Flat farmland is probably what comes to mind when you think of Ohio. But, it actually has varied landscapes that provide tons of opportunities to explore nature. In particular, there are about 300 Ohio waterfalls that you could visit!

With so many options, it can be hard to decide which waterfalls to see. We intend to give you a good starting point for visiting the best waterfalls in Ohio.

Fascinating Facts & FAQs About Ohio Waterfalls

Best Waterfalls in Ohio Near Cleveland

Brandywine Falls

Within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brandywine Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Ohio at 60 feet. No matter the time of year, this is an awesome sight. But, it’s even more breathtaking after heavy rain swells Brandywine Creek.

The falls can be reached by hiking the Sanford Trail or by walking over from the visitor center in Boston Mills. If you prefer less of a hike, there’s a parking lot off Brandywine Road that leads to a no-stairs boardwalk. Since it’s popular, we recommend going during the offseason to ensure available parking.

Bridal Veil Falls

If you’re looking for a short hike to a big waterfall, this is one Ohio waterfall you don’t want to miss. Located in the Bedford Reservation at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this is a peaceful spot to spend a few hours

The Bridal Veil Falls cascade is about 20 feet tall and the hike to get there is just over a quarter of a mile out and back.

The waterfall can be accessed by parking at the Bridal Veil Falls Trailhead in the Bedford Reservation. The trailhead is located off Gorge Parkway and is well-marked.

Once you’ve spent time at Bridal Veil Falls, walk a short distance and see the Deerlick Creek Waterfalls.

Cascade Falls

This Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park waterfall is best described as delicate. It doesn’t get a lot of water, but it’s surrounded by several ledges, which are interesting to look at. The falls are part of a small park with easy, walkable trails.

There’s also another waterfall, Minnehaha Falls, located just a short distance away at the far end of the park.

There are parking and picnic areas available on either side once you arrive there (it’s best to take Route 282).

East Falls and West Falls

Located on the Black River at Cascade Park in Lorain County, these waterfalls in Ohio are accessible via a 1.2-mile hiking loop. The East Falls can be observed from above on an observation deck, or you can take a scenic hike down into the gorge.

The West Falls has three flows beneath a quaint bridge. Bring your camera because this is a picturesque spot. Both falls are quite powerful all year, but they’re awesome after a strong rain. 

Buttermilk Falls

This pretty waterfall in Ohio is a fan favorite. No trail leads to the falls, but it’s so popular that a path has been worn into the ground. The land the falls are on belongs to the Boston Mills Ski Resort within Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

At the falls, water from Spring Creek cascades down 30 feet of Cleveland Shale. When it comes to finding a scenic waterfall, this one is a winner. But unless you want a difficult hike, it’s best viewed from above. 

Blue Hen Falls

Another of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park waterfalls, Blue Hen Falls is among the favorites in Ohio. It’s easy to get to, and while it’s only 15 feet in height, it’s very photogenic. The falls is close enough to combine with a visit to Buttermilk Falls. 

Chagrin Falls Waterfall

Spouting from the Chagrin River, the Chagrin Falls Waterfall is located in the center of the Chagrin Falls village. It’s known as one of the most gorgeous urban falls in the nation at just 20 feet. There’s a viewing area at the base of the waterfall, and shopping is nearby.

Berea Falls

These glacial falls are a result of the long-ago ice age wearing down the Berea Sandstone. Berea Sandstone is world-famous and one of the things Ohio is known for. It’s a pretty waterfall that doesn’t require a long hike or a lot of effort to visit. The falls are located in the Rocky River Reservation. 

Great Falls of Tinkers Creek at Viaduct Park

With a name like Great Falls, you would expect this Ohio waterfall to be something exceptional. Thank goodness that you won’t be disappoint!

Although it’s only 20 feet high, it’s an impressive nearly 80 feet wide. You won’t have trouble getting there along the paved path. Tinkers Creek is the main tributary of the Cuyahoga River that feeds the falls. 

Mill Creek Falls at Garfield Park Reservation

This is the tallest waterfall in Cuyahoga Country at 48 feet high. Originally known as Cataract Falls, it was used to power grist mills in the area, which began in the late 18th century. This urban waterfall is located in Cleveland. 

Chair Factory Falls

As the name implies, this was once the site of a chair factory. For many years, no one visited because it was private land. But, it’s just too pretty of a waterfall to keep from the public. The 4.5 acres were donated, and now the public is welcome. It’s worth the 0.33-mile hike to view it. 

Big and Little Lyons Falls

Mohican State Park in the town of Loudonville is home to these two low-flow falls. Both of these Ohio waterfalls have a story about two men with the last name Lyons — Paul and Thomas (not related) — for whom the falls are named.

Neither man met a happy end, but why not visit to find out more? Big Lyons Falls is 80 feet tall, and Little Lyons Falls is 25 feet with an interesting cave at the bottom. 

Hemlock Falls

This waterfall is located near Mohican State Park. At 30 feet tall, it’s quite impressive and worth the effort to view. It’s on land that belongs to the Richland County Park District. To visit, call the Mohican School for the Out of Doors, and they will give you permission.

Due to damage to the ecosystem, you can only access the falls on the spur trail. The falls is named after the hemlocks that surround it.

Lanterman’s Mill Falls

Lanterman’s Mill was constructed in 1845 and is a Mahoning County historic site. It still operates today, grinding buckwheat, corn, and wheat.

Lanterman’s falls are adjacent to the mill, and an observation deck is located at the rear of the building. The mill and waterfall are in Mill Creek Park on the outskirts of Youngstown, which is the second-largest Metropark after Central Park in New York City. 

Paine Falls

This two-tiered waterfall in Paine Falls Park is 80 feet wide and 20 feet tall. It’s quite a stunning setting with a road bridge passing right behind it. Add fall foliage to the mix, and it has a real wow factor. 

Lower Chippewa Creek Falls

If you time it right, this falls will knock your socks off. Even when the flow is low, the surrounding area is spectacular. You can combine this with a visit to Chippewa Creek Falls. The Lower Falls is just a few hundred yards from the main parking lot at the Brecksville Reservation. 

Garrettsville Falls

Close to downtown Garrettsville, this is a half dam, half waterfall. It’s easy to get to and a very attractive sight, so if you are going to be in the area, put it on your agenda. You can view the falls from the bridge that crosses over Eagle Creek. 

Day’s Dam Falls

Most visitors to the very popular Black River Reservation don’t realize that this beautiful and powerful 40-foot waterfall exists. Especially after heavy rain, this waterfall will impress. 

Best Ohio Waterfalls in the Northwest

Northwest Ohio consists mostly of flat farmland. You won’t find many waterfalls here, but one exception is in the City of Findlay.

The Waterfalls Area can be accessed from both sides of the Blanchard River. Riverside Park is on one side, and the Blanchard River Water Trail is on the other. The park is small, but the falls are worth a look. The area is owned by the city of Findlay and managed by the Hancock Park District. 

Best Central Waterfalls Ohio Has Near Columbus

Indian Run Falls

Named for the Wyandot Tribe members who once inhabited the area, this urban waterfall is just a few miles from downtown Dublin. These waterfalls in Ohio consists of 22 feet of cascading water and another smaller 10-foot cascade upstream.

If you visit in the summer, it may be tempting to jump into the falls, but it’s illegal. Many people have been injured doing so. The view isn’t the easiest, but there are a couple of observation decks. The trail back and forth is less than 1 mile. 

Hayden Falls

Getting to these falls (also known as Hayden Run Falls) is a short 0.3-mile hike on a boardwalk trail. The falls can be observed from above or in front. The best time to visit is in the spring or after heavy rain.

The crest of the falls is 30 feet at its best but only 5 feet when it’s dry. Typically, the water plunges 25 feet into pools where locals swim. The observation decks were constructed not only to make the falls more accessible but also to preserve the unique ecosystem of the small gorge.

Located in the Griggs Nature Preserve in Dublin off Hayden Run Road, it’s the best-known and most-visited waterfall in Central Ohio. It can easily be combined with Indian Run Falls and Dublin Road Falls. 

Dublin Road Falls

One of three large falls located in suburban Columbus, Dublin Road Falls is 20 feet tall. This spot is difficult to get to and isn’t well known. Because of that, you may be able to enjoy this lovely location without anyone joining you. 

Wedgewood Hills Park Falls

It’s a real treat if you can catch these falls running. It tends to dry up in the warm weather, but it’s pretty when it flows in the fall, winter, and spring. You can find the falls Sandwich Court in Dublin. 

Rock Mill Falls

Near one of the oldest mills, this waterfall in Ohio is close to the headwaters of the Hocking River. It’s a small waterfall, with a 14-foot drop and 8-foot width. However, the water flows into a very pretty gorge with 40-foot walls.

An attractive covered bridge passes above the falls. From May through October, the restored Rock Mill is open for tours. This area is located in Fairfield County. 

Honey Run Falls

Part of the Knox County Park District, this waterfall is 25 feet tall and flows over sandstone cliffs. The falls is named for the stream from which it originates.

The 21-acre Honey Run Park offers the ability to hike from the falls to the Kokosing River. A beach near the bottom of the falls lets you sit and enjoy the beauty and serenity. 

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve Waterfalls

While in other areas of Ohio, these seasonal, small falls wouldn’t be considered much of anything. In Central Ohio, though, they’re worth viewing.

One waterfall is located on the Chestnut Trail, and the other is on the Marie Hickey Trail. To guarantee that water will be flowing, visit in the spring. 

Best Appalachian Area Waterfalls in Ohio

Hosak’s Cave Falls

Located in Salt Fork State Park, Hosak’s Cave is a sight not to miss by itself. If you come in the spring or after heavy rain, you’re treated to a 50-foot waterfall. It’s a rocky, uphill hike on the Hosak’s Cave Trail, and you should stay on the marked trail while exercising caution.

Robinson Falls

Within the Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve, Robinson Falls requires that you get a permit to access it. You just need to contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

In spite of the extra effort, seeing this rare example of canyon falls is worth it. The falls is called corkscrew falls, and when you look at it, you’ll understand why. 

Hocking Hills State Park

If you’re a waterfall lover, Hocking Hills State Park has a plethora of waterfalls, especially the Lower and Upper Falls on Old Man’s Creek. 

Stunning is the best description for the Upper Falls and the gorge that it spills into. The pool at the base of the falls is a popular swimming hole during warm weather. On the same Grandma Gatewood Trail, you can visit the Lower Falls and many others in Hocking Hills.

Big Spring Hollow Falls

This out-of-the-way waterfall can be found in Hocking Hills’ rock climbing and rappelling area.

In the park, you’ll cross Big Pine Road near the rappelling parking area and go over a bridge. Stay to the right and you’ll come to the waterfall.

The waterfall is the highest in the area, standing at more than 100 feet. One of the great things here is there are lots of rocks at the best of the waterfall, so you can sit, take a break, enjoy the view, and get some pictures. You may even want to enjoy a picnic here too. 

Parish Rocks Falls

There’s a lot to see in Hocking Hills State Park, including a lot of towering cliffs and waterfalls. One that you don’t want to miss is the Parish Rocks Falls.

Parish Rocks is a cliff with an elevation of 906 feet located near Whispering Cave. Its 90-foot, multi-tiered waterfall really is a sight to see and is one of the tallest falls in the Hocking Hills region.

BY FAR my favorite spot to hike! Parish Rock Falls is a bit of a challenge to get to but it’s worth every step you’ll take. – Matthew A. P., Google Review

Ash Cave Falls

If you want to see the Ash Cave waterfall in Hocking Hills, you need to come after heavy rain. It stands 90 feet high when it’s flowing, which is quite impressive.

When there is no rain, don’t worry. Ash Cave is certainly worth a visit. The cave was used by Native Americans for shelter for hundreds of years, and early settlers found a humongous pile of ash inside, thus the name.

Cedar Falls

One of Ohio’s most beautiful waterfalls, Cedar Falls meanders for 40 feet down a sandstone cliff before plunging the last 10 feet. It was mistakenly named Cedar Falls by early settlers who named it after the trees in the gorge, which are actually hemlocks!

Located within Hocking Hills, a graceful serpentine set of stairs — a work of art — descends from the parking lot down the hillside to the falls. Called Democracy Steps to Cedar Falls, they were created by artist Akio Hizum in 1997. 

Hidden Falls

Located no more than 50 yards from Cedar Falls, this little-known seasonal waterfall is a gem. It’s hidden from view behind a boulder and makes a lovely addition during a visit to Cedar Falls. 

Broken Rock Falls

This falls spills 60 feet but is only 5 feet wide. It’s not as well known or popular as some other waterfalls in Hocking Hills State Park. Despite that, it’s unique and looks like it’s splitting the rocks in half, which explains its name. 

Whispering Falls

At 100 feet, this waterfall is an incredible sight when it’s flowing. The narrow falls plunges down a rock face when there’s enough rain. It’s not one of the most-visited falls since it’s not in one of the main areas, but it combines well with some other falls. 

Cantwell Cliffs

At 80 feet, this seasonal fall is worth visiting. The water cascades off of cliffs above a recessed cave, which is an attraction on its own. Frankly, you can spend a whole waterfall trip visiting all the falls in Hocking Hills, especially if you make sure that all the seasonal falls are flowing. 

Rockbridge Falls

As the name implies, these falls are located beneath a natural rock bridge in the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve. The bridge is more than 100 feet long and arches across a ravine. It’s the longest natural bridge in Ohio.

The falls are small, but the location is spectacular. The view makes the 30-minute hike well worth the effort. 

Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Waterfall

At the head of the deepest gorge in Ohio, this falls drops 25 feet. Conkles Hollow on its own is worth visiting. Downstream, a 100-foot seasonal waterfall is an impressive sight. 

Rock Run Falls

This waterfall is a cascade type located in the Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve. It meanders for 20 feet through a grove of hemlocks and couldn’t be more scenic. 

Best Ohio Waterfalls Near Cincinnati

Greenville Falls

Located in Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area, this is a 20-foot cascading fall that’s lovely to visit at any time of year. While it lacks height, it makes up for it in width.

The park has a trail system that allows you to stroll along Greenville Creek. Remnants of the historic Albery Mill that once occupied the site can be visited during a walk through the park. 

Charleston Falls

This waterfall originates in underground springs several miles to the east of Charleston Falls Preserve, which is the most visited nature park in Miami County. Plummeting 37 feet to the Great Miami River, the falls is an impressive sight.

In fact, the falls has been referred to as a miniature Niagara. However, that’s not because of their size or height. Instead, the two waterfalls consist of the same rock strata.

Ludlow Falls

This wide waterfall plunges 15 feet, and you can hear it long before you can actually see it. It’s hidden from sight under a highway bridge, but if you know where to look, it’s easy to access.

You may have trouble viewing the falls from the south side because a lot of trees are in the way. Plus, the descent is steep. Spring is the best time to visit when the flow of water is the strongest. 

Clifton Gorge Falls

Located near the town of Clifton, the 68-acre Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve encompasses a gorge that was carved out by glacial activity. The limestone gorge is about 40 feet deep and carved out by the Little Miami River.

Several waterfalls can be found in the preserve — one near the Clifton Mill is man-made and two are difficult to view. Amphitheater Falls is on the gorge trail, and as long as you don’t go in the dead of summer, there should be enough flow to make it worthwhile.

You can hike a series of trails that form a loop to pass three small waterfalls. Enjoy the 1940s-era gas station, the covered bridge, and the restaurant while you are there too. 

Englewood Metro Park Waterfalls

If you get onto the Green Trail in this park, you’ll come upon three waterfalls that are quite amazing for this area of Ohio. Martindale Falls is 20 feet tall and glides over the cliff edge. It’s not a high-flow falls, so visit after it has rained to get the best view.

Patty Falls is only 12 feet tall but usually has more water. It slides over the rocks to the creek below. Oaks Falls is even smaller at 7 feet tall. Although it’s not the most impressive waterfall, it’s worth finding.

Fallsville Falls

In Clinton County, tucked away in the Fallsville Wildlife Area, this falls is hidden in a little gorge. Named for a town that no longer exists, the it’s 15 feet tall and on several levels. The destination is so tranquil that you can hear the falls as you approach. 

John and Marion Becker Cedar Falls Preserve

This Adams County preserve only opened in the summer of 2020. It showcases a 15-foot cascading falls that tumbles over limestone ledges. The falls has carved a deep gorge, and to see it at its best, visit in the spring or after a heavy rain. 

Caesar Creek State Park Waterfalls

You can find two waterfalls in this Warren County state park. Horseshoe Falls is on the Perimeter Trail a short distance from the swinging bridge. It’s at least a 1-mile walk from the Nature Center.

Crawdad Falls is in the opposite direction from the Nature Center. Both of them are worth the effort to visit. Of the two, Horseshoe falls is more impressive. 

Cedar Cliff Falls

Green County is home to the Indian Mound Reserve and Cedar Cliff Falls. This spillway from a former mill is connected to a network of hiking trails and provides enough outdoor activity and sites to keep you interested. The power of the falls is awesome. 

The Cascades at Glen Helen

Glen Helen Preserve is located just a few steps from downtown Yellow Springs. The Cascades is a plunge-type waterfall that’s almost as wide as it is tall.

Grotto Falls, which is also in the preserve, spills over a small cave. This location is easy to visit and is close to the popular and scenic John Bryan Park. 

Find More Awesome Things to Do in Ohio

Visiting the many waterfalls in Ohio is only one great way to explore the Buckeye State. If you’re in the Northwest, for instance, there are plenty of things to do in Toledo. If you’re in the Appalachian area, Marietta has tons of activities. You have numerous winter things to do experience in Ohio as well.

Magnificent Waterfalls in Ohio to Visit This Year