8 Hidden Waterfalls In Ohio’s National Forests

Ohio’s national forests hide some of nature’s most spectacular water features. Tucked away among lush greenery and rugged terrain, these hidden waterfalls offer peaceful retreats from the hustle of everyday life. I’ve spent years exploring these natural treasures, and now I’m sharing my favorite secret spots where water tumbles over ancient rock formations, creating magical environments you won’t believe exist in the Buckeye State.

1. Broken Rock Falls: Geological Wonder in the Woods

Where massive sandstone boulders create a staircase for tumbling water, Broken Rock Falls captivates everyone lucky enough to discover it. Located in the eastern section of Hocking Hills State Forest, this geological marvel showcases water dancing through fractured rock formations that split centuries ago.

Unlike more manicured state park attractions, reaching this spot means navigating unmarked trails and using some basic orienteering skills. However, your efforts reward you with complete solitude most days.

During winter freezes, the falls transform into a breathtaking ice sculpture garden that few ever witness. My favorite memory here involves watching a barred owl swoop through the gorge at dusk, hunting as the waterfall’s music provided nature’s perfect soundtrack.

2. Cantwell Cliffs Falls: Dramatic Drops in Ancient Terrain

However hidden this gem might be, the dramatic 60-foot plunge of Cantwell Cliffs Falls makes it worth the challenging trek. Located in the less-visited northern region of Hocking Hills State Forest, this waterfall thunders through a narrow ravine carved during the last ice age.

Massive hemlock trees stand sentinel around the falls, some estimated to be over 200 years old. Their sprawling root systems create natural staircases down the steep embankments leading to the best viewing spots.

Early mornings often bring a mystical fog that swirls around the waterfall, creating ethereal scenes straight

from fantasy novels. My first visit here happened during a light rain shower, and I’ll never forget how the intensified flow created rainbows in the mist while keeping other hikers away – giving me the entire magnificent scene to myself.

3. Big Spring Hollow Falls: Crystal Waters of the Ancient Forest

Though relatively unknown compared to Ohio’s more famous cascades, Big Spring Hollow Falls offers something truly special – the clearest water you’ll find in any Ohio waterfall. Fed by an underground spring that filters through limestone, the water emerges crystal clear before cascading 30 feet down a series of rock shelves.

Located in the Wayne National Forest’s Athens Unit, this waterfall maintains consistent flow year-round thanks to its spring-fed nature. This makes it especially valuable during late summer when many other Ohio waterfalls dry to mere trickles.

The surrounding hollow creates perfect growing conditions for rare wildflowers, including several orchid species I’ve spotted during spring visits. My favorite tradition involves bringing a small jar to collect a sample of the exceptionally pure water – locals have long believed it possesses healing properties.

4. Hidden Falls: Nature’s Best-Kept Secret

If you’ve never stood beneath the misty spray of Hidden Falls, you’re missing one of Ohio’s most magical experiences! Nestled in Wayne National Forest, this 25-foot cascade remains relatively unknown despite its breathtaking beauty.

Though reaching it requires a moderate 1.5-mile hike through dense forest, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. Moss-covered logs and wildflowers line the path as the sound of rushing water gradually intensifies.

During spring runoff, the falls transform into a thundering spectacle, while summer visits reveal a more delicate flow that catches sunlight in mesmerizing patterns. I once spent an entire afternoon here with just my thoughts and a sandwich, completely undisturbed by other hikers.

5. Robinson Falls: The Corkscrew Wonder

Affectionately nicknamed “Corkscrew Falls” by locals, Robinson Falls twists through a unique spiral formation unlike anything else in Ohio. Found in the Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve, this geological oddity resulted from millions of years of water eroding through layers of differing rock hardness.

Access requires obtaining a free permit from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which helps maintain its pristine condition by limiting visitors. The permit system means you’ll likely have this marvel all to yourself when you visit.

Photographers particularly love this location for its dramatic lighting effects as sunbeams filter through the narrow gorge. During my last visit, I spent three hours watching the changing light transform the scene from cool blue shadows to warm golden highlights as the sun moved across the sky – a natural light show few Ohio locations can match.

6. Fallsville Falls: Historic Waters of the Frontier

Though its name might lack creativity, Fallsville Falls makes up for it with fascinating history and natural beauty. Located in what was once the frontier settlement of Fallsville, this 15-foot waterfall powered a mill that supported early Ohio pioneers in the late 1700s.

Today, stone foundations of the old mill still remain beside the falls, creating a perfect blend of natural and historical interest. The falls themselves cascade over a broad limestone shelf that changes character dramatically with water levels.

Spring visits often reveal the falls at full power, spanning nearly 30 feet wide as Clear Creek rushes over the edge. Summer transforms it into multiple narrow ribbons with exposed rock between. My most memorable visit happened during a winter freeze when the entire waterfall had transformed into a curtain of icicles that glowed blue in the winter light – a scene that seemed more fitting for Iceland than Ohio.

7. Charleston Falls: Limestone Beauty in Miami County

Despite being technically outside national forest boundaries, Charleston Falls deserves mention as one of Ohio’s most impressive hidden cascades. Located within a Miami County preserve, this 37-foot waterfall plunges dramatically over a limestone cliff into a recess cave below.

What makes this waterfall special is the rare microclimate created by the cave and surrounding limestone. The area maintains cool temperatures year-round, supporting plant species typically found much further north – including some normally native to Canada!

The waterfall flows consistently throughout the year thanks to underground springs that supplement the surface stream. Winter visits are particularly magical when ice formations create natural sculptures around the falls. I once brought my nephew here during a January cold snap, and his eyes widened with wonder at what he called “nature’s ice palace” – creating a memory that sparked his ongoing love for Ohio’s natural wonders.

8. Sheepskin Hollow Falls: Wild Beauty of Eastern Ohio

Far from Ohio’s more popular outdoor destinations, Sheepskin Hollow Falls rewards those willing to venture into the state’s eastern wilderness. Tucked within the Little Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River area, this remote waterfall drops through a series of three distinct tiers totaling about 25 feet in height.

The surrounding hollow contains some of Ohio’s oldest hemlock trees, creating a primeval atmosphere rarely found in the state. Black bears occasionally visit the area – one of the few places in Ohio where you might spot these elusive creatures.

During heavy rains, the normally gentle flow transforms into a thundering cascade that echoes throughout the hollow. My favorite memory here involves an overnight camping trip (with proper permits) where I fell asleep to the waterfall’s gentle rhythm only to wake at dawn to find deer drinking from the pool below the falls – a perfect moment of wilderness connection just hours from Ohio’s major cities.