One of the most outstanding waterfalls in Ohio, Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park are easy to visit and well worth the trip!
Brandywine Falls is the tallest Ohio waterfall at over 60 feet high! The falls flow from the Brandywine Creek which extends from the Cuyahoga River. Brandywine Falls is just one of the many beautiful sights to be seen inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio’s only National Park which covers 33,000 acres in Northeast Ohio!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park was established as a national recreation area in 1974 and it was officially designated a national park and became part of the National Park Service in 2000.
Where are Brandywine Falls?
As mentioned, Cuyahoga Valley National Park covers 33,000 acres and Brandywine Falls are inside this area. The falls are somewhat central within the park and on the eastern side of the park. Luckily, this is an easy sight to see within the park because it is on the outside edge of the park and the hike to the falls is just a short walk!
You can view the entire park map here!
How Long Does it Take to Hike to Brandywine Falls?
When you park in the parking lot you have two options to see the falls: hiking the Brandywine Gorge Trail or taking the boardwalk directly to the falls. To take the boardwalk, head right and the hike to see the falls is a boardwalk trail and it will take you 5-10 minutes.
If you head left, the Stanford Trail and the Brandywine Gorge Trail are together for a while. You will need to make sure to follow signs for the Brandywine Gorge Loop which is an estimated 1 mile hike back to the falls. See the map here.
Where is the Best Place to View Brandywine Falls?
There are three observations points from which to view the falls, each of them offering their own unique view! If you are are visiting the area, it is absolutely worth seeing the falls from each of the observation points! They are so close to each other, it’s really no trouble to see all of them!
I’m going to number the decks to correspond to the picture above so it doesn’t get confusing, but it doesn’t make sense to visit the observation decks in numerical order as listed here. The first deck you will encounter is the Lower Deck and you may want to visit there first, or go all the way to the end (Old Mill) and work your way back!
1. Upper Deck
Viewing the falls from the upper deck is one of the best views of Brandywine Falls! The falls are rushing and powerful and the Upper Deck allows you to get pretty close to the falls! It’s also a gorgeous place to view changing leaves in the fall!
2. Lower Deck
When you are on the boardwalk trail, you will first pass the entrance to the Lower Deck which is where you can view the falls from more of a middle perspective. You could stop here first or save it for the way back.
3. Old Mill
The boardwalk ends here at the Upper Deck, but you can keep walking on a cement path up stairs through the area of the old gristmill. This area was once the Village of Brandywine and a man name George Wallace built a sawmill, gristmill, woolen mill and houses right here near the falls. His house and barn are now the home of the Inn at Brandywine Falls.
Here at this same site, as you can see in the picture above, some of the remains of the Champion Electric Company still stand. This is the sight of the last industry in the area.
From the Old Mill observation area, you can see the falls from above. You can continue going in this direction to stand on the bridge over top of the falls! If you are hiking the Brandywine Gorge Trail, you will enter Brandywine Falls from this direction.
Does it cost anything to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
No! It is completely free to visit this National Park! Cuyahoga Valley National Park has over 125 miles of hiking trails, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail which is an accessible trail. The park is also home to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Boston Mills Ski Resort, Hale Farm and Village and much more! These activities have an additional cost to partake.
Are Dogs Permitted at Brandywine Falls in Ohio?
Dogs are permitted on the Brandywine Falls trails, but they must be kept on a leash.
Visiting Brandywine Falls is a treat! I would definitely plan a visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, or if you’re in the area but don’t have a lot of time, it’s definitely possible to visit the falls in about 30 minutes!
Looking to visit more Ohio waterfalls? Make sure to read my list of Ohio Waterfalls and plan your next road trip!
Know Before You Go:
Address: 8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
- Restrooms are available at the parking lot area.
- There are just a few picnic tables in the area as well.
- Visit the Boston Mills Visitor Center to learn more about Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- If you’re looking for more waterfalls, take the Buckeye Trail from the Boston Mill Visitor Center to the Blue Hen Falls!
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