15 Waterfalls That Make The Perfect Day Trip From Columbus

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. Have fun exploring!

Indian Run Falls

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

Distance from Columbus: 16.3 miles
Waterfall Height: 35 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Nature preserve, parking lot, woods and wildlife area
Location: 4326 Hayden Run Rd, Dublin, OH 43017
More Info: Hayden Falls

Rock Mill

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Visit Fairfield County (@visitfairfieldcounty)

Distance from Columbus: 25 miles
Waterfall Height: 14 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Walking Path, Overlooks, Boardwalks, Mill tours, Covered Bridge, Parking Lot
Location: 1429 Rockmill Pl NW, Lancaster, OH 43130
More Info: Rock Mill

Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills

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

Distance from Columbus: 89.6 miles
Hike Difficulty: Easy, 1 Mile Trail
Amenities: Easy walking, paved paths
Location: 9140 Covington-Gettysburg Rd, Covington, OH 45318
More Info: Greenville Falls

Big & Little Lyons Falls

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

Distance from Columbus: 85.3 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: A Beautiful View!
Location: Click here for directions
More Info: Ludlow Falls

Lanterman’s Falls

Lanterman’s Falls after heavy rain:

Distance from Columbus: 175 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Parking, paths, Lanterman Mill
Location: 1001 Canfield Rd, Youngstown, OH 44511
More Info: Lanterman’s Falls

Paine Falls

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

Distance from Columbus: 120 miles
Waterfall Height: 35 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Amenities: Observation deck, easy parking
Location: 170 Cascade St, Elyria, OH 44035
More Info: West Falls at Cascade Park

Brandywine Falls

Distance from Columbus: 135 miles
Waterfall Height: 65 ft
Hike Difficulty: Moderate (several stairs)
Amenities: Observation platform, Parking, Paths, Restrooms, Shelter Houses
Location: 8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
More Info: Brandywine Falls

Chagrin Falls

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mark | Michigan (@mark_o_foto)

Distance from Columbus: 130 miles
Waterfall Height: 15 ft
Hike Difficulty: Easy, .5 miles
Amenities: Located within Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: 2001 Boston Mills Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141
More Info: Blue Hen Falls

Dundee Falls

Distance from Columbus: 118 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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ryan Reed (@rreed216)

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
Location: 25436 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140
More Info: Columbia Park