Visit my favorite waterfall in Ohio – Bridal Veil Falls in Bedford Reservation!
Remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace on in all Ohio parks! Please recreate responsibly.
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls in Bedford Reservation is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ohio. It has a special place in my heart, because it was also the first waterfall I visited on the first hike I did when I moved to Cleveland. The water cascades down shale layers, making an amazing effect. There are many evergreen trees surrounding the falls, making it the perfect hike for stick season.
Because the falls is shallow at the top and has a gradual grade, this is a very popular spot for families. If you visit in the summer, you’ll be sure to see dogs and kids playing in the shallow pools above the falls.
There is an overlook platform that showcases the falls and the gorge below. This is a great waterfall to visit in winter as it’s easier to see the falls without leaves on the trees.
To visit the official Cleveland Metroparks page for the falls, click here.
Hiking to Bridal Veil Falls
There are three hikes that can get you to Bridal Veil Falls with options for everyone from beginners to a more intrepid hiker!
Bridal Veil Falls Overlook (Short Option) – If you want to see the falls and just the falls, there is a trailhead a quarter mile away from the falls for a hike that is about 0.4 miles round trip. This hike is relatively accessible for those who can walk down multiple flights of stairs but is not wheelchair accessible.
To get to the falls overlook trailhead, use these coordinates in your GPS: 41.37143, -81.54881. The trailhead is across the street from the parkinglot.
Bridle Trail to Bridal Veil Falls Overlook (Longer Option) – This 4.3 mile trail is great for those who want to see the falls but also want more of a hike. I completed this hike in early fall and the colors were wonderful! To get to the trailhead, use these coordinates in your GPS: 41.36595, -81.56571.
Bridal Veil Falls to Great Tinkers Creek Falls via Bridal Trail (Longest Option) – This 6.3 mile trail is perfect for intermediate hikers who want to see two waterfalls in one hike. This hike starts in the same place as the first option (GPS Coordinates:41.37143, -81.54881) but continues on to see Tinker Creek Falls. Be cautious as there is a road walking section right before Tinkers Creek Falls.
Other Hikes at Bedford Reservation
Bedford Circumnavigation – This hike is only for more experienced hikers. While AllTrails lists this hike as 6.4 miles, reviews state that detours cause this trail to be more like 9 miles. Warning! This hike has a river crossing that can be extremely dangerous if the river is too high. Please use your best judgement and don’t cross the river if it’s too high. A friend’s broken ankle can attest that it is a bad idea! I have only known one person to cross it successfully and it was after a long period of no rain.
FAQs about Bedford Reservation
Where is Bedford Reservation?
Bedford Reservation is located in Bedford, Ohio in Cuyahoga County, just north of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. To get to Bedford Reservation, use this address in your GPS: 18753 Egbert Rd, Bedford, OH 44146
What else can I do at Bedford Reservation?
According to Birdinghotspots.org, Bridal Veil is a great place to spot birds. There is also a golf course nearby with a driving range and club rentals. The reservation is great for mountain biking, picnicing and of course, hiking!
Looking for more hikes in nearby Cuyahoga Valley? Check out some of my favorites! Blue Hen Falls Buckeye Trail Ledges
Post Updated March 22 2023