Brandywine Gorge Trail Hiking Guide
Brandywine Falls drops 60 feet over a cap of Berea sandstone into a gorge cut through softer shale, a short walk from its parking lot in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Rather than just walking the boardwalk from the lot, take the Brandywine Gorge Loop: it adds a 1.5-mile circuit down into the gorge, across the creek and back past the falls, and is the better way to see the place.
Walking the Loop Clockwise
From the Brandywine Falls Trailhead, head toward the falls and turn left onto the trail just before the boardwalk. The park describes the route clockwise: down into the gorge, over a footbridge above the creek and back up the far side, bearing right at every junction. After passing the Inn at Brandywine Falls you recross the creek just above the falls, turn right at a small bulletin board, and finish on the viewing boardwalk. The park gives 1.5 miles and a 160-foot elevation change; mapping apps list about 190 feet of gain.
The Falls and the Boardwalk
The upper boardwalk viewing area is reachable without steps from the parking lot, so wheelchair users can see the falls. A spur of about 80 steps drops to a lower deck with a head-on view. The waterfall is 60 feet of water sliding over Berea sandstone onto Bedford and Cleveland shales. The boardwalk may close in icy conditions.
Do Not Climb the Falls
The park keeps a standing safety alert here: do not climb the falls, the fences or the rocks around them, and stay at least 50 feet from the top and bottom of the falls. Accidents at Brandywine have caused serious injuries and deaths. The gorge is also fragile habitat, and the park asks hikers to stay on the marked trail rather than scrambling down to the creek.
Parking and Timing
The Brandywine Falls lot at 8176 Brandywine Road has limited spaces, and the park recommends coming early or late to avoid the midday rush; the area closes at dusk. If the lot is full, start in Boston instead. From Stanford Trailhead the round trip is about 4 miles with a cumulative 400 feet of elevation change; from Boston Trailhead it is about 5.5 miles, and from Boston Mill Visitor Center about 5.7, both via the Towpath and Stanford Trail.
History at the Falls
George Wallace built a sawmill at the falls in 1814, and grist and woolen mills followed, forming the village of Brandywine. Most of the village disappeared when Interstate 271 was built nearby. The James Wallace house, built by George's son, survives as the Inn at Brandywine Falls bed and breakfast, which the loop passes. There is no entrance fee; restrooms and seasonal water are at the trailhead.
Hiking tips for Brandywine Gorge Trail
- Turn left before the boardwalk to start the loop the way the park describes it, then keep bearing right.
- Save the 80-step lower deck for the end so you finish with the best view of the falls.
- Arrive early or late in the day; the trailhead lot is small and fills fast.
- If the lot is full, park at Stanford Trailhead and walk in on the Stanford Trail.
- Stay 50 feet back from the top and bottom of the falls and off the fences.
Nearby trails to explore
- Blue Hen Falls
- Cuyahoga Valley Ledges Trail
- Bridal Veil Falls (Bedford Reservation)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Brandywine Falls is the valley's showpiece, and the gorge loop gets you past the boardwalk crowd. Use TrailMates to find Cleveland hikers heading to Brandywine Falls. Download the TrailMates app to connect.