Bridal Veil Falls
Ohio • Cuyahoga Valley National Park • 20 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a charming 20-foot cascade tucked into Bedford Reservation, part of the Cleveland Metroparks system. The falls earn their name from the delicate, veil-like sheet of water that fans over the rock face, making it a favorite stop for photographers and families exploring the reservation. Managed by Cleveland Metroparks, the site offers a peaceful woodland setting that’s accessible without a long backcountry trek. The route to the falls is a surprisingly rewarding short hike: a 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of elevation gain, typically rated moderate for hikers due to the distance and some steady uphill sections. A wooden boardwalk, stairs, and a dedicated viewing platform put you right at the best vantage points for the cascade, so you can enjoy the scenery comfortably while still getting a little exercise and fresh air.
The Setting
Bridal Veil Falls sits at 843 feet within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, fed by the Tinkers Creek, in the foothills of Ohio. The falls drop 20 feet.
Height: 20 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Brandywine Falls, the tallest waterfall in Ohio at 65 feet, lies 6.7 miles to the south. Also nearby: Mill Creek Falls (48 ft, 6.4 mi) and Blue Hen Falls (15 ft, 8.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail length: 2.4 miles round trip (out-and-back) with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. The path includes maintained forest singletrack and short sections of wooden boardwalk and stairs, leading to a viewing platform directly above the 20-foot falls. Surface conditions are generally well-kept; expect a mix of packed dirt, roots, and the constructed boardwalk/stair sections. Suitable for most hikers who can handle moderate climbs and steps; wear traction-appropriate shoes after wet weather as the boardwalk and nearby rocks can be slick.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 20 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Bridal Veil Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit Bridal Veil Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the falls frozen in ice.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Cuyahoga Valley National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
The boardwalk and stairs can be slippery when wet, so use caution. Stay on designated paths to protect the environment and avoid potential hazards.
Current Water Conditions
36 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
2.25 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Tinkers Creek at Bedford OH (2 km away).
Today
Low
36 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
34 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
47 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
47 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
40 cfs
6/10Thu
Moderate
40 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
45 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid April, peaking in April.
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 Walton Hills 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 84 feet through Bridal Veil Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 20 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 845 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 73 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 73 feet in the 500 feet below it. 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
- 845 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 84 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
Bridal Veil Falls is located in Bedford Reservation, near Walton Hills, Ohio. The falls can be accessed via Gorge Parkway, with clear signage directing visitors to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking lot near the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead along Gorge Parkway. Parking is free but may fill up during peak times.
Elevation
843 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.373110° N, -81.549287° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the boardwalk and stairs may be slippery when wet. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
Where to Stay
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cleveland Solon
Hampton Inn Cleveland-Solon
Hampton Inn & Suites Oakwood Village-Cleveland
Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Beachwood
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
10.7 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
Other attractions in Bedford Reservation include Tinker's Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook and the nearby Viaduct Park. The Cleveland Metroparks system also offers numerous other trails and natural areas to explore.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter birds, deer, and small mammals in the area. The reservation is also home to a variety of plant species.
Cities near Bridal Veil Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Bridal Veil Falls
24 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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