Since we were just passing by, we didn’t spend time doing the full trail and only stopped briefly at the waterfall viewpoints. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is the only national park in Ohio. It’s relatively small, and there is no entrance fee for visiting. The walk from the parking lot is very short, and the boardwalk is well maintained, making it an easy and accessible viewpoint. From the Ledges Trail. Besides the main trail, there are also various side exploration paths. At first glance, the narrow rock gaps look small, but once you step inside, it opens up into a surprisingly magical hidden landscape.
Brandywine Falls
2 photos
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap
18m
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Brandywine Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Brandywine Falls famous?
Brandywine Falls is the most visited waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and is famous for its 65-foot drop over Berea Sandstone into a scenic hemlock gorge. The falls is fed by Brandywine Creek and has been a popular attraction since the 1800s when the Wallace family operated an inn nearby to host visitors.
Can you swim at Brandywine Falls?
No. Swimming is not permitted at Brandywine Falls to protect the natural environment and visitor safety. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Brandywine Falls?
Dogs are allowed on-leash on the Brandywine Gorge Trail. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Brandywine Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free. Cuyahoga Valley National Park does not charge an entrance fee, and no permit is required to visit Brandywine Falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Brandywine Falls?
Free parking is available at the Brandywine Falls parking area off Stanford Road with space for approximately 20–30 vehicles. The trailhead to the falls viewing platform is adjacent to the parking lot. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Brandywine Falls?
About 0.25 miles / 0.4 km one-way from the parking area to the main viewing platform via the boardwalk trail. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Brandywine Falls hike difficulty
Easy. The boardwalk trail from the parking area to the upper viewing platform is short and mostly flat, suitable for most visitors. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Brandywine Falls?
Spring (April–May) and after rainfall for the strongest flow; fall (October–November) for beautiful foliage along the gorge trail. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Brandywine Falls
From the parking lot on Stanford Road, follow the short boardwalk trail to the upper observation deck for a direct view of the 65-foot falls. For a longer experience, continue on the Brandywine Gorge Trail loop (1.5 miles) which descends stairs to a lower platform and follows the gorge through hemlock forest before looping back to the parking area.
Brandywine Falls official website
Attractions near Brandywine Falls
- •Boston Store Visitor Center — historic canal-era building with exhibits, 1 mile north
- •Ledges Trail — popular 2.2-mile loop with dramatic rock formations and overlooks
- •Kendall Lake — scenic lake for fishing and picnicking, short drive north
- •Stanford House — historic 1843 Greek Revival farmhouse with tours
- •Towpath Trail — historic Ohio & Erie Canal towpath for biking and hiking
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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