State guide

Waterfalls in Ohio

19 waterfalls across 12 counties, ranked 30th nationally. The main waterfall regions are Cuyahoga Valley and Northeast Ohio, Hocking Hills and the Mohican Country, and Western Ohio and Lake Erie.

Source: USGS Geographic Names Information System, with visitor ratings from Google Maps listings.

Best WaterfallsMost Beautiful WaterfallsMust-See Waterfalls

Photo of Brandywine Falls in Summit County, Ohio
Pictured: Brandywine Falls, OH

Towns

Where Ohio's Waterfalls Are

Ohio is mostly gentle terrain, and with 19 named falls in our directory it ranks 30th nationally. Glaciers covered roughly the northern two thirds of the state, smoothing the land and filling old valleys with sediment. Waterfalls appear where streams have since cut down through that cover into layered sandstone and shale, especially along the edge of the Allegheny Plateau. There, a hard sandstone or conglomerate caprock, such as the Berea sandstone or Sharon conglomerate in the northeast, overlies softer shale that erodes back beneath it, leaving a ledge for the water to pour over.

The falls are concentrated in northeastern Ohio. Cuyahoga, Summit and Portage counties hold nine of them, many in the Cuyahoga Valley and the metroparks around Cleveland and Akron, where tributaries descend sharply into the deep Cuyahoga River valley. A second group lies in the unglaciated hill country of the southeast, where the Hocking Hills' Blackhand sandstone forms gorges and recess caves. Scattered falls elsewhere include Greenville Falls in the Miami Valley and a few in north-central Ohio near Mohican State Park. Most are modest in height and depend heavily on recent rain.

Ohio Waterfall Regions

Cuyahoga Valley and Northeast Ohio

11 waterfalls · Cuyahoga County, Summit County, Portage County, Geauga County, and Lake County

Northeast Ohio is the state's waterfall hub. In Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brandywine Falls, the most reviewed fall in Ohio in our directory and described by the USGS as 86 feet high, cascades over layered sandstone and shale beside a boardwalk. Blue Hen Falls and Buttermilk Falls lie on quieter trails near Boston. In the Cleveland Metroparks' Bedford Reservation, Bridal Veil Falls and the Great Falls of Tinkers Creek drop into a deep gorge, and Mill Creek Falls lies within the city of Cleveland. Portage County's Cascade Falls is set among the sandstone ledges near Garrettsville, and the village of Chagrin Falls grew up around its namesake falls.

Start with: Brandywine Falls, Blue Hen Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Buttermilk Falls, Mill Creek Falls

Hocking Hills and the Mohican Country

5 waterfalls · Hocking County, Ashland County, Knox County, and Tuscarawas County

Southeast and central Ohio offer a different look: sandstone gorges, recess caves and hemlock-shaded ravines in hill country that lies at or beyond the glacial boundary. In the Hocking Hills near Logan, Cedar Falls pours into a shallow pool framed by cliffs and grottos carved in Blackhand sandstone. Ashland County's falls, near Loudonville, lie in the Mohican area, where the Clear Fork of the Mohican River runs through a forested gorge. Grove Falls in Knox County and a fall in Tuscarawas County round out this group. These falls tend to be modest in volume, heavily shaded and at their best after soaking rains.

Start with: Cedar Falls, Grove Falls, Big Lyons Falls, Little Lyons Falls, Sugar Creek Falls (historical)

Western Ohio and Lake Erie

3 waterfalls · Miami County, Adams County, and Erie County

Away from the plateau, Ohio's falls are few but varied. Greenville Falls, near Covington in Miami County, drops over a limestone ledge in a small nature preserve along Greenville Creek, an unusual sight in the flat farmland of western Ohio. In Adams County, along the Ohio River hills of the far south, Cedar Falls lies in rugged, unglaciated country known for its dolomite and limestone landscapes and rare plants. Sandusky Falls lies in Erie County in the Lake Erie region. These are local destinations rather than major attractions, best visited after rain when their small streams carry enough water to make an impression.

Start with: Greenville Falls, Sandusky Falls, Cedar Falls

All 19 Waterfalls in Ohio

Ordered by Google rating and review volume, then by documented USGS history.

  1. Brandywine Falls

    Boston Heights, OH · Summit County
    4.8 (551 reviews)

    Brandywine Falls is a waterfall in Summit County, Ohio, about 1.5 miles northwest of Boston Heights. USGS notes: 86 feet high. Brandywine Falls, within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, is accessed by a parking lot located on Stanford Road about 30 m (100 ft) from Brandywine Road, approximately 3.2 km (2 mi) south of State Route 82 and 1.6 km (1 mi) northwest of Olde Eight in Sagamore Hills.

    Rating
    4.8 (551 Google reviews)
    Address
    Sagamore Hills Township, OH 44067
    Nearest town
    Boston Heights, OH (1.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Northfield quad
    View details Directions

  2. Blue Hen Falls

    Peninsula, OH · Summit County
    4.5 (250 reviews)

    Spectacular beauty spot named for the spring upstream that feeds this creek year-round.

    Rating
    4.5 (250 Google reviews)
    Address
    Boston Township, OH 44141
    Nearest town
    Peninsula, OH (1.6 mi)
    USGS topo
    Northfield quad
    View details Directions

  3. Bridal Veil Falls

    Bedford, OH · Cuyahoga County
    4.8 (110 reviews)

    Bridal Veil Falls is a waterfall in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, about 1.5 miles southwest of Bedford. USGS notes: Located in the Bedford Reservation, just north of the community of Walton Hills; within Bedford Township, Original Lot 64, and the Connecticut Western Reserve.

    Rating
    4.8 (110 Google reviews)
    Address
    Walton Hills, OH 44146
    Nearest town
    Bedford, OH (1.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Northfield quad
    View details Directions

  4. Buttermilk Falls

    Peninsula, OH · Summit County
    4.7 (82 reviews)

    Secluded, 20-ft.-high waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, accessible via a hiking trail.

    Rating
    4.7 (82 Google reviews)
    Address
    Boston Township, OH 44141
    Nearest town
    Peninsula, OH (1.7 mi)
    USGS topo
    Northfield quad
    View details Directions

  5. Cedar Falls

    Logan, OH · Hocking County
    4.8 (141 reviews)

    Waterfall with a shallow pool amid cliffs & grottos, with nearby restrooms & a picnic area.

    Rating
    4.8 (141 Google reviews)
    Address
    Benton Township, OH 43138
    Nearest town
    Logan, OH (10 mi)
    USGS topo
    South Bloomingville quad
    View details Directions

  6. Mill Creek Falls

    Newburgh Heights, OH · Cuyahoga County
    4.1 (42 reviews)

    Mill Creek Falls is a waterfall in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, about 2.0 miles east of Newburgh Heights. USGS notes: Located along Mill Creek within the City of Cleveland. Also located in Newburgh Township and the Connecticut Western Reserve.

    Rating
    4.1 (42 Google reviews)
    Address
    Cleveland, OH 44105
    Nearest town
    Newburgh Heights, OH (2.0 mi)
    USGS topo
    Cleveland South quad
    View details Directions

  7. Greenville Falls

    Covington, OH · Miami County
    4.6 (30 reviews)

    Greenville Falls is a waterfall in Miami County, Ohio, about 1.3 miles southwest of Covington. It appears on the USGS Pleasant Hill topographic map.

    Rating
    4.6 (30 Google reviews)
    Address
    Newberry Township, OH 45318
    Nearest town
    Covington, OH (1.3 mi)
    USGS topo
    Pleasant Hill quad
    View details Directions

  8. Cascade Falls

    Garrettsville, OH · Portage County
    4.7 (27 reviews)

    Cascade Falls is a waterfall in Portage County, Ohio, about 4.3 miles northeast of Garrettsville. It appears on the USGS Garrettsville topographic map.

    Rating
    4.7 (27 Google reviews)
    Address
    Nelson Township, OH 44231
    Nearest town
    Garrettsville, OH (4.3 mi)
    USGS topo
    Garrettsville quad
    View details Directions

  9. Minnehaha Falls

    Garrettsville, OH · Portage County
    4.8 (16 reviews)

    Minnehaha Falls is a waterfall in Portage County, Ohio, about 4.2 miles northeast of Garrettsville. It appears on the USGS Garrettsville topographic map.

    Rating
    4.8 (16 Google reviews)
    Address
    Nelson Township, OH 44231
    Nearest town
    Garrettsville, OH (4.2 mi)
    USGS topo
    Garrettsville quad
    View details Directions

  10. Cedar Falls

    Peebles, OH · Adams County
    4.7 (17 reviews)

    Cedar Falls is a waterfall in Adams County, Ohio, about 7.9 miles south of Peebles. It appears on the USGS Lynx topographic map.

    Rating
    4.7 (17 Google reviews)
    Address
    Brush Creek Township, OH 45616
    Known for
    muddy trail, waterfall viewing point, trailhead, easy to follow trail, view
    Nearest town
    Peebles, OH (7.9 mi)
    USGS topo
    Lynx quad
    View details Directions

  11. Grove Falls

    Oak Hill, OH · Knox County
    4.6 (17 reviews)

    Grove Falls is a waterfall in Knox County, Ohio, about 2.4 miles southwest of Oak Hill. It appears on the USGS Danville topographic map.

    Rating
    4.6 (17 Google reviews)
    Address
    Butler Township, OH 43028
    Nearest town
    Oak Hill, OH (2.4 mi)
    USGS topo
    Danville quad
    View details Directions

  12. Chagrin Falls

    Chagrin Falls, OH · Cuyahoga County
    4.7 (11 reviews)

    Chagrin Falls is a waterfall in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in Chagrin Falls. It appears on the USGS Chagrin Falls topographic map.

    Rating
    4.7 (11 Google reviews)
    Address
    Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
    Nearest town
    Chagrin Falls, OH (0.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Chagrin Falls quad
    View details Directions

  13. Sandusky Falls

    Sandusky, OH · Erie County
    3.3 (28 reviews)

    Sandusky Falls is a waterfall in Erie County, Ohio, about 3.3 miles west of Sandusky.

    Rating
    3.3 (28 Google reviews)
    Address
    Sandusky, OH 44870
    Known for
    patio view, location, restaurant, drinks, food
    Nearest town
    Sandusky, OH (3.3 mi)
    View details Directions

  14. Great Falls

    Bedford, OH · Cuyahoga County
    5.0 (3 reviews)

    Great Falls is a waterfall in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, about 0.7 miles south of Bedford. USGS notes: Located along Tinkers Creek, just south of Bedford. Also located within Bedford Township, Original Lot 56, and the Connecticut Western Reserve.

    Rating
    5.0 (3 Google reviews)
    Address
    Bedford, OH 44146
    Nearest town
    Bedford, OH (0.7 mi)
    USGS topo
    Shaker Heights quad
    View details Directions

  15. Cascade Falls

    Chardon, OH · Lake County
    3.6 (13 reviews)

    Cascade Falls is a waterfall in Lake County, Ohio, about 4.5 miles northwest of Chardon. It appears on the USGS Painesville topographic map.

    Rating
    3.6 (13 Google reviews)
    Address
    Leroy Township, OH 44077
    Nearest town
    Chardon, OH (4.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Painesville quad
    View details Directions

  16. Big Lyons Falls

    Loudonville, OH · Ashland County

    Big Lyons Falls is a waterfall in Ashland County, Ohio, about 5.1 miles west of Loudonville. USGS notes: Located on an unnamed stream just outside Mohican State Park in Mohican State Forest.

    Address
    Ashland County, OH (GPS 40.6161, -82.3278)
    Nearest town
    Loudonville, OH (5.1 mi)
    USGS topo
    Jelloway quad
    View details Directions

  17. Deans Fall

    Gates Mills, OH · Geauga County

    Deans Fall is a waterfall in Geauga County, Ohio, about 0.7 miles east of Gates Mills. Named for Samuel Dean, builder of a saw and grist mill nearby.

    Address
    Geauga County, OH (GPS 41.5208, -81.3901)
    Nearest town
    Gates Mills, OH (0.7 mi)
    USGS topo
    Mayfield Heights quad
    View details Directions

  18. Little Lyons Falls

    Loudonville, OH · Ashland County

    Little Lyons Falls is a waterfall in Ashland County, Ohio, about 5.2 miles west of Loudonville. Named for Thomas Lyons, one of the first Europeans to visit the area sometime around the beginning of the nineteenth century.

    Address
    Ashland County, OH (GPS 40.6193, -82.3292)
    Nearest town
    Loudonville, OH (5.2 mi)
    USGS topo
    Jelloway quad
    View details Directions

  19. Sugar Creek Falls (historical)

    Beach City, OH · Tuscarawas County

    Sugar Creek Falls (historical) is a waterfall in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, about 1.6 miles southeast of Beach City. USGS notes: Inundated by Beach City Reservoir

    Address
    Tuscarawas County, OH (GPS 40.6356, -81.5604)
    Nearest town
    Beach City, OH (1.6 mi)
    USGS topo
    Navarre quad
    View details Directions

Highest Rated in Ohio

  1. Brandywine Falls 4.8 from 551 reviews · Boston Heights
  2. Cedar Falls 4.8 from 141 reviews · Logan
  3. Bridal Veil Falls 4.8 from 110 reviews · Bedford
  4. Buttermilk Falls 4.7 from 82 reviews · Peninsula
  5. Cascade Falls 4.7 from 27 reviews · Garrettsville

Waterfalls with at least 25 Google reviews.

Ohio Waterfalls by the Compass

The farthest-apart named falls in Ohio are about 228 miles apart.

Names and History

The most reused names are Cedar Falls (2) and Cascade Falls (2), so check the county and town before you set out.

3 waterfalls have alternate historical names on record, such as Great Falls (also Great Falls of Tinkers Creek) and Big Lyons Falls (also Lyon's Falls).

From the USGS record for Brandywine Falls: ""The rocks at the base of this ""bridalveil"" falls were formed more than 400 million years ago. The cascades began about ten thousand years ago after the last glacial retreat.""

Best Time to See Waterfalls in Ohio

Ohio's falls are rain-fed, so late winter and spring, roughly February through May, are the most reliable months. In the Cuyahoga Valley and Hocking Hills, falls run fullest after a few days of steady rain or a thaw, and early spring adds wildflowers to the ravines. Summer often reduces smaller falls such as Buttermilk and Blue Hen to a trickle, while Brandywine Falls usually keeps some flow. Autumn color peaks around mid to late October, and fall rains can restore flows. Prolonged cold in January and February sometimes freezes Brandywine and the Hocking Hills falls into dramatic ice formations, though trails and stairs become slippery.

Planning a Waterfall Trip in Ohio

Most of Ohio's notable falls are on public land: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cleveland Metroparks and Summit Metro Parks, Ohio state parks and state nature preserves. Hocking Hills State Park is extremely popular, and its lots fill on autumn weekends and holidays, so early arrival helps. Some nature preserves prohibit pets and require staying on trails. Hazards are mainly cliffs and slick sandstone: falls from gorge rims in the Hocking Hills cause injuries and deaths, and climbing on wet ledges near falls is dangerous. Rock-walled gorges can flood quickly during heavy rain. A few smaller falls are on private property or near roads, so check access before visiting.

More: waterfall safety · packing list

Find Waterfalls Near a Ohio Town

Waterfalls by County

CountyWaterfallsShareMost visited
Cuyahoga421%Bridal Veil Falls
Summit316%Brandywine Falls
Ashland211%Big Lyons Falls
Portage211%Cascade Falls
Adams15%Cedar Falls
Erie15%Sandusky Falls
Geauga15%Deans Fall
Hocking15%Cedar Falls
Knox15%Grove Falls
Lake15%Cascade Falls
Miami15%Greenville Falls
Tuscarawas15%Sugar Creek Falls (historical)

All Ohio Waterfalls A to Z

Ohio Waterfalls: FAQs

How many waterfalls are in Ohio?

Our directory lists 19 waterfalls in Ohio (18 officially named in the USGS Geographic Names Information System and 1 added from Google Maps listings), 30th among the 50 jurisdictions in our directory and 0.7% of the national total. 47% of them are in just three counties: Cuyahoga, Summit, and Ashland.

What is the most visited waterfall in Ohio?

By Google review count, Brandywine Falls in Summit County leads with 551 reviews and a 4.8 rating. Blue Hen Falls is next.

What is the most visited waterfall in Ohio?

Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the most reviewed in our directory, followed by Blue Hen Falls in the same park and Cedar Falls in the Hocking Hills.

When do Ohio waterfalls have the most water?

Late winter and spring, especially a day or two after heavy rain or a thaw. Many smaller falls slow to a trickle during dry summer weather.

Which Ohio town has the most waterfalls nearby?

Bedford has 11 named waterfalls within 30 miles, the most of any town in our Ohio directory.