Blue Hen Falls: A Steep Trek to a Dazzling Ohio Waterfall
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This winter break in the Cleveland metro we experienced some major weather swings. One day, we would receive several inches of snow, the next it would be sunny and 60 degrees. While I prefer putting on my snowshoes or cross country skis this time of year, I decided to take advantage of a beautiful hike in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park on one of these rare warm winter days. Cuyahoga, one of the country’s only free national parks, is conveniently located just a half hour outside of the city.
An Oasis Just Outside of Cleveland
If you only visit Cleveland proper, it’s hard to imagine coming across a waterfall (or really any nature at all) as you pass factory after factory. However, there is some beautiful nature to be found if you know where to look. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a natural wonderland with various hiking trails for all abilities. The gorgeous Cuyahoga River runs through much of the park. If you are looking to escape the city clutter, this park is the best place to enjoy any type of outdoor activity year-round, from summer hiking, to spring kayaking, to winter cross country skiing.
The most amazing waterfalls in Ohio
Cuyahoga is home to several notable waterfalls. Unlike hikes in mountainous areas, these hikes are moderate at best in intensity and thus great for casual hikers. You don’t need to be a complete fitness buff to enjoy some much needed time out in nature.
Cuyahoga’s Hidden Gem
On this park trip, I decided to hike to Blue Hen Falls. Previously, I have hiked Brandywine Falls – a 60 foot stunner that draws most of the park’s traffic. The hike to Blue Hen Falls is a bit harder, a bit longer, and thankfully less visited by tourists. While the waterfall is quite small (15 ft) compared to the country’s most iconic, the setting is gorgeous and isolated. Plus, it is so easy to access from a major city which is pretty rare.
A Moderate Challenge
Blue Hen is a ~1.5 mile out-and-back hike which involves a decent amount of climbing. If you are up for a more moderate challenge, this is a great alternative to Brandywine. The woodsy trek to arrive to the ending falls viewpoint is more peaceful & lush than the Brandywine trek. The forest is lovely, the terrain is challenging enough for a great workout, and the ending view gorgeous. You will definitely get in a great legs workout on this one and likely enjoy it more than a boring walk on a gym treadmill!
Lots of stairs to go up and much of the trek to get to the falls is uphill as you can see in the photo below. According to the NPS, the total elevation gain is 580 feet. On the bright side, most of the return journey is downhill so you can relax a bit.
Best time to plan your hike
It’s best to save this trail for the dry season as a winter hike can be a big mess with all the mud. I had a hard time trekking up the hills without slipping. The benefit to hiking this time of the year is a more powerful waterfall. After a storm, the water flow will be stronger.
Despite the inconvenience, I actually enjoyed hiking this trail during the off season. I loved having the entire trail to myself and getting lost in the woods. Winter hikes are always a great time to leave the phone at home and reconnect with nature in a more solitary environment. Plus, it is great to get in a nice workout after a lot of holiday season indulging.
How to get here
You can easily access the trailhead by parking at the Boston Mill Visitor Center. Here you can pick up trail maps, get your National Park booklet stamped, and learn more about the plants and animals found throughout this region of Ohio. There is no admission fee, nor any fee to park.
Address
6947 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
Learn more about trails beginning at Boston Mill
Tips for a great hike
Do not attempt this one if you have bad knees or you are not up for a lot of stairs/uphill walking. There are many easier hikes at Cuyahoga including Brandywine Falls which has a nice easy boardwalk trail option.
Bring with plenty of water and a snack.
A hiking stick comes in handy for trekking uphill.
Wear appropriate hiking shoes with good traction.
Layer up in the winter. As soon as you start climbing, you will begin to heat up. I also wear a backpack so I can stuff an extra sweater, gloves, snacks, etc for easy access.
Hike in the morning. It’s always best to set out early. The Boston Mill Visitor Center parking lot fills up fast, especially on weekends.
Where to fuel up pre-hike
Peninsula Coffee House and Market is a decent local coffeeshop which serves a variety of espresso drinks, pastries, and to-go snacks. They offer a beautiful woodsy outdoor patio which overlooks the river (obviously best suited for the spring and summer season). Either way, it’s a great place to stop for a cup of joe before hiking and justified the drive over from Cleveland for a full morning out.
