Winter in Ohio can be magical—if you know where to explore, that is. Although hiking in the winter months can be challenging, the following are six of our favorite winter hikes in Ohio that lead to frozen waterfalls. With snow-covered surroundings and crystallized icicles, they’re downright majestic. See which ones are worth trekking out in the snow for this winter and which ones you’ve already crossed off your bucket list. Here are the best winter hikes in Ohio if you want to see frozen waterfalls:

1. Charleston Falls Loop Trail (Charleston Falls Preserve)
Charleston Falls Preserve, 2535 Ross Rd, Tipp City, OH 45371, USA
James Armstrong/AllTrails
The trek to Charleston Falls is perfect for a day of winter hiking in Ohio, especially when you need a little adventure in your life—but not too much. The 1.8-mile loop to the falls is a fairly easy hike and there's also a small cave that's fun to find.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about this waterfall trail at Charleston Falls Preserve.
2. Brandywine Falls (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USA
Carl Shepard/Flickr
This breathtaking 65-foot waterfall flows from Brandywine Creek. These beautiful falls are a popular highlight within Ohio's very own national park. Near the falls, the 1.4-mile Brandywine Gorge Trail allows you to explore beyond one of the most magnificent frozen waterfalls in Ohio.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about this waterfall trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
3. Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Cedar Falls (Hocking Hills State Park)
Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH, USA
See1,Do1,Teach1/Flickr
Several beautiful waterfalls can be found along the Old Man's Cave trail within the Hocking Hills State Park. This impressive hiking spot is stunning all year-round, but the falls are magically frozen in the winter months. It's one of the best places for winter hiking in Ohio. (Pictured: Upper Falls.)

Visit AllTrails to learn more about this waterfall trail at Hocking Hills State Park.

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4. Hayden Falls (Hayden Run Falls Park)
4460 Hayden Run Rd, Columbus, OH 43221, USA
Steve Grant/Flickr
Located in the heart of the state, Hayden Falls is hidden in a suburb of Columbus. The gorge where the falls are located features a boardwalk and overlook area, making the waterfall easily accessible to visitors.

Learn more about Hayden Falls Park on the City of Columbus website.
5. Blue Hen Falls (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
2001 Boston Mills Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
Jim Bradford/Alltrails
The trek to Blue Hen Falls is three miles and a somewhat steep hike that's rated as moderate. The 15-foot waterfall is beautiful any time of year, but it's a stunning sight to behold when it's frozen over in the winter months.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about this waterfall trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
6. Great Falls of Tinker's Creek (Bedford Reservation)
Willis Street, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44146, USA
Cleveland Metroparks/Facebook
Along this 0.6-mile trail you'll encounter ruins of an old mill, an old viaduct, and a man-made tunnel in addition to this stunning urban waterfall. With an 80-ft. wide crest, these falls are simply breathtaking when frozen. It's one of the best winter hikes in Ohio.

Visit AllTrails to learn more about this waterfall trail at Bedford Reservation.

Have you done any of these six best winter hikes in Ohio to see the frozen waterfalls? What other waterfalls would you add to this list? Share your thoughts, photos, and experiences with us!

If you enjoy horseback riding, take a winter trail ride at Equestrian Ridge Farm in New Plymouth, Ohio. And be sure to consult The Ultimate Winter Packing List for ideas on preparing for your seasonal adventures!

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More to Explore

Best Winter Hikes In Ohio

Melissa M. | January 23, 2022

Where can I go winter hiking in Ohio?

In addition to the hikes mentioned above, you can go for a magical winter hike at a number of Ohio’s state parks. You can explore John Bryan State Park along the 1.3-mile John L. Rich Trail and take in the wintry scenery found here. Head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and embark on a journey along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. You can find several more of our favorite Ohio winter hikes in this post.

What are some of the best winter outdoor activities in Ohio?

Aside from chasing frozen waterfalls, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy all season long! How about skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing at Snow Trails in Mansfield? Or take a sleigh ride in Burton? You can find more ideas on what to do this winter in this article.

What are some of the best waterfalls in Ohio?

At Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you can take a trail to Ohio’s tallest waterfall, Brandywine Falls. There’s simply nothing better than seeing this impressive 65-foot waterfall in person. You can learn about some of the many waterfalls around the state in this post.

 

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