There are certainly no shortage of picture-perfect nature spots in Ohio boasting waterfalls. And Cleveland is pretty close to a lot of mysterious, historic and beautiful ones. Here are 19 waterfalls that are worth a quick drive, hike and a photograph. 

There are certainly no shortage of picture-perfect nature spots in Ohio boasting waterfalls. And Cleveland is pretty close to a lot of mysterious, historic and beautiful ones. Here are 19 waterfalls that are worth a quick drive, hike and a photograph. 

Cat’s Den Falls 16802 Catsden Rd., Chagrin Falls This small but fun waterfall flows from a “den” through one of only 12 documented natural arches in Ohio. Cat’s Den Falls is about a 45 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via Mike Wetmore/Facebook
Chair Factory Falls Jordan Creek, Painesville This big natural feature is accessible by a pedestrian trail off the Greenway Corridor. Plus, it’s only about a 40 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via sam_ohly/Instagram
Berea Falls Rocky River Reservation, Berea The raging Rocky River is responsible for this urban waterfall, and for Berea sandstone, which is what put the town on the map. Berea Falls is about a 30 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via Michelle/flickr
Paine Falls Park 5570 Paine Rd., Leroy Adjacent to a walking trail, this waterfall and the bridge above it can be admired from an overlook in this Lake Metro Park. Paine Falls Park is about a 45 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via Nicholas A. Tonelli/flickr
Brandywine Falls 8176 Brandywine Rd., Sagamore Hills One of the most popular attractions in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the 65-feet-tall Brandywine Falls is accessible by a boardwalk and offers a serene scene. Brandywine Falls is about a 35 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via joebeyercle/Instagram
Mill Stream Run Reservation Waterfall 10749 Pearl Rd., Strongsville The waterfall on this reservation is surrounded by pedestrian trails and nature. The Mill Stream Run Reservation Waterfall is about a 30 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via nicolem7978/Instagram
Gorge Park Dam and Waterfall 1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls This grand dam and waterfall in Summit’s Gorge Metro Park are beautiful, but you better check out the dam before it disappears within the next few years. The Gorge Park Dam and Waterfall is about a 45 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via the_one_acre_wood/Instagram
Cascade Falls 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville This 40-foot-tall waterfall gushes down a rock face in Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park and stands in front of the small Gold Hunters Cave. Cascade Falls is about an hour drive from Cleveland. Photo via Andrew Britton/Facebook
Buttermilk Falls North Chagrin Reservation, Mayfield A wooden deck offers a unique view of this waterfall that flows into the Chagrin River. Buttermilk Falls is about a 40 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via Vince Reinhart/flickr
Blue Hen Falls Boston Mills Rd., Brecksville These serene falls promise a peaceful experience at one of the so-called “prettiest waterfalls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.” Blue Hen Falls is about a 35 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via Carl Shepard/flickr
Twin Sisters Falls 13513 Station Rd., Brecksville These 70-foot tall adjacent waterfalls are most active after a big rain. If you want the best view, expect to get soaked. Twin Sisters Falls is about a 30 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via ryan_rb_louie/Instagram
Mill Creek Falls Mill Creek Trail, Cleveland This 48-foot waterfall is Cuyahoga County’s tallest and can be enjoyed from a small overlook in The Yard. Mill Creek Falls is about a 20 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via Norm Smith/flickr
Bridal Veil Falls Bedford Reservation, Walton Hills You can get to this scenic waterfall from a short walk along Deerlick Creek and down a boardwalk. Bridal Veil Falls is about a 30 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via kenerkaptures/Instagram
Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek Willis St., Bedford These historic, powerful falls offer a “stunning visual experience” in Viaduct Park, thanks to walking paths, overlooks and natural surroundings. The Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek is about a 30 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via summer_nairn/Instagram
Minnehaha Falls 12440 OH-282, Garrettsville This waterfall in Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park isn’t huge, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. And just below it resides a narrow, 18-ft. tall waterfall you can only get to through a mysterious cave. Minnehaha Falls is about an hour drive from Cleveland. Photo via Andrew Britton/Facebook
Black River Falls 170 Cascade St., Elyria The two waterfalls in Cascade Park (one east and one west) are known for being massive. They’re also older than Ohio itself, as most of these waterfalls on this list are. The Black River Falls are about a 45 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via Jim Denham/flickr
David Fortier River Park Waterfalls Water St., Olmsted Falls This five-acre park includes scenic waterfalls and alcoves to explore. The David Fortier River Park waterfalls are about a 30 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via k_e_lewis/flickr
Big Creek Park Waterfall 9160 Robinson Rd., Chardon Geauga’s 644-acre Big Creek Park features nine trails and gorgeous views of a natural habitat for wildlife. The place is about a 50 minute drive from Cleveland. Photo via Dave Kekish/flickr

Scene's award-winning newsroom oftentimes collaborates on articles and projects. Stories under this byline are group efforts.