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Blue Hen Falls
Hiking Trail
Easy
3.02 mi
568 ft
An easy, family-friendly hike and a "favorite of visitors who wish to visit one of the prettiest waterfalls" within the park.
Second to [Brandywine Falls]( Blue Hen Falls is the other must-visit waterfall hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The [NPS]( even describes it as a "favorite of visitors who wish to visit one of the prettiest waterfalls" within the park. Tucked in a cove, this 15-foot waterfall is accessible year-round and forms a perfect hike for the entire family, including the dog! The hike is easy by most standards, but it could be considered steep at times. Afterward, consider visiting either of the [Trail Mix]( locations for a snack or to pick up some souvenirs if you're visiting from out of town. As mapped, this version of the hike begins at the popular Boston Mills Trailhead. The parking lot is large, paved, and both drinking water and restrooms are available nearby. If you're driving a larger vehicle or towing a trailer, a large unpaved parking lot is available at the ski area across the river. If you get an early enough start to your day, you may find parking at a small trailhead on Boston Mills Road, but the NPS states that it is typically full by 10 a.m. on most days. "Parking is [also] prohibited along the road, and cars will be ticketed and towed" if they don't adhere to the signage. If you're looking for an additional challenge, Buttermilk Falls is located beyond Blue Hen Falls on a lesser-known, unblazed trail. [This]( source describes Buttermilk as "much more scenic than Blue Hen," though please note that the trail is not officially recognized or maintained by the NPS. That said, this stunning 20-foot waterfall is listed on countless websites as a must-visit spot within CVNP. Source: Written by Brendon Voelker
Second to [Brandywine Falls]( Blue Hen Falls is the other must-visit waterfall hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The [NPS]( even describes it as a "favorite of visitors who wish to visit one of the prettiest waterfalls" within the park. Tucked in a cove, this 15-foot waterfall is accessible year-round and forms a perfect hike for the entire family, including the dog! The hike is easy by most standards, but it could be considered steep at times. Afterward, consider visiting either of the [Trail Mix]( locations for a snack or to pick up some souvenirs if you're visiting from out of town. As mapped, this version of the hike begins at the popular Boston Mills Trailhead. The parking lot is large, paved, and both drinking water and restrooms are available nearby. If you're driving a larger vehicle or towing a trailer, a large unpaved parking lot is available at the ski area across the river. If you get an early enough start to your day, you may find parking at a small trailhead on Boston Mills Road, but the NPS states that it is typically full by 10 a.m. on most days. "Parking is [also] prohibited along the road, and cars will be ticketed and towed" if they don't adhere to the signage. If you're looking for an additional challenge, Buttermilk Falls is located beyond Blue Hen Falls on a lesser-known, unblazed trail. [This]( source describes Buttermilk as "much more scenic than Blue Hen," though please note that the trail is not officially recognized or maintained by the NPS. That said, this stunning 20-foot waterfall is listed on countless websites as a must-visit spot within CVNP. Source: Written by Brendon Voelker
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interstate 271 Climb | 0.51 mi | 226 ft | 8.3% |
| Blue Hen Falls from Boston Mills | 1.22 mi | 236 ft | 2.3% |
| Boston Mills Rd Climb | 0.38 mi | 151 ft | 7.4% |
| Blue Hen Falls to Boston Mills | 1.26 mi | -236 ft | -2.2% |