You don’t need to trek long distances to discover a hidden treasure in Ohio.
Nestled in northeast Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park boasts the stunning Brandywine Falls, a magnificent waterfall that plunges 65 feet from Brandywine Creek. These picturesque falls are a must-see attraction in the park and are easily reachable, making them a sought-after destination. The area offers various trails that meander around the falls, providing multiple access points, which solidifies its reputation as one of the top easy hikes in the state.
The Stanford Trail guides you to the boardwalks situated at the foot of the waterfall. This pleasant hike spans 1.75 miles and is classified as moderate, typically taking just over an hour to finish.
The sound of the waterfall reaches your ears long before you catch a glimpse of it, heightening your excitement as you approach the powerful rush of water.
The waterfall is most spectacular following a heavy rain, but it maintains a strong flow throughout the entire year.
The Berea Sandstone forms the top layer of the waterfall, serving as a protective shield over the softer underlying layers of Bedford and Cleveland shales. These shales were created approximately 350 to 400 million years ago.
Close to the waterfall, the 1.5-mile Brandywine Gorge Trail invites you to venture beyond the falls and discover additional perspectives of the creek.
If hiking the 1.75 miles to the falls isn’t your preference, you can conveniently drive to the upper and lower boardwalks, accessible directly from Brandywine Road. There’s an alternative boardwalk option that doesn’t include stairs as well. The location is: 8176 Brandywine Road, Northfield, OH 44067.