Brandywine Falls: boardwalk access and hours
Of Ohio's taller waterfalls, Brandywine Falls is the one that doesn't gamble on the weather: about 60 feet over banded shale and sandstone in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, with enough watershed behind it to keep flowing through most dry spells. A boardwalk reaches a full rim-level view with no stairs, and the park charges no entrance fee.
It heads the Cuyahoga Valley section of our waterfalls in Ohio guide.
Fact box
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | About 60 feet, per the National Park Service's Brandywine Falls Trailhead page |
| Nearest town | Sagamore Hills, Ohio |
| Access | Boardwalk from the parking area to a rim-level view; about 80 additional steps reach a lower overlook |
| Fee | Free, no entrance fee anywhere in Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
| Legal status | National Park Service, public land |
| Flow reliability | Steady through most of the year; the most reliably flowing tall waterfall on Ohio's list |
Trail and access
Brandywine Falls sits just off Brandywine Road, with a small parking lot that fills quickly on weekends given how little effort the view requires. From the lot, the upper boardwalk runs a short distance to the rim: no stairs, no uneven ground, no fee station. Wheelchairs, strollers and wagons all manage it without trouble, which few of the state's other falls can claim. Visitors who want a closer look can continue down roughly 80 steps to a lower overlook nearer the plunge pool.
The falls
Brandywine Creek drains a large enough area that the falls hold a visible flow through most dry stretches, though volume still swells noticeably after rain. That reliability separates it from the seasonal drops like Ash Cave or Amphitheater Falls, which can be down to a drip by the time summer visitors arrive. The rock face shows distinct horizontal banding where the water has cut through layered shale and sandstone, part of why this is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the state.
How this guide was researched
This page was compiled from National Park Service data for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the USGS Geographic Names Information System, and published trail reports. We haven't visited this site ourselves. Trail conditions and parking availability change with season; verify current conditions with the National Park Service before you go. Last checked August 2026.
FAQ
How tall is Brandywine Falls?
About 60 feet, according to the National Park Service, making it the tallest reliably flowing waterfall in Ohio.
Is Brandywine Falls free to visit?
Yes. Cuyahoga Valley National Park doesn't charge an entrance fee anywhere in the park, including at Brandywine Falls.
Is Brandywine Falls wheelchair accessible?
The upper boardwalk gives a full rim-level view of the falls with no stairs, making it the most accessible waterfall stop in this guide. The lower overlook requires about 80 steps.
Does Brandywine Falls run all year?
It holds a more consistent flow than most Ohio waterfalls, though volume still rises after heavy rain and drops somewhat in the driest stretches of summer.
We haven't visited these places ourselves, and every page says so rather than implying otherwise. Details are compiled from public land-manager, USGS and NOAA sources and cross-checked where possible; conditions, access rules and fees change without notice, so confirm with the managing agency before you go. Page last checked August 2026. Read our full methodology.