Waterfalls Near Cleveland
Northeast Ohio is full of unexpected beauty, and nothing feels more magical than discovering a waterfall tucked inside the woods. From quick boardwalk overlooks to adventurous trails for older kids, these are some of our favorite places to chase waterfalls around Cleveland.
Whether you’re planning a Sunday drive, a post-rain adventure, or a photo-worthy day trip, you’ll find something here for every family and every ability level.
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Bridal Veil Falls (Bedford Reservation)
A graceful, tiered cascade reached by a gentle forest walk. Boardwalks and benches make this a peaceful, easy family stop.
🧭 Short walk from Gorge Pkwy lot to boardwalk overlook
💡 Why Families Love It: Shaded, calm, and photogenic.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? Mostly.
Berea Falls (Rocky River Reservation)
📍 136 E Bagley Rd, Berea, OH 44017
Multiple cascades framed by historic stone bridges. Easy access and several overlooks make quick visits a breeze.
🧭 Short paved paths to overlooks
💡 Why Families Love It: Easy in/out with big views.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? Yes.
Easy & Family-Friendly
Chagrin Falls (Downtown Chagrin Falls)
📍 N Main St Bridge, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Small-town charm with a dramatic waterfall at its center. Enjoy the view from the bridge and boardwalk, or head down to the riverside park for a closer look.
🧭 Views from the Main St bridge; steps/boardwalk to lower park
💡 Why Families Love It: Super accessible and perfect for multigenerational outings.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? Yes at street level.
Brandywine Falls (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
📍 8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
The most famous waterfall in Ohio (or is should be) and for good reason! A wide boardwalk makes it easy to reach the main overlook, and you’ll hear the rushing 65-foot cascade long before you see it. (Tip: Parking fills early on weekends. Aim for a morning visit.)
🧭 Boardwalk trail with stairs, about 0.3 miles one way
💡 Why Families Love It: The 65-foot drop and layered rock walls make for incredible photos and easy access for most families.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? Partially.
Cascade Park (Elyria)
📍 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035
Home to two waterfalls (East Falls and West Falls) connected by scenic trails and bridges over the Black River. The park also has a playground, picnic shelters, and wide paths that make it perfect for families.
🧭 Multiple trails, some paved, between East and West Falls
💡 Why Families Love It: Plenty of space to explore, easy photo spots, and options for both stroller walks and short hikes.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? Mostly.
Mill Creek Falls (Garfield Park Reservation)
📍 Mill Creek Trail, Cleveland, OH 44105
Cleveland’s tallest waterfall (48 feet) tucked right inside the city. Short, paved walk to a roomy overlook with great angles.
🧭 Paved walkway to overlook platform
💡 Why Families Love It: Big “wow” with minimal walking.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? Yes.
For Families Who Love to Explore
Blue Hen Falls (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
A tucked-away favorite: a short but steeper trail down to a pretty drop in a shaded ravine.
🧭 ~0.5 mi each way from small lot on Boston Mills Rd (moderate/steep)
💡 Why Families Love It: Compact hike with a big payoff.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? No.
Buttermilk Falls (North Chagrin Reservation)
Don’t mix it up with the CVNP one! Gentle forest paths lead to a lovely cascade - a nice add-on to North Chagrin explorations.
🧭 Access via Buttermilk Falls Trail/Forest Picnic Area (packed dirt)
💡 Why Families Love It: Manageable hike with a fun reward.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? Partially.
Buttermilk Falls (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
A quieter waterfall along the Buckeye Trail, surrounded by mossy rock and tall trees.
🧭 Access via Buckeye Trail near Boston/Stanford area (moderate; may be muddy)
💡 Why Families Love It: Feels “secret” and peaceful.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? No.
Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek (Bedford Reservation)
📍 Willis St, Bedford, OH 44264
A dramatic, wide cascade in a deep gorge with historic stone ruins nearby - tons to see in one stop.
🧭 Paved paths to overlooks; additional dirt trails in the area
💡 Why Families Love It: Multiple viewpoints and lots of “explore” moments.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? Yes to main overlook.
Columbia Beach Falls (Bay Village)
📍 25550 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140
A rare Lake Erie–facing waterfall, cascading down a bluff directly into the lake; compact, charming, and beautiful in its intimacy.
🧭 Off the paved path and observation deck in Columbia Park; stairs lead down to the beach (when open)
💡 Why Families Love It: Unique lakeside waterfall, approachable for most, and a peaceful escape for short strolls.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? Partially.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Spots
Dugway Brook Falls (Cleveland Heights)
A little slice of wild right in the city. Small, seasonal waterfall tucked in a forested ravine.
🧭 Short unpaved paths within Forest Hill Park
💡 Why Families Love It: Fast nature fix without a long drive.
👣 Stroller-Friendly? No.
🍦 Make It a Memory
Grab a Treat: The Popcorn Shop (Chagrin Falls) • Honey Hut (Rocky River) • Trailhead Coffee (Brandywine)
Pack a Picnic: Bedford Reservation • Cascade Park • Rocky River Reservation
Plan for Play: Many have nearby playgrounds - perfect for a post-hike snack break!
💙 CLE Family Tips
Best Time to Visit: Spring (full flow!) or Fall (color + crisp air)
Bring: Extra socks, bug spray, and snacks (always snacks)
Strollers: Best bets - Brandywine, Mill Creek, Chagrin Falls
📸 Picture-Perfect Spots
Brandywine overlook boardwalk at golden hour
The bridge at Cascade Park (Elyria)
Village boardwalk in Chagrin Falls
🌿 Keep Exploring
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