Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 1.5 miles (2.5 km) round-trip
- Hiking Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 160 feet
- Route: Loop
- Best Season: Late spring when the ground has hardened, and Brandywine Falls is roaring
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for those who can hike a hilly trail.
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at the Brandywine Falls Parking Lot 8176 Brandywine Road. Northfield, Ohio 44067
Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail Guide
Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
The Brandywine Gorge Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that starts at the Brandywine Falls parking lot and provides sensational views of Brandywine Falls.
To begin the trail from the parking lot, you can either take a right and head northwest or a left and head southwest. If you want the least elevation with the best footing during your uphill hike, it is recommended that you take a right and head northwest.
Once you leave the parking lot and head to the right, you will take a concrete path for several hundred feet before quickly approaching Brandywine Falls. For the best views of the falls, it is recommended that you take the 100-foot hike to the overlook. You should take a few minutes to observe the falls from above. This is also an excellent spot for an early morning picnic.
You will continue to follow the path past an open field and Brandywine Inn. About 50 feet past the Inn, the trail will divert to the left onto a single-track dirt trail. This is your steepest descent into the valley, and you should exercise caution.
Once you reach the bottom, you will follow Brandywine Creek for about 1/4 mile. The creek is a great place to relax, swim, or soak in the summer months.
You will then quickly approach a sizeable wooden bridge on the left-hand side that crosses Brandywine Creek. Once you cross over the creek, you can follow several different trails, and it is easy to get lost. You should follow the single-track dirt track, cross over the road, and continue following the signs pointing to Brandywine Falls/Brandywine Gorge Loop.
You will continue on the trail, and veer left for a very short time before it quickly brings you to your only ascent. Take your time, as you’ll be gaining over 150 feet of elevation, all on an unstable and filled with roots trail.
Once you reach the top, take a right onto the concrete “road,” and you can take this back to the parking lot. Before going to your car, you can add an extra 1/3 mile by taking the wooden footbridge/stairs to the Brandywine Falls Overlook for a perfect view of Brandywine Falls (highly recommended).
Alternative Option
If you want a more scenic hike with two backcountry waterfalls, check out the Blue Hen Falls Trail and Buttermilk Falls Trail.
The benefits of visiting these two falls are as follows:
- Beautiful backcountry waterfalls that are magnificent any time of year, especially in winter when they freeze.
- Less crowded hikes where you have a greater chance of seeing wildlife, including coyotes and foxes.
- It’s a more challenging hike. However, if you want a good workout while experiencing the backcountry of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there isn’t a much better hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail any time of the year, and many swimming areas exist.
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, mornings are the best time to visit during the peak seasons of summer and fall. During winter and spring, you can avoid crowds at any time except on the weekends.
Yes, this is a moderate hike for teenagers 12 and up. They will love the waterfall, the streams to play in, and the different plants and animals they may experience.
This moderate hike has numerous steep uphills and stairs. It should only be done by those in good shape who can complete uphill hiking.
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. You may also see red-tail hawks, owls, coyotes, and the occasional fox on the trail. None of these animals pose a risk to hikers.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities. One part of the trail (the overlook) can be accessible by wheelchairs.
Yes, the Brandywine Gorge Trail is marked. Follow the signs to avoid adding miles to your trip.
No, you can hike this trail any day and any hour. Brandywine Falls does close at dusk.
This is one of the most popular trails in the park and one of the most crowded locations. While you should have no problem getting a parking spot, please note that you will likely see other hikers, and once you reach Brandywine Falls, it is typically very crowded.
It is always recommended to carry a phone, backpack, water, hiking boots or shoes, and a light snack. In the summer, carrying 2 liters of water is recommended when it is hot and humid due to the altitude and heat.
It would be best if you parked at the Brandywine Falls parking lot.
Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail Map
How to Get There (Driving Directions)
The easiest way to Brandywine Falls is via the Brandywine Gorge Loop (Brandywine Falls Parking Lot). The quickest way is to put Brandywine Falls (8176 Brandywine Road, Northfield, Ohio 44067) into your phone and GPS.
Driving Directions:
- When driving to the Brandywine Falls Parking Lot, you can take Brandywine Road either north or south, depending on where you are coming from. For visitors outside of Northeast Ohio, following the directions on your phone or GPS is best.
Learn More About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hikes
While the Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail is one of the more accessible and popular trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, numerous fulfilling hikes can be enjoyed during the day or on a long weekend. Check out some of my other favorite hikes below.
