central highlight of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. My Visit to the waterfalls is a cherished memory, and we continue to visit yearly!
Date Posted: 5/5/2022Alert 1, Severity closure, Brandywine Falls parking
Great Falls of Tinkers Creek (Bedford)
Almost completely unadvertised, the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek hide near Cleveland in Bedford, Ohio’s Viaduct Park. The Webpage doesn’t even mention the waterfall amidst the park! Find a viaduct tunnel, walking trail, and the remains of an old mill. Waypoint: 41.38361N 81.5325W
Chagrin Falls
Downtown Chagrin Falls. Worth the visit for the shops, the charm, and the roaring falls. Visit the town and roll down your windows, and listen for the crashing water…. I’m not giving you directions!
Mill Creek Falls
Inside the City Limits of Cleveland, Ohio, the Mill Creek Falls are located in an un-promoted location at the far far northern end of the Garfield Reservation. Google Maps shows SOME parking at the end of Webb Terrace off of Warner Road. Good Luck and happy waterfalling!
Paine Falls
Located in Painsville, Ohio, Paines Falls are inside of Paine Falls Park. This beautiful multi-tiered waterfall is surrounded by beautiful country side, and is set up with picnic tables all around. Stay on the trails- they don’t want you to fall in!
What did I miss? Do you have other favorite Falls that should be in this list??
