Buttermilk Falls in August 2009

Buttermilk Falls is another one of the surprising waterfalls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is very close to Cleveland. Brandywine Falls is the main attraction, but doesn’t require much of a hike (or walk). The small Blue Hen Falls is in another area of the park, and Buttermilk Falls is found by continuing along that trail.

I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to find it after reading the directions, but it was easier than I expected. You do have to cross the river/creek, and that is not difficult. It’s unlikely you’ll get wet! Once you get to the falls, you can get pretty close to the falls. I think some people were actually trying to climb up the falls. They’re steep, but only about 20′ tall.

Directions:

1. On I-271, take exit #18 onto OH-8.
2. Head south on OH-8.
3. Once you reach E Twinsburg Road, turn onto E Twinsburg Road, which will become W Twinsburg Rd.
4. Go to Brandywine Road and turn east. Brandywine Road will become Olde Eight Road.
5. Turn west onto Boston Mills Road. On your right will be a one-way road where you can park to visit Blue Hen Falls. There is also a parking lot on the left side of the road that is much easier to park at, though it does add a short amount of distance to your hike.
6. From there, follow the rather obvious trail downhill to Blue Hen Falls.
7. After you see Blue Hen Falls, keep heading downstream along the trail. You will cross the stream three times, which is not that difficult at all. It’s pretty hard to miss Buttermilk Falls (assuming you’re on the right trail).

Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 20′
Length of Hike: 1.2 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Buttermilk Falls?