Blue Hen Falls

Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Scenic 15-foot waterfall cascading over a sandstone ledge into a shallow pool, accessible via a moderately challenging forest trail.

General Information
Length:
2.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain:
580 feet
Pet Policy:
Leashed pets allowed on trail but not recommended near the falls
Seasons:
All year
Trailhead:
Boston Mill Visitor Center - 6947 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
Website:
nps.gov
Rating:
4.8

From Boston Mill Visitor Center (1.25 mi): Follow the Buckeye Trail south from the visitor center, crossing Riverview and Boston Mills roads, and continue through wooded terrain to reach the falls overlook.

The Blue Hen Falls is one of the most beloved natural features in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offering a tranquil retreat into Ohio’s forested hills. This 15-foot waterfall tumbles over a sandstone ledge into a shallow basin, framed by mossy rocks and seasonal foliage. The falls are accessible via the Buckeye Trail, a moderately challenging 2.5-mile roundtrip hike from the Boston Mill Visitor Center. Along the way, hikers traverse steep ridges, cross creeks, and pass through dense woodlands, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. The overlook provides a safe and scenic vantage point to admire the falls year-round.

Blue Hen Falls is especially captivating in autumn, when golden leaves blanket the forest floor, and in winter, when the cascade freezes into a crystalline sculpture. The trail is marked by blue blazes and includes staircases and footbridges to aid navigation. While leashed pets are permitted on the trail, they are not recommended near the falls due to slippery rocks and steep drop-offs. With no entrance fee and easy access from the visitor center, Blue Hen Falls is a must-see for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into nature’s beauty.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Blue Hen Falls, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3

David Fulmer, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted