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The best waterfall hiking destinations near Cleveland

Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in central Ohio near Cleveland in the late summer of 2009

Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park in central Ohio near Cleveland in the late summer of 2009

Looking for a fun activity to enjoy this weekend? Why not go on an unforgettable outdoor adventure by visiting some of the many waterfalls located near Cleveland?

Let all the stress of the workweek melt away by escaping the city and heading to some of these enchanting wooded areas, scenic hiking trails, and serene parks.

Here’s a list of great waterfalls for you to visit:

Black River West and East Falls

The Black River flows for approximately 12 miles through the city of Elyria, before meeting with the majestic West Falls. It is a truly incredible sight to behold, standing at around 35 feet tall and providing calming views from the south side of Cascade Park. Visitors can explore the 1.2-mile trail that leads to a nice observation deck that offers picture-perfect views of the falls, or you can hike down the rocks until you reach the gorge to get to the bottom of the falls.

Walk for about one mile east on the trail and you’ll get to see the equally breathtaking East Falls. While it may be a lot smaller compared to the West Falls, the East Falls has a nearby park and viewing station where you can soak in views of the falls from all angles.

Chagrin Falls Waterfall

Located in the heart of an urban area, the captivating 25-foot Chagrin Falls Waterfall is a pocket paradise that is easily accessible from Main Street, where you can also find a vibrant assortment of local stores and top-quality dining venues.

Visitors can take the steps towards the bottom of the falls to access a trail that leads to a quiet fishing spot and swimming area that’s around 10 to 15 feet deep.

Mill Creek Falls

Known as one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Cuyahoga County, Mill Creek Falls towers at about 48 feet tall, and is tucked away within the beautiful Mill Creek Park.

There’s a mile-and-a-half trail that starts from Garfield Park Reservation that leads to two observation decks surrounded by stunning views of the falls. The best time to visit the falls is during the spring and fall – avoid the summer as the heat and humidity can become unbearable.

Buttermilk Falls

Located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Buttermilk Falls is a hidden gem nestled off the beaten path, so remember to keep your eyes open as you navigate the trails. This is a great destination if you’re feeling adventurous, as searching for the falls is an adventure in itself, forcing you to hop from rock to rock and pay close attention to your surroundings in order to find this unique natural treasure.

Brandywine Falls

Another spectacular waterfall within the Cuyahoga National Park is the soaring 65-foot Brandywine Falls, which flows into serene creeks perfect for dipping your toes in. There’s a boardwalk that takes visitors right next to falls and offers views of the sandstone, before ascending once again towards the rest of the park.

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