Buttermilk Falls Overview
- Address: 6497 Riverview Road. Peninsula, Ohio 44264
- Hours: 24 hours a day
- Height: 30 feet
- Water Flow: Low to Medium (Depending on rainfall)
- Waterfall Crest: 20 Feet
- Difficulty to Reach: Moderate
- Fees: Free
Buttermilk Falls Guide
Buttermilk Falls Area
Just a short 10 – 15-minute hike from Blue Hen Falls, Buttermilk Falls is a local favorite backcountry waterfall that resembles more of a classic cascade when water flows than a waterfall.
Buttermilk Falls can only be accessed through a well-traveled trail that begins where the Blue Hen Falls Trail ends. And you won’t find this waterfall on any National Park site as it technically is on private property owned by Boston Mills Ski Resort. Regardless, this is almost always brought up whenever you ask a local about a backcountry waterfall in the National Park.
Buttermilk Falls is a majestic and peaceful waterfall about 30 feet high, with a crest reaching 20 feet at times. While this is a wonder to see after rain, most hikers will travel here in the winter to marvel at it when it freezes.
This falls has also created a unique landscape around it, where you can find large boulders to sit on, uncover amphibians and other unlike animals, and explore a shallow creek perfect for kids and dogs!
Expert Tip
If you want to enjoy Buttermilk Falls, I recommend an early afternoon trip in spring or early summer when water flows over the falls and mosquitoes aren’t out yet. You can even visit it during the winter if you want to see a frozen backcountry waterfall.
Not only this, but I recommend first stopping and enjoying Blue Hen Falls before you finish your trek to Buttermilk Falls.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is located in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It can be viewed via the Blue Hen Falls Trail (after Blue Hen Falls)
Buttermilk Falls is 30 feet tall with a potential crest of 20 feet.
It is open all year, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Buttermilk Falls is best visited after a hard rain. It is also excellent to visit during the winter when the falls freezes over.
Dogs are allowed at Buttermilk Falls, but I would not recommend them closer to the falls.
No, this fall is not accessible for people with disabilities.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the falls.
Yes, the Blue Hen Falls Trail takes you to Buttermilk Falls.
No, there is very little water to swim in.
Buttermilk Falls Virtual Tour
How to Get There (Driving Direction)
The easiest way to the Buttermilk Falls is via the Buttermilk Falls Trail. The quickest way is to put the Boston Mill Visitor Center (6947 Riverview Rd. Peninsula, Ohio 44264) into your phone and GPS.
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 the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Buttermilk Falls is a fun and exciting backcountry waterfall for families visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which offers many other natural attractions and trails.
