Blue Hen Falls
Ohio • Cuyahoga Valley National Park • 15 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Blue Hen Falls
Blue Hen Falls is a picturesque 15-foot waterfall located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. It is a popular destination for visitors due to its serene setting and relatively easy access.
The Setting
Blue Hen Falls sits at 810 feet within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, fed by the Cuyahoga River, in the foothills of Ohio. The falls drop 15 feet.
Height: 15 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Brandywine Falls, the tallest waterfall in Ohio at 65 feet, lies 2.2 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Bridal Veil Falls (20 ft, 8.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Blue Hen Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a wooded area. The path is well-maintained, with some gentle elevation changes. The trail ends at a viewing area for the falls, which cascade over a sandstone ledge into a shallow pool below.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 15 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Blue Hen Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Blue Hen Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Blue Hen Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, and winter provides a unique view of the falls when they may freeze over.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Cuyahoga Valley National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, and the area may be muddy after rain. Stay on the designated trail and avoid climbing on the rocks. Be cautious of icy conditions in winter.
Current Water Conditions
241 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 14 years of record
2.32 ft
Water depth at gauge
60°F
ColdBracing — limit time in water
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 60 degrees F, limit your time in the water.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Cuyahoga River at Jaite OH (3 km away).
Today
Moderate
241 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
238 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
257 cfs
8/10Fri
Moderate
240 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
254 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
262 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
247 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late April, peaking in February.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Peninsula hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 75 feet through Blue Hen Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 15 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 811 feet.
The ground changes about 48 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 79 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 811 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 75 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Blue Hen Falls is located within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The trailhead is accessible from the Boston Mills Visitor Center area, and the parking lot is located off Boston Mills Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking lot near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. Overflow parking may be available nearby.
Elevation
810 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.258389° N, -81.572897° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends or during peak seasons. Bring sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy. Avoid climbing on the rocks near the falls, as they can be slippery and dangerous.
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This easy 1.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cleveland-Richfield by IHG
Comfort Inn, Cleveland South - Richfield
La Quinta by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia
Homewood Suites by Hilton Akron/Fairlawn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK PICNIC SHELTERS
3.9 miles away · 2 sites
Overview Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a destination for millions of visitors each year who enjoy hiking, riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad , biking and picnicking. Whether you need an area large enough for a family reunion or just an intimate spot for two, Cuyahoga Valley is an ideal destination. Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park. Two rustic shelters, Ledges and Octagon, are available for reservation in the Virginia Kendall Unit of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Recreati
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Brandywine Falls, The Ledges Trail, Boston Mills Visitor Center
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, squirrels, and a variety of birds along the trail.
Cities near Blue Hen Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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