Updated: August 26, 2026
When most people think of Ohio, they probably see endless fields and farmland.
But carving their way throughout the state are beautiful waterfalls, hidden and waiting to take your breath away. There are some Middle Earth-level magical spots on this list folks.
All of the waterfalls are less than 200 miles from downtown Columbus and the hikes to reach them range in difficulty. Most of these parks don’t allow swimming, so check the rules before you wade in. Have fun exploring!
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Difficulty |
| Millikin Falls | 6.4 miles | 25 ft | Easy |
| Hayden Falls | 16.3 miles | 35 ft | Easy |
| Indian Run Falls | 17 miles | 15 ft | Easy |
| Rock Mill | 25 miles | 14 ft | Easy |
| Cedar Falls | 56.9 miles | 50 ft | Moderate |
| Big & Little Lyons Falls | 77.2 miles | 80 ft & 25 ft | Moderate |
| Ludlow Falls | 85.3 miles | 15 ft | Easy |
| Greenville Falls | 89.6 miles | 20 ft | Easy |
| Dundee Falls | 109 miles | 15 ft | Moderate |
| West Falls at Cascade Park | 120 miles | 35 ft | Easy |
| Blue Hen Falls | 130 miles | 15 ft | Moderate |
| Brandywine Falls | 135 miles | 60 ft | Moderate |
| Columbia Park | 140 miles | About 20 ft | Easy |
| Chagrin Falls | 148 miles | 20 ft | Easy |
| Paine Falls | 174 miles | 25 ft | Easy |
| Lanterman’s Falls | 175 miles | About 20 ft | Easy |
Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails Metro Park
The newest falls on this list pours over the wall of the old Marble Cliff Quarry, once the largest contiguous quarry in the country and now a metro park with climbing routes and a via ferrata. A short overlook trail starts right at the Waterfall entrance lot.
- Distance from Columbus: 6.4 miles
Waterfall Height: 25 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Trails, overlooks, mountain bike trails, climbing area, parking lots
Location: Waterfall entrance at 2158 Old Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
More Info: Quarry Trails Metro Park
Indian Run Falls
These falls hide in a wooded pocket just behind Old Dublin’s shops, with observation decks built out over the gorge and a pedestrian bridge crossing the run.
- Distance from Columbus: 17 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Walking Path, Overlooks, Boardwalks, Two Shelters, Parking Lot
Location: 700 Shawan Falls Dr, Dublin, OH 43017
More Info: Indian Run Falls
Hayden Falls
The parking lot sign says Griggs Nature Preserve, so don’t second-guess the map when you pull in. Stairs and a boardwalk lead down into the gorge, and there’s an accessible overlook at the top for anyone skipping the steps.
- Distance from Columbus: 16.3 miles
Waterfall Height: 35 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Nature preserve, parking lot, woods and wildlife area
Location: 4325 Hayden Run Rd, Columbus, OH 43221
More Info: Hayden Falls
Rock Mill
A restored gristmill and a 1901 covered bridge sit stacked right above the falls.
- Distance from Columbus: 25 miles
Waterfall Height: 14 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Walking Path, Overlooks, Boardwalks, Seasonal mill tours, Covered Bridge, Parking Lot
Location: 1429 Rockmill Pl NW, Lancaster, OH 43130
More Info: Rock Mill
Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills
Getting down means a half mile of uneven stone and wooden steps, so wear real shoes. Cedar Falls carries more water than any other waterfall in the Hocking Hills, and it shows after a rainy stretch.
- Distance from Columbus: 56.9 miles
Waterfall Height: 50 ft
Hike Difficulty: Medium difficulty, .5 mile Trail, some stairs
Amenities: Trails, Parking lot
Location: Click here for directions
More Info: Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills
Greenville Falls
Greenville Creek drops over a 20-foot ledge here, and a natural limestone arch sits along the same stretch of river. Look for the remains of the old wooden dam and mill works along the banks.
- Distance from Columbus: 89.6 miles
Waterfall Height: 20 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy, 1 Mile Trail
Amenities: Walking trails, waterfall viewing platform
Location: 9140 Covington-Gettysburg Rd, Covington, OH 45318
More Info: Greenville Falls
Big & Little Lyons Falls
A two-mile loop from the Mohican Covered Bridge passes both falls, with Big Lyons pouring 80 feet over the cliff face. Trailhead parking is limited, so an early start helps.
- Distance from Columbus: 77.2 miles
Waterfall Height: 80 ft, 25 ft
Hike Difficulty: Medium, 2 Mile loop
Amenities: Parking, Defined Paths, Pets allowed on leash
Location: 3116 State Route 3 Loudonville, Ohio 44842
More Info: Big & Little Lyons Falls
Ludlow Falls
Route 48 crosses directly over these falls, and the best view is from the little park on Covington Ave across from the post office.
- Distance from Columbus: 85.3 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: A Beautiful View!
Location: 110 Covington Ave, Ludlow Falls, OH 45339
More Info: Ludlow Falls
Lanterman’s Falls
The falls spill past Lanterman’s Mill, a working 1845 gristmill that’s open Tuesday through Sunday, May through October. An observation deck beside the mill looks straight down on the drop.
- Distance from Columbus: 175 miles
Waterfall Height: About 20 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Parking, paths, Lanterman’s Mill
Location: 1001 Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH 44511
More Info: Lanterman’s Falls
Paine Falls
A lookout trail of about a third of a mile round trip runs from the parking lot to the overlook. With a picnic area and grills on site, it makes an easy lunch stop on a Lake County day.
- Distance from Columbus: 174 miles
Waterfall Height: 25 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Parking lot, restrooms, grills and a picnic area
Location: 5570 Paine Rd, Painesville, OH 44077
More Info: Paine Falls
West Falls at Cascade Park
Cascade Park holds two waterfalls where the branches of the Black River come together: East Falls at 30 feet and this one, the bigger of the pair, at 35. All 145 acres sit right in the middle of Elyria.
- Distance from Columbus: 120 miles
Waterfall Height: 35 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Observation deck, easy parking
Location: 387 Furnace St, Elyria, OH 44035
More Info: West Falls at Cascade Park
Brandywine Falls
This is the most popular spot in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the lot by the falls fills fast on nice weekends. The upper boardwalk is wheelchair accessible, while the lower deck is about 80 steps down.
- Distance from Columbus: 135 miles
Waterfall Height: 60 ft
Hike Difficulty: Moderate (several stairs)
Amenities: Observation platform, Parking, Paths, Restrooms, Picnic Tables
Location: 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
More Info: Brandywine Falls
Chagrin Falls
The village grew up around these falls, and stairs lead from Main Street right down to the base. Up top, the Popcorn Shop has been selling popcorn and candy beside the drop since 1949.
- Distance from Columbus: 148 miles
Waterfall Height: 20 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy, Lots of steps
Amenities: Popcorn shop located just above falls
Location: 53 N Main St, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
More Info: Chagrin Falls
Blue Hen Falls
The old roadside parking is long gone; the hike now starts at the Boston Mill Visitor Center and follows the hilly Buckeye Trail out and back. The park service recommends sturdy shoes and saving this one for a dry day.
- Distance from Columbus: 130 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 ft
Hike Difficulty: Moderate, 3 miles round trip on the Buckeye Trail with 580 ft of elevation change
Amenities: Located within Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: Park at Boston Mill Visitor Center, 6947 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
More Info: Blue Hen Falls
Dundee Falls
Water slides across a rock shelf into a shallow pool out in Amish Country, and the flow holds up better than most Ohio falls, even in late summer. The trail is rustic and unmarked, so read up before you go.
- Distance from Columbus: 109 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 feet
Hike Difficulty: Moderate, 2 miles
Amenities: This hike is very rustic
Location: 8265-8581 Dundee Wilmot Rd NW, Dundee, OH 44624
More Info: Dundee Falls
Columbia Park
This 1.5 acre park is home to one of the best kept secrets on Lake Erie’s shores. A beautiful waterfall tumbles down onto a sandy beach at Columbia Park. With a paved trail and stairs to Lake Erie, it’s a must-visit spot if you find yourself in The Land!
- Distance from Columbus: 140 miles
Waterfall Height: About 20 ft.
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Paved trail, lake access (the stairs down to the beach are closed December through March)
Location: 25436 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140
More Info: Columbia Park
