Blue Hen Falls Hiking Guide
Blue Hen Falls is a 15-foot waterfall in a quiet ravine above the village of Boston, reached by a hilly stretch of the statewide Buckeye Trail. The old roadside lot that put it five minutes from the car has been closed, so the walk now starts at Boston Mill Visitor Center and crosses two steep ridges each way. It is a short hike that works harder than its mileage suggests.
From Boston Mill to the Falls
From the park sign outside Boston Mill Visitor Center, follow the path to the corner of Riverview and Boston Mills roads, cross Riverview, and climb the stone staircase onto the blue-blazed Buckeye Trail. It begins with a 200-foot climb, then drops down a 100-foot staircase to a footbridge on the ravine floor. A second hill climbs past a maintenance yard to Boston Mills Road, which you cross before the trail zigzags down to the falls. Return the same way.
Distance and Climbing
The Park Service gives 3 miles round trip and a 580-foot change in elevation, and notes that for most people it is steep. Mapping apps list about 2.5 miles and roughly 490 feet of gain, depending on where you start in the Boston lots. Plan on one to two hours. The park also advises skipping the hike when the ground is wet or icy, because the Buckeye Trail here is muddy and the descents get slick.
The Buttermilk Falls Social Trail
Blue Hen sits inside a sensitive resource area, and an unofficial path has been worn from near the falls down the creek toward Buttermilk Falls. The Park Service says that half-mile social trail has caused visible soil compaction, trampled plants and erosion, and it asks hikers to stay on marked trails and avoid visitor-created paths. Enjoy Blue Hen from the overlook and turn around there.
Parking in Boston
Park at Boston Mill Visitor Center, the oversize-vehicle lot across from it, or Boston Trailhead on Boston Mills Road. These fill on weekends and warm days, and the park says roadside parking is prohibited and illegally parked cars may be ticketed and towed. Restrooms and water are next to the visitor center; there is no water at the falls. For a longer approach away from the Boston crowds, the Buckeye Trail can also be picked up at Jaite Trailhead to the north.
Hiking tips for Blue Hen Falls
- Fill water bottles at the visitor center; there is nothing at the falls.
- Cross Riverview and Boston Mills roads carefully and never walk along the road shoulders.
- Follow the blue blazes; the route is the Buckeye Trail the whole way.
- Skip the hike on wet or icy days, as the park recommends.
- Stay off the social trail to Buttermilk Falls; the park is trying to let it recover.
Nearby trails to explore
- Brandywine Gorge Trail
- Cuyahoga Valley Plateau Trail
- Cuyahoga Valley Ledges Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Blue Hen Falls is a small waterfall with a real workout attached. Use TrailMates to find Cleveland hikers heading to Blue Hen Falls. Download the TrailMates app to connect.