Are there fees or permits required for Great Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Great Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Great Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Great Falls.

Live Conditions · 37 ft³/s · About average

Great Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Great Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Great Falls.

Ohio • Cuyahoga Valley National Park

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 12 other waterfalls also named Great Falls, see below

Bedford Reservation LP · CITY

Photo Credits (5)

RuggyBearLA CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Tim Evanson CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Great Falls

Great Falls, located in Ohio, is a picturesque waterfall known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. It is part of the Tinkers Creek area within the Bedford Reservation, which is managed by the Cleveland Metroparks. The waterfall is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The Setting

Great Falls sits at 843 feet within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, fed by the Tinkers Creek, in the foothills of Ohio.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Brandywine Falls, the tallest waterfall in Ohio at 65 feet, lies 7.4 miles to the south. Also nearby: Mill Creek Falls (48 ft, 6.4 mi) and Bridal Veil Falls (20 ft, 1.1 mi).

Brandywine Falls Mill Creek Falls Bridal Veil Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Great Falls is a short and easy hike, suitable for most visitors. It follows a well-maintained path through a wooded area, offering scenic views of Tinkers Creek and the surrounding forest. The trail ends at a viewing platform overlooking the falls.

What to Expect

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 Great Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Great Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

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

Be cautious near the edge of the viewing platform and avoid venturing off the designated trail. The rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Always supervise children and pets.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

37 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

17 25 65 126

Based on 63 years of record

2.26 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

Tinkers Creek at Bedford OH

USGS 04207200

0.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 84 sq mi

Altitude: 876 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Tinkers Creek at Bedford OH (0 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

43 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

43 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

45 cfs

8/10

Sun

Moderate

43 cfs

8/10

Mon

Moderate

58 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

58 cfs

8/10

Wed

Moderate

54 cfs

5/10

Thu

Moderate

52 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 8/10).

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 Bedford 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 101 feet of descent through Great Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 844 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 110 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 72 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Great Falls near Bedford, Ohio, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Great Falls near Bedford, Ohio, showing about 101 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 844 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 101 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Great Falls is located within the Bedford Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. Visitors can access the falls via the Gorge Parkway, with clear signage directing to the parking area and trailhead.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the trailhead for Great Falls, located off Gorge Parkway. Parking is free and typically sufficient, though it may fill up during peak seasons.

Elevation

843 feet above sea level

Coordinates

41.383665° N, -81.532342° W

Land Management

Bedford Reservation LP

Managed by CITY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit after a period of rain for the most impressive water flow. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy in some sections. Arrive early during weekends to secure parking and avoid crowds.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK PICNIC SHELTERS

11.3 miles away · 2 sites

Reservable

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.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Other attractions within the Bedford Reservation include Bridal Veil Falls and the Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot wildflowers and other native plants along the trail.