💧🐾 Blue Hen Falls via Buckeye Trail - Cuyahoga Valley National Park with Simba the Adventure Pup 🌲🚐

Hey trail friends! Ash here — and this week, Simba and I set out from the Boston Mill Visitor Center to chase one of Ohio’s most photogenic waterfalls: Blue Hen Falls. Tucked in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this hidden gem offers a peaceful woodland hike and a rewarding cascade that’s perfect for pups and people alike.

With misty breezes, leafy paths, and just enough elevation to keep it interesting, this moderate trek is a go-to trail if you're exploring northeast Ohio with your furry trail buddy.

📍 Trail Overview

Location: Blue Hen Falls – Cuyahoga Valley NP, Peninsula, OH
Trail Route: Buckeye Trail from Boston Mill Visitor Center
Distance: ~3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (some gentle incline/decline)
Dog-Friendly: Yes — Simba loved every shaded step! 🐶
Trail Surface: Dirt, boardwalks, and a few creek crossings

🥾 Our Hike Experience

We kicked off our adventure at the Boston Mill Visitor Center, a great spot to grab a map, fill up water bottles, and take a moment before heading into the woods. From there, the Buckeye Trail winds gently downhill through a lush forest corridor, crossing wooden boardwalks and following a small creek that leads to the falls.

The sound of trickling water and chirping birds set the tone — calm, peaceful, and just wild enough to feel like a true escape.

💦 Blue Hen Falls

After about 1.5 miles, we reached the main attraction: Blue Hen Falls, a 15-foot cascade spilling over a sandstone ledge into a shallow pool below. It’s not massive, but it’s serene, photogenic, and a perfect reward after a forested stroll.

Simba immediately perked up, ears forward and tail wagging. He sniffed around the water's edge, dipped his paws in the cool stream, and struck a classic Simba pose with the falls as his backdrop (camera roll = full). 😄

🐶 Simba’s Trail Report

✔️ Trail Rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
✔️ Favorite Spot: Splashing near the base of the falls
✔️ Trail Mood: Peaceful explorer
✔️ Squirrel Count: 3 sightings, 0 pursuits (we’re working on it)
✔️ Bonus Points: Lots of shady rest spots and a refreshing breeze at the overlook

🚐 RV + Visitor Tips

• Parking: Available at Boston Mill Visitor Center
• Restrooms: At the visitor center (none at the falls)
• Footing: Trail is well-maintained but can be muddy after rain
• Leash Rule: Required — and appreciated by fellow hikers
• Nearby Stops: Brandywine Falls, Ledges Trail, and the Towpath Trail
• RV Tip: There’s no overnight RV parking here, but plenty of nearby campgrounds and Harvest Hosts stays

🎥 What’s in This Week’s Video

🎬 Hike highlights from Boston Mill to Blue Hen Falls
🐾 Simba exploring the trail like he owns it
💦 Misty shots of the waterfall
📸 Photo ops and peaceful forest scenery
🎶 Set to a mellow soundtrack of nature (and tail wags)

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✨ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned Buckeye Trail hiker or just looking for a low-key, nature-rich afternoon with your pup, Blue Hen Falls delivers charm, beauty, and serenity in every step. It's one of those spots that reminds you why you travel slowly, hike often, and always bring biscuits for the dog. 🐶💙

Until next time — happy trails, forest air, and waterfall wanders,
– Ash & Simba 🐾💦🌲