If you love waterfall chasing, Ohio might surprise you.
Ohio may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of waterfalls, but it has dozens of beautiful cascades scattered throughout the state. From the rocky gorges of Hocking Hills to tucked-away gems in state parks and nature preserves, Ohio’s waterfalls are perfect for short hikes, weekend getaways, and scenic road trips.
Hiking to waterfalls is one of our favorite things to do when we travel. We started chasing waterfalls with a waterfall tour of Marinette County in Wisconsin. And now, whenever we travel in the Midwest, we seek out waterfalls.
To make exploring easier, we created a custom digital map of Ohio waterfalls to help you find them all. The map can be saved to your phone for easy access while you’re on the road or used at home while planning your next outdoor adventure. See details below the map on how to save it.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated Ohio road trip or just looking to add a waterfall hike to your weekend plans, this map will help you make the most of your time.
This map was created with the help of the book Hiking Waterfalls Ohio by Mary Reed. This is a must-have book to keep in the car with you when you head out on your Ohio waterfall adventures.
Let’s chase some Ohio waterfalls! 💦🚗🌿
Jump To
Map of Ohio Waterfalls
How to Use This Map: Click on the icon on the top left-hand corner. You will now see a list of all of the waterfalls in Ohio.
For more info on each, click on the map icons.
To see the map in more detail, click on the [ ] in the top right-hand corner. This will open a larger map where the details of each point can be found by clicking on the location point name in the list on the left.
You can also save the map for your own use by clicking the⭐ next to the map name. This will save the map to your Google Maps, where you can make a copy and use it for your own trip planning.
To view the saved map on your phone, open Google Maps, click “saved” on the bottom, and then “maps” on the lower right. For offline viewing refer to steps 5-7 in How to Create a Custom Google Map.
Do you want to create your own Google Map? Check Out How to Create a Custom Google Map
Tips for Chasing Ohio Waterfalls
Use a Map That Doesn’t Rely on Cellular Service
While Ohio generally has better cell service than more remote states, reception can still be spotty in places like Hocking Hills, rural state parks, deep gorges, and forested areas.
To avoid getting turned around, here are two things we recommend:
- Carry a paper map. A basic Ohio road map or state park map can be incredibly helpful if technology fails.
- Download offline maps before you go. Before leaving home, download the area in Google Maps or Apple Maps so you can navigate even without cell service.
Don’t Follow Google Maps Blindly
We love Google Maps, but it doesn’t always make the best decisions in rural or park areas.
Google tends to prioritize the “fastest” route, even if that route includes gravel roads, seasonal roads, or poorly maintained backroads. We’ve been sent down roads that were questionable at best and definitely were not ideal in wet or icy conditions.
As you chase Ohio waterfalls, pay attention to road conditions, posted signage, and whether your vehicle is suited for the route. Sometimes the slightly longer, well-paved road is the better choice.
More Midwest Waterfall Content:
Michigan Waterfall Map
Minnesota Waterfall Map
Wisconsin Waterfall Map
Carry a GPS Device and Compass on Waterfall Hikes
Some Ohio waterfalls are easy walks from a parking lot, but others require hiking trails that may be lightly marked or intersect with multiple paths.
Even in popular areas, it’s smart to be prepared. Always carry:
- A fully charged phone with GPS capability
- A battery bank for backup power
- A compass, especially if your phone doesn’t have one built in
Being prepared can make all the difference if you take a wrong turn or an unexpected situation arises.
Leave No Trace Behind
One of the best ways to protect Ohio’s waterfalls is to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Other than footprints, the next visitor shouldn’t know you were there. Pack out everything you bring in—including food scraps and toilet paper if nature calls while on the trail.
Staying on designated trails and respecting closures also helps preserve these beautiful places for future waterfall chasers.
Purchase an Ohio Waterfall Guide (or Local Hiking Guides)
A good guidebook can add a lot of value to your waterfall adventures. While Ohio waterfalls are often tucked into parks and preserves, local hiking and nature guides can provide helpful context, directions, and trail details you won’t always find online.
Keeping a guidebook in the car is a great backup to digital maps and can help you discover lesser-known waterfalls you might otherwise miss.
