Brandywine Falls
Ohio • Cuyahoga Valley National Park • 65 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
160 ft
About Brandywine Falls
Brandywine Falls is a stunning 65-foot waterfall located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio. It is one of the most popular attractions in the park, known for its layered sandstone and shale rock formations that create a picturesque cascade.
The Setting
Brandywine Falls sits at 837 feet within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, fed by the Brandywine Creek, in the foothills of Ohio. The falls drop 65 feet.
Height: 65 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Bridal Veil Falls (20 ft) lies 6.7 miles to the north. Also nearby: Blue Hen Falls (15 ft, 2.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.5-mile loop trail gains 160 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Brandywine Gorge Trail is a relatively short and easy loop trail that offers scenic views of the falls and the surrounding gorge. The trail includes boardwalks and stairs leading to the main viewing platform, making it accessible for most visitors.
What to Expect
The falls drop 65 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 Brandywine Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Brandywine Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The falls are beautiful year-round, but spring and early summer are ideal for higher water flow. Fall offers stunning foliage, and winter provides a unique view of the falls partially frozen.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Cuyahoga Valley National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and boardwalks to avoid slippery or unstable areas near the falls. Exercise caution during wet or icy conditions.
Current Water Conditions
3 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 11 years of record
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Brandywine Creek near Macedonia OH (2 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
2 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
4/10Sun
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
3 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
4 cfs
5/10Thu
Low
4 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, mostly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to mid March, 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 Boston Heights 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 measures about 103 feet of descent through Brandywine Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 65 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 840 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 22 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 93 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 840 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 103 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Brandywine Falls is located within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The main access point is via the Brandywine Falls parking lot, which is off Stanford Road. The falls are well-signposted within the park.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a dedicated parking lot near the falls, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
837 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.277000° N, -81.538173° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear sturdy shoes as some parts of the trail may be uneven or muddy after rain. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
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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
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Macedonia, OH
La Quinta by Wyndham Cleveland Macedonia
Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland/Twinsburg
Hampton Inn Cleveland-Solon
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
4.1 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
Nearby attractions include the Boston Mill Visitor Center, the Towpath Trail, and the Ledges Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for birds of prey and other native species.
Cities near Brandywine Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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