🥾 ActiveWeekend · from Columbus, OH

Waterfalls, Gorges & Hiking Trails

Discover thundering cascades and dramatic gorges while hiking through lush valleys just outside Columbus.

Day 1 — Cuyahoga Valley National ParkDay 2 — McConnells Mill State Park

Day 1 — Cuyahoga Valley National Park

🚗 3 hr 39 min driving📍 5 stops

🌅

Morning

🚗

Drive

Columbus, OH → Cuyahoga Valley National Park

3 hr 33 min8:00 AM → 11:33 AM

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

★ 4.8

Explore over 125 miles of hiking trails through pristine forests, waterfalls, and the scenic Cuyahoga River valley just an hour from Columbus.

11:33 AM📍 See location

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Lunch

🍽️ Lunch12:33 PM

Creekside Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy casual outdoor dining and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after weekend adventures.

★ 4.5American Restaurant📍 Maps →

3 options · tap to switch

☀️

Afternoon

🚗

Drive

Cuyahoga Valley National Park → Brandywine Falls

2 min1:33 PM → 1:35 PM

Brandywine Falls

★ 4.8

Hike the scenic gorge trail through hemlock forests to witness Ohio's tallest waterfall plunging 67 feet into a misty pool. Explore the park's overlooks and cross the swinging bridge for breathtaking ravine views.

1:35 PM📍 See location

🌙

Evening

🚗

Drive

Brandywine Falls → Winking Lizard Peninsula

4 min5:00 PM → 5:04 PM

Winking Lizard Peninsula

★ 4.4

Experience waterfront dining and craft beverages with scenic views of the surrounding landscape and outdoor recreation.

5:04 PM📍 See location

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Drury Inn & Suites Cleveland Beachwood

Rated 4.6★ (728 reviews) — a well-rated base for your night near Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Day 2 — McConnells Mill State Park

🚗 2 hr 35 min driving📍 5 stops

🌅

Morning

🚗

Drive

Cuyahoga Valley National Park → McConnells Mill State Park

2 hr 18 min8:00 AM → 10:18 AM

McConnells Mill State Park

★ 4.8

Navigate dramatic gorge trails and spot historic mill ruins while kayaking or hiking along Pennsylvania's rugged landscape.

10:18 AM📍 See location

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Lunch

🍽️ Lunch11:18 AM

Brown's Country Kitchen

Dig into authentic, made-from-scratch country cooking that feels like a home-cooked meal prepared by someone who truly cares about flavor.

★ 4.4Brunch Restaurant📍 Maps →

3 options · tap to switch

☀️

Afternoon

🚗

Drive

McConnells Mill State Park → Moraine State Park

6 min12:18 PM → 12:24 PM

Moraine State Park

★ 4.7

Paddle across glacial lakes or hike ridge trails offering expansive views of kettle holes and moraines carved by ancient ice sheets. Fish, swim, or picnic along pristine shorelines surrounded by forests and wetlands.

12:24 PM📍 See location

🌙

Evening

🚗

Drive

Moraine State Park → Ben Franklin's Taproom & Grille

11 min5:00 PM → 5:11 PM

🍽️ Dinner5:11 PM

Ben Franklin's Taproom & Grille

Enjoy craft beers and gourmet pub fare in a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates local flavors and brewing traditions.

★ 4.5Restaurant📍 Maps →

4 options · tap to switch

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Consider staying overnight

The drive home from McConnells Mill State Park is 4h 56m — consider staying overnight and driving back in the morning.

Plan your own escapeExplore more trips →