Brandywine Falls
A breathtaking 65-foot waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offering accessible boardwalks and scenic gorge trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery, fewer crowds
Brandywine Falls
Best Time
Lush greenery, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 65-foot waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offering accessible boardwalks and scenic gorge trails.
"Absolutely beautiful place! The falls are spectacular and definitely worth a visit."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the boardwalk and especially the gorge trail's uneven terrain and steps.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills quickly on weekends. Aim for early morning or late afternoon.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brandywine Falls Overlook
Main viewing platform
A stunning 65-foot cascade plunging into a lush gorge. Accessible via a short boardwalk.
Brandywine Gorge Trail
Loop trail from main parking area
A scenic hike through shaded woods and rocky paths, offering a more immersive nature experience.
Lower Deck Viewpoint
Accessed via stairs from main boardwalk
Get closer to the base of the falls and feel the mist on this accessible lower viewing area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Parking
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the boardwalk and especially the gorge trail's uneven terrain and steps.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills quickly on weekends. Aim for early morning or late afternoon.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on the trails. Picnic tables are available.
📸 Capture the Magic
The falls are beautiful year-round, but stunning in fall foliage.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the boardwalk and especially the gorge trail's uneven terrain and steps.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking lot fills quickly on weekends. Aim for early morning or late afternoon.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on the trails. Picnic tables are available.
📸 Capture the Magic
The falls are beautiful year-round, but stunning in fall foliage.
🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome
Your furry friends can join the adventure, but must be kept on a leash.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Brandywine Falls for its stunning natural beauty and the impressive cascade. The accessible boardwalk makes it a hit for families, while the gorge trail offers a more adventurous option. Parking can be a significant challenge during peak times, and the gorge trail requires sturdy footwear due to its uneven terrain.
"This is an absolutely beautiful place! We hiked the Brandywine loop with our 2 and 4 year old. It wasn't too difficult although with toddlers it did take over an hour. They loved the waterfall and all the stairs!"
Jennifer Yoder
"Beautiful water fall.very pretty.cool walking/hiking trails,but wear very comfortable ahoes,bring a walking stick,plenty of water and a sweat rag.Uneven walking paths.Could be a trip and fall hazard.lots of tree roots coming up from the ground,lots of rocks,steps,stairs.NOT RECOMMENDED for people with hip,leg,knee,ankle,foot and back problems! LOTS of walking.Wearing a hat with a visor or ball cap is recommended! If you love nature and being in the woods,this is the place for you,its beautiful! There are picnic tables to sit and have lunch,shady areas and clean bathrooms.PARKING is pretty rough during peak hours,like on Holidays and weekends.Plenty to see! Dogs are more than welcome but must be on a leash.So,have a good time and enjoy yourself.It will be fun and IS worth the trip!"
Mike Waite
"Friendly people working here. Clean bathrooms. Easy hiking for kids and an incredible view of the waterfall. If you know how to appreciate nature, you’ll enjoy the trees and the sky contrasting with all the green. Nature is peace."
Estefanía Gabriela
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brandywine Falls is located in Sagamore Hills, Ohio, within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The main access point is via the parking lot at 8176 Brandywine Rd. It's about a 30-minute drive from Cleveland.
While there isn't direct public transportation to the falls, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad stops nearby, and you can connect to trails from some stations. However, driving is the most common method.
The easiest access is via the boardwalk from the main parking area, which is a short, flat walk. For a more adventurous experience, the Brandywine Gorge Trail offers a loop hike.
There are two notable Brandywine Falls. The one discussed here is in Ohio, within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There is also a Brandywine Falls Provincial Park near Whistler, British Columbia.
Brandywine Falls is approximately 30 minutes southeast of Cleveland, Ohio, making it a popular day trip destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Brandywine Falls or Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It's a free attraction.
Brandywine Falls and Cuyahoga Valley National Park are generally open daily from dawn to dusk.
Parking at the Brandywine Falls lot is free. However, the lot is small and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Yes, Brandywine Falls can be visited in the winter, though trails may be icy and require extra caution. The frozen falls can offer a unique, beautiful sight.
There are no age restrictions. The boardwalk is accessible for most, while the gorge trail is more challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main trail is a boardwalk that leads directly to the primary viewing platform of the falls. It's relatively short and easy, with some stairs to a lower deck.
Viewing the falls from the main platform takes about 10-15 minutes. Hiking the Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail can take 1-2 hours depending on your pace and stops.
Yes, there are clean restrooms available near the main parking area.
The boardwalk to the main viewpoint is very family-friendly. The gorge loop trail has stairs and uneven terrain, which can be challenging for toddlers.
Swimming is not permitted at Brandywine Falls due to safety concerns and park regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds. Fall is particularly stunning for photography with the colorful foliage.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the entire waterfall and gorge. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light.
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Parks, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park, for safety and environmental reasons. Check NPS regulations before flying.
The main overlook provides a classic view. The lower deck offers a different perspective, and the gorge trail provides shots through the trees.
Absolutely! The trails are rich with flora and fauna, offering plenty of opportunities for nature photography beyond the waterfall itself.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
While the Brandywine Gorge Trail is a beautiful hike, parents of very young children or those with mobility challenges might find the uneven terrain and numerous steps challenging. If you do attempt the gorge trail with toddlers, be prepared for a slower pace and ensure everyone has sturdy footwear. The opportunity to see wildlife like chipmunks can also be a highlight for kids.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Remember that while the trail is scenic, it requires appropriate footwear due to roots and rocks. Pack water and be prepared for some elevation changes. The surrounding Cuyahoga Valley National Park also offers numerous other hiking opportunities for a full day of exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails at Brandywine Falls
For those seeking a more immersive nature experience, the Brandywine Gorge Trail is a loop that winds through shaded woods and along rocky paths. This trail is approximately 2.6 miles and is generally considered easy to moderate, but it does involve uneven surfaces, tree roots, rocks, and a significant number of steps, particularly to reach the lower viewing deck. Travelers recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes and being mindful of potential trip hazards.
Whether you opt for the quick boardwalk view or the full gorge hike, both offer unique perspectives of this natural wonder. Remember to check trail conditions, especially after rain or during winter months, as they can become slick.
The Best Times to Visit for an Optimal Experience
Beyond avoiding crowds, different seasons offer distinct visual appeals. Spring brings lush greenery and the full force of the water after snowmelt, creating a vibrant scene. Autumn is a showstopper, with the surrounding foliage turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, making the falls even more picturesque. Many visitors note that the falls are particularly beautiful in October.
For a more serene experience, consider visiting on a weekday. Evenings during the week can also offer beautiful lighting for photography as the sun begins to set, often with fewer visitors than during peak daytime hours.
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