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Brandywine Falls Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.4 (85)
  1. Areas
  2. OH
  3. …Northeast Ohio
  4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
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“Enjoy a scenic tour of the area surrounding one of Cuyahoga's top attractions. ”

Mikhaila Redovian
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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.3

KM

Loop

857' 261 m

High

695' 212 m

Low

179' 55 m

Up

180' 55 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Family Friendly An adventurous feeling route that isn't overly long to treacherous, this is a perfect place for kids to explore.

Overview

Many visitors attracted to Cuyahoga Valley National Park come to see Brandywine Falls, a beautiful 65-foot waterfall. Once you've taken your time to appreciate and enjoy the falls, work your way around a scenic trail that highlights some of Cuyahoga's other natural resources.

Need to Know

The boardwalk can be slick with rain, or the spray of the falls so use caution. There is not a bridge across Brandywine Creek, so cross at your own risk.

Description

Visitors will begin this journey from the Brandywine Falls Picnic Area, where a large parking lot provides ample space and maintained restrooms. Begin on the Brandywine Gorge Boardwalk, which leads from the northern end of the parking area to the actual falls. The trail here is a well maintained boardwalk, and the route is flat until you reach the falls. Take your time to enjoy the falls, as the 65-foot waterfall is one of the most impressive and beautiful in the park! If you're feeling adventurous, you may even take a side trip on the Brandywine Gorge Boardwalk N. Spur to gain a better view of the falls.

Once you've spent some time enjoying the waterfall, continue heading first south, and then north on the Brandywine Gorge trail. Almost immediately, you'll notice that you're not on the same trail anymore. The Brandywine Gorge trail boasts a natural surface, and rocks and roots soon become apparent. The landscape around the trail changes as well, and you'll find yourself immersed in dense forest, accentuated by remarkable geologic formations. Sandstone and shale cliffs rise and fall around the trail, covered in colorful mosses and lichens. Be aware that this trail is only for the daring, as there isn't a bridge over the Brandywine Creek. Rocks can be used to cross, but please use caution.

Once you've dipped into the Brandywine Gorge, you'll start turning back toward the trailhead, and ascending back to your car. Enjoy the final, secluded portion of trail before ending back where you began at the picnic area.

Flora & Fauna

Visitors will make their way through varied old-growth forests, and will pass by many lichens and mosses.

Contacts

Local Club: Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Land Manager: NPS - Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Shared By:

Mikhaila Redovian
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 85 votes

#1

in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

#82

Overall
  4.4 from 85 votes
5 Star
48%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
8%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Cuyahoga Valley Nation…

#1

in Ohio

#82

Overall
71 Views Last Month
18,064 Since May 12, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
33%
19%
39%
6%
3%
0%
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Photos

Brandywine Falls.
May 26, 2016 near Boston…, OH
Highlights of a hike along the Brandywine Falls Loop, via the Stanford Trail. Plus footage of Brandywine Gorge.
Jan 23, 2018 near Boston…, OH
Trees above the Brandywine Falls!
Oct 8, 2017 near Boston…, OH
Brandywine Falls in winter.
May 13, 2016 near Boston…, OH
Brandywine Falls in October
Oct 28, 2019 near Boston…, OH
Brandywine Falls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Oct 8, 2017 near Boston…, OH

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