Visiting beautiful Brandywine Falls

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Waterfall

Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers a convenient location close to the interstates that connect Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. While Cuyahoga Valley National Park has plenty of amazing rock formations and waterfalls, you can’t visit without a stop at Brandywine Falls.

Brandywine Falls in Ohio is accessed by a boardwalk suspended from the rock formations. This boardwalk hugs the rocks in a way that is just as awe-inspiring as the falls. The Boardwalk stays open year-round, except for when conditions are too icy.

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While the boardwalk creates an easy walk to the falls (No mud!), this isn’t the place to bring a stroller or wheelchair as there are plenty of stairs. If you are bringing a baby, I recommend also bringing a baby carrier.

The boardwalk offers two levels for viewing the falls. The lower level offers the best view and often gets crowded. The upper-level view is obstructed by some foliage (in season) but offers a different perspective.

Continuing on the upper boardwalk takes you past the site of former Champion Electric Company, which was built on the site of a gristmill. Continue along this boardwalk to the bike path which travels over the fall’s head.

Things to know before visiting Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls address

8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067

Brandywine Falls Parking

The parking lot for the falls gets very busy and rangers do not recommend parking along the road! Those visiting between 10 am and 3 pm, especially on weekends, will find the most congestion. Fortunately, most visitors to this park do the short hike and return to their cars quickly. We were able to circle the parking lot only once before someone alerted us that they would be leaving.

Visiting Brandywine with kids

As previously mentioned, this isn’t the place for a stroller, but overall this hike is easy to do with children, as long as they are good with stairs or can handle being in a child carrier. Our children were 9, 7, and 5 at the time of our visit. If you stay on the boardwalks, it feels very safe and secure.

How far is the Brandywine Falls Hike?

If you park at the Brandywine Falls parking lot, the hike is mostly boardwalk and is very short. If you hike from the Boston Mill Visitor Center, this hike takes about 5 miles.

Amenities

At Brandywine Falls, you’ll find only restrooms with drop toilets and hand sanitizer (i.e. no running water). There are 4 or 5 picnic tables located near the parking lot. Make sure you bring plenty of water!

Brandywine Falls isn’t the only attraction within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Make sure you also check out my post: 5 Favorite Spots within Cuyahoga Valley National Park and see what other waterfalls are in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. If you’re staying in the area overnight, I also recommend these hikes in Northeast Ohio.

Hotels near Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls is located in Sagamore Hills, Ohio. If you plan to spend a few days in the National Park, I’d recommend staying in the Stow or Cuyahoga Falls area. The Hampton Inn Stow, Staybridge Inn & Suites, or Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls would be convenient.

If you’re visiting Cleveland and just doing a day trip, I’d recommend a downtown hotel like the Drury Plaza Hotel, the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, or the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade.

Have you been to Brandywine Falls?

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