Blue Hen Falls Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 3 miles (5 km) round-trip
- Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 580 feet
- Route: Out-And-Back
- Best Season: Fall. The forest is full of golden and crimson foliage and Blue Hen Falls flows fast.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for those who can hike hills and uneven trails.
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at the Boston Mill Visitor Center. 6947 Riverview Rd. Peninsula, Ohio 44264
Blue Hen Falls Trail Guide
Blue Hen Falls Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
Blue Hen Falls Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back hike within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is a moderately difficult, hilly trail with a 100-foot stair climb, numerous bridge crossings, plentiful fauna and flora, and Blue Hen Falls.
You start your hike by parking at the Boston Mill Visitor Center. During the summer, getting to the parking lot before 10 a.m. is highly recommended, as it almost always fills up by then with few alternative parking options.
After departing your car, you will cross Riverview Road towards the Buckeye Trail/Blue Hen Falls Trail. This trail is well-marked with a large sign and another smaller trailhead sign.
As you start on the trail, you will immediately approach a 200-foot climb that involves stairs and a single-track trail. You have the potential to see wildlife like deer, squirrels, and rabbits. Once you reach the top of the trail, you’ll continue for another 1/4 mile, enjoying beautiful maple and oak trees before coming upon the legendary 100-foot stairs.
Watch your footing as you follow the stairs down to the first bridge and creek crossing. You’ll often find dogs playing in this area and families exploring. This is also a great spot to catch your breath as you’ll be hiking up a moderately steep 1/4 mile section of the trail that typically is the muddiest (depending on the time of the year) with the worst footings.
Once you reach the top of the trail, you will see Boston Mills Road. Do not cross it. Stay on the left-hand side of the trail (always hike facing traffic) and follow it west for another 1/4 mile. You will quickly come up to signs and trail markers instructing you to cross the road.
Continue another 1/3 of a mile along a pleasant stretch of a windy section of the trail before reaching a gravel path. Take a right on this gravel path and follow it downhill for a few hundred feet before crossing another bridge. One of the most beautiful parts of the trail is the creek that flows over Blue Hen Falls.
You will take an immediate right as soon as you cross the bridge. Within 100 feet, you will find fencing, several benches, and an overlook of Blue Hen Falls. Take your time to enjoy a picnic, explore the surrounding area, or marvel at the waterfall.
This waterfall freezes during the winter, gushes over the cliff in the spring, and gently flows in summer and fall, forming a pool beneath it. Thus, it offers hikers and visitors something different every season.
Once ready, you can either continue along the trail until you reach Buttermilk Falls, approximately another 3/4 mile down the trail, or turn around and head back to your car the same way you came.
Alternative Option
If you are looking for a shorter hike or a bigger waterfall, visiting Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is highly recommended.
The benefits of visiting Brandywine Falls are as follows:
- It is the crown jewel of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and has even been compared to some of the waterfalls in National Parks like Yosemite.
- It is easy to get to. You only need to park and walk 1/4 of a mile to view the falls, which makes it a much easier alternative than Blue Hen Falls.
- Larger parking lot. There is much more ample space for parking no matter the time of day.
- Loop trail. For those that want to not only visit this waterfall but take a scenic and backcountry hike, you can complete a 1.5-mile loop of Brandywine Gorge, where you’ll experience the beautiful Brandywine Creek, plentiful fauna and flora, and so much more!
Frequently Asked Questions
This hike is considered moderate and achievable for novice to moderately experienced hikers. Expect a dirt trail with shade, numerous up and downhills, and beautiful scenery.
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, fall and spring are the most beautiful times to visit with minor traffic.
Yes, this is a moderate hike for kids five and up. They will love the waterfall, the streams to play in, and the different plants and animals they may experience.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
Yes, trail runners of all levels will love how hilly this trail is. It is one of the most popular trails for runners in Northeast Ohio.
Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits frequent this trail. On the trail, you may also see red-tail hawks, owls, and other birds. None of these animals pose a risk to hikers.
Yes, the Blue Hen Falls Trail is clearly marked. It is also a loop trail, making navigation incredibly easy.
No, you can hike this trail any day and any hour.
It is always recommended to carry a phone, backpack, water, hiking boots or shoes, and a light snack. In the summer, it is recommended to carry 2 liters of water when it is hot and humid due to the altitude and heat.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
This is one of the most popular trails in the park and one of the most crowded locations. To ensure you get a parking spot and minimize traffic, it is recommended that you go on a weekday, before noon, or after 5 pm on the weekends.
You should park at the Boston Mill Visitor Center to access the Blue Hen Falls Trails.
Blue Hen Falls Trail Map
Directions
The easiest way to get to the Blue Hen Falls is to input the Boston Mill Visitor Center (6947 Riverview Rd. Peninsula, Ohio 44264) into your phone and GPS since the trail starts here.
Driving Directions:
- When driving to the Boston Mill Visitor Center Parking Lot, you can either take Boston Mills Road East or West or the more popular Riverview Road North or South. For visitors outside of Northeast Ohio, following the directions on your phone/gs is best.
Learn More About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hikes
While the Blue Hen Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails and one of the most scenic attractions in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, numerous fulfilling hikes can be enjoyed during a day or long weekend. Check out some of my other favorite hikes below:
