Visit One Of The Best Waterfalls Near Cleveland That Is Easy To Hike To

Cleveland’s largest waterfall is hidden in the historic Garfield Park Reservation, but this is most certainly not the only local cascade. Throughout the Cleveland Metroparks is a wide variety of natural features, ranging from exposed sandstone and shale outcroppings to magnificent natural and man-made water features. One of the best waterfalls near Cleveland that is easy to hike to is Buttermilk Falls, a petite and veil-like water feature that’s dwarfed by the aforementioned behemoth. Lace-up your hiking boots and pack some trail mix, because we’re about to visit this beauty…and the entire trek shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes or so.

There’s nothing quite like a waterfall hike that’s close to home, and Buttermilk Falls is a particularly stunning destination to visit.

Vince Reinhart/Wikimedia Commons

This stunning natural formation is tucked away in the Cleveland Metroparks’ North Chagrin Reservation, and the hike to get there is easy peasy.

James Catalfamo/AllTrails

As demonstrated via AllTrails, the hike to the Buttermilk Falls Scenic Overlook is 0.8 miles in length, and it includes a loop to make the trek easier.

AllTrails

This lovely trek will take you past Sanctuary Marsh, overlapping with a small portion of the Sanctuary Marsh Loop path.

Leah Byland/AllTrails

When you reach the scenic overlook, you’ll find yourself atop a perch overlooking a long and veil-like cascade.

Tim Ellis/AllTrails

The beauty of this park is due in part to millions of years of natural forces impacting the local geomorphology, allowing the water to trickle along Cleveland Shale and local types of Ohio Shale.

James Catalfamo/AllTrails

As a result, the force of the flow will vary depending on what time of year you visit. The falls are always beautiful, no matter the season!

Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook

In the colder months, icicles and snow adorn the exposed rocks like white moss.

Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook

And as the warmer months go into full swing, flowers pop up and paint the landscape in vivid hues.

Carly Marino/AllTrails

Verdant, lovely, and short and sweet, the Buttermilk Falls Trail is great for casual and seasoned hikers alike.

Dionisia H/AllTrails

There’s so much to love about nature in Northeast Ohio.

Ian Spiguzza/AllTrails

If you’re in search of one of the best waterfalls near Cleveland that is easy to hike to, you simply must check out Buttermilk Falls. Surrounded by verdant greenery in the warmer months and richly decorated ice sculptures in the winter, this pretty place is a treat to visit all year round.

Vince Reinhart/Wikimedia Commons

James Catalfamo/AllTrails

AllTrails

Leah Byland/AllTrails

Tim Ellis/AllTrails

Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook

Carly Marino/AllTrails

Dionisia H/AllTrails

Ian Spiguzza/AllTrails

Love the Cleveland Metroparks? Check out more Cleveland-area waterfalls in this lovely local park district.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Buttermilk Falls, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA