The Cleveland Metroparks are no stranger to beauty. This diverse collection of landscapes in Northeast Ohio has much to offer. But one particular spot — known as Buttermilk Falls — has nature lovers swooning. This picturesque waterfall near Cleveland is a stunning sight and worth the trip. The secluded area is easy to get to, and with a trek that comes in at under a mile, it’s one of the easiest hikes in the Cleveland Metroparks. Lace up those hiking boots, because this scenic spot is calling your name.

When there's a hidden adventure in the Cleveland Metroparks, you know you're in for a treat.
Matthew Cuba/Google Images
Today, we're going to take a virtual visit to Buttermilk Falls in North Chagrin Reservation. This lovely little slice of paradise isn't the biggest waterfall near Cleveland, but it's a peaceful place to steal away.
Buttermilk Falls is one of the Cleveland Metroparks' most charming treasures, and it's a beloved picture spot for many hikers.
Vince Reinhart/Wikimedia Commons
Perhaps this spot is so adored because it's just so darn photogenic. With a bridge for foot traffic and foliage-covered brick walls framing it, this waterfall looks like something from a movie.
Here, water on its way to the mighty Chagrin River carves through the reservation. It's stunning in the fall!
Miguel Covarrubias/Google Images
In fact, the entire campus of North Chagrin Reservation is a treat in the fall. One of my personal favorite spots to visit is Squire's Castle, which is the shell of an old long-abandoned residence. It's open to the public, and every visit feels like a fairytale.
The water dances across chunked shale, sharing a tiny bit of geological history to sharp-eyed visitors.
Greg Dudash/Google Images
This shale was formed during the Devonian period, and it litters the area. Ohio Shale is actually filled with fossils, as it's a remnant of our home state's days as an ancient ocean. In fact, during the construction of Interstate 71, this same type of shale produced thousands of fossils that now fill our local museums. (The coolest part? These are so much older than the dinosaurs!)
The hike to the waterfall is about 0.4-mile in length, so the whole journey there and back is under a mile.
C. Pearcy/Google Images
The Cleveland Metroparks has a helpful trail map that you can reference to find the waterfall. The Buttermilk Falls Trailhead is toward the left of the map above the legend, so it's easy to spot.
There's more to see in North Chagrin Reservation, though, so budget a bit of extra time to explore the park!
Holly Stegh/AllTrails
North Chagrin Reservation is a true beauty, boasting an old growth forest, a castle, stunning little ponds, boardwalks, and more. If you're a golfer, you might want to check out Manakiki Golf Course... this course was once home to prominent Cleveland industrialist Howard Hanna, so it's rich in history and downright elegant.
You'll find a few bodies of water in the park, including wetlands and the striking Oxbow Lagoons.
Monem Azouz/AllTrails
If you're looking for a more hands-on way to appreciate the landscape, then a visit to the North Chagrin Nature Center may be in order. I love stopping here, as the resident animals are interactive and ready to help you learn about the local landscape.
Plus, you'll find a slew of wildlife to keep you company during your visit.
Kobi Levi/AllTrails
Of course, the park is also chock-full of indigenous residents. Waterfowl in particular are abundant here, so bring the camera and remember... this is their home! Respect their space and admire their majesty from afar.
If you can manage to catch the sunset, budget a bit of time for that, too. It's a real treat!
Leah Byland/AllTrails
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., so there's ample opportunity to watch the sun fade into the horizon or awake to greet the new day. Either way, North Chagrin Reservation is a dreamy place to experience the passing of time.
Many of the loveliest hidden gems in the Cleveland Metroparks can be found in North Chagrin Reservation.
Richard Butler/Google Images
Take some time to visit Buttermilk Falls and the other various attractions in North Chagrin Reservation! You won't regret it. In fact, you might discover your new favorite park in the Cleveland Metroparks.

As one of the easiest hikes in the Cleveland Metroparks, you simply can’t pass up a visit to Buttermilk Falls. And the entirety of North Chagrin is swoon-worthy… there’s so much to discover!

While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Patterson Fruit Farm. Their seasonal selection is unmatched!

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Buttermilk Falls, Mayfield, OH 44143, USA