🥾 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
Day 1 — Cuyahoga Valley National Park
🚗 3 hr 39 min driving📍 5 stops
🌅
Morning
🚗
Drive
Columbus, OH → Cuyahoga Valley National Park
3 hr 33 min
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
★ Reviews →Explore over 125 miles of hiking trails through pristine forests, waterfalls, and the scenic Cuyahoga River valley just an hour from Columbus.
~2.5 hrs📍 See location
🍽️
Lunch
🍽️ Lunch~1 hr
Creekside Restaurant & Bar
Enjoy casual outdoor dining and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after weekend adventures.
3 options · tap to switch
☀️
Afternoon
🚗
Drive
Cuyahoga Valley National Park → Brandywine Falls
2 min
Brandywine Falls
★ Reviews →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.
~1.5 hrs📍 See location
🌙
Evening
🚗
Drive
Brandywine Falls → Winking Lizard Peninsula
4 min
Winking Lizard Peninsula
★ Reviews →Experience waterfront dining and craft beverages with scenic views of the surrounding landscape and outdoor recreation.
~1 hr📍 See location
🛏️
Drury Inn & Suites Cleveland Beachwood
Drury's Cleveland flagship — the brand's renowned free hot breakfast and complimentary evening kickback reception make this one of the best hotel value propositions in Ohio. Well-maintained and convenient to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Day 2 — McConnells Mill State 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 min
McConnells Mill State Park
★ Reviews →Navigate dramatic gorge trails and spot historic mill ruins while kayaking or hiking along Pennsylvania's rugged landscape.
~2 hrs📍 See location
🍽️
Lunch
🍽️ Lunch~1 hr
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.
3 options · tap to switch
☀️
Afternoon
🚗
Drive
McConnells Mill State Park → Moraine State Park
6 min
Moraine State Park
★ Reviews →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.
~2 hrs📍 See location
🌙
Evening
🚗
Drive
Moraine State Park → Ben Franklin's Taproom & Grille
11 min
🍽️ Dinner~1 hr
Ben Franklin's Taproom & Grille
Enjoy craft beers and gourmet pub fare in a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates local flavors and brewing traditions.
4 options · tap to switch
🛏️
Consider staying overnight
The drive home from McConnells Mill State Park is 4h 56m — consider staying overnight and driving back in the morning.
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