When the weekend arrives, sometimes you just need to get out of town for a bit and experience something new. A great way to do this is to spend time in nature, and what better way to do that than to do a little waterfall chasing? There are many parks, preserves, and other areas near Cincinnati that offer a natural escape, and a few include scenic waterfalls that add even more splendor to your experience. If you’d like to take a couple of days and have a little adventure, here’s the perfect itinerary to explore the best waterfalls near Cincinnati:

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1. Glen Helen Nature Preserve
Glen Helen Nature Preserve, 405 Corry St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
Facebook/Glen Helen
Facebook/Glen Helen
For the first day of your waterfall weekend, you'll head north from Cincinnati to an area east of Dayton. The first stop is Glen Helen Nature Preserve, a natural hidden gem in our area. Here you'll find over 1,000 acres and 20 miles of trails, many of which include picturesque waterfalls and waterways. Plan on spending a few hours here exploring and relaxing at Glen Helen Nature Preserve. Check out this video before you go so you can get an idea of what to expect:
2. Clifton Mill
Historic Clifton Mill, 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316, USA
Facebook/Clifton Mill

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Facebook/Clifton Mill
After a couple of hours of hiking, you'll be ready for a delicious meal. Drive less than 10 minutes from Glen Helen to Clifton Mill, a lovely dining destination that also happens to have a waterfall. Choose from many comfort food options and fuel up for an afternoon of more waterfall chasing.

Learn more about Clifton Mill and its amazing waterfront restaurant in this feature!
3. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, 2381 OH-343, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
Facebook/Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
Facebook/Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
Before heading south again to Cincinnati, visit nearby Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve. This beautiful preserve offers some of the best hiking trails near our city and you're bound to see a few little waterfalls within its 268 acres of lovely landscapes.

Read more about the hiking experiences at Clifton Gorge in this article.
4. Sharon Woods
Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Rd, Sharonville, OH 45241, USA
Google/Natalia Smirnova
Flickr/Cathy
One great thing about this road trip is that you can spend the night in your own bed! Wake up after a busy first day and make plans to spend the second day at Sharon Woods. This large park is the oldest within the Great Parks of Hamilton County system, and many argue it’s the best for an escape from city life. Despite its location in the heart of Sharonville, you'll feel miles away from it all while hiking the trails and exploring its beautiful waterfalls at Sharon Woods.

When the forecast calls for a beautiful weekend, plan an easy getaway with this weekend waterfall itinerary around Cincinnati. Have you explored these parks and waterfalls near Cincinnati before? Any others that would be easy to add to the weekend? Let us know in the comments and be sure to tag someone who would take this road trip with you!

And if you’d like to experience more of our region’s waterfalls, check out our previous article that features some truly superlative falls!

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More to Explore

Waterfalls near me

Sarah M. | March 07, 2022

What are some other beautiful waterfalls near Cincinnati?

If you want to expand your radius a bit to include Kentucky, you'll find two of the most amazing cascades in the country at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Cumberland Falls is one of Kentucky’s crown jewels; this incredible waterfall is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country. It’s referred to as the “Niagara Falls of the South,” and once you experience it for yourself, you’ll understand why. Within Cumberland Falls State Park, there’s a trail that leads to both Cumberland Falls *and* another incredible cascade, Eagle Falls. It’s one of the most picturesque hikes in Kentucky, and a must for all waterfall chasers in the Midwest.

What are some scenic hikes near Cincinnati?

One of our favorite scenic hikes near Cincinnati is at the beautiful Cincinnati Nature Center. This oft-overlooked gem is a treasure trove of scenic trails, complete with its very own, 65-acre old-growth forest, which you’ll find along the Upland Trail. At just 1.34-miles long, the Upland Trail makes for an accessible trek for hikers of all ages and abilities. It's well-marked and well-paved; however, there are a few areas with steps and rocky terrain, so be sure and wear proper shoes! This trail offers big payoffs with minimal effort. It meanders around the perimeter of Rowe Woods, showcasing the myriad ecosystems and wildlife of southwest Ohio. The star of the show — the wondrous old-growth forest — is one of only a dozen in the entire state. The opportunity to walk among ancient, real-life giants is something you shouldn’t pass up. And there are even several spots with benches where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Southwest Ohio.

 

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