Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

We packed a picnic lunch today and headed for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park which is between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio.  This National Park is more urban than any of the other National Parks we've visited.  In fact, it gets a little confusing as you are driving around because you continue to go in and out of the park!  


Our first stop was at Brandywine Falls.  You can park and take a short trail and boardwalk to the falls.

Entrance and path to the falls

Boardwalk through the trees

Our first view of the falls through the trees

Not a lot of water coming down - a lot of drought in the area

There was just a trickle of water going over the top of the falls so they were not as impressive as they have been in years past.  One woman we met said this was the least amount of water going over these falls that she has seen.    

What is left of  the old Champion Electric Company

We passed the ruins of the Champion Electric Company that produced restaurant appliances until 1937 when the factory was destroyed by lightning.   This factory was built near the ruins of the Old Grist Mill and we didn't see any sign of the Grist Mill ruins.  This was the last industry in Brandywine Village.

The brink of the falls

Mary at the site of the burned down Champion Electric Co.

Lee on part of the boardwalk

Brandywine Falls is 60' tall.  The rocks here at the base of the falls were formed millions of years ago.  Brandywine Creek and this bridal veil cascade began about 10,000 years ago after the last Ice Age.  Even with the drought, the falls are pretty impressive.  We would have loved to see them when they were really flowing well. 

Nice boardwalks but lots of steps too!

Lee and Mary at Brandywine Falls

I love it when there is someone who wants their picture taken because we can take theirs and they can take a picture of us.  Otherwise, we never would have a couples picture!

The falls were impressive but the walk along the boardwalk with the tall trees and the rock formations along the boardwalk were interesting too!

 

Next we are heading to the Ledges part of the park.