💦🐾 Brandywine Gorge Trail - Waterfall Hike in Cuyahoga Valley NP with Simba the Adventure Pup 🌲🚐

Hey trail friends! Ash here — and today, Simba and I took on one of the most iconic hikes in Ohio: the Brandywine Gorge Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. From the thunderous beauty of Brandywine Falls to the peaceful wooded paths of the gorge, this trail had everything we love: waterfalls, wooden boardwalks, forest shade, and of course, plenty of trail snacks (for Simba 🦴).

Whether you’re visiting CVNP for the first time or revisiting a favorite spot, this loop is an absolute must — and it’s dog-friendly to boot!

📍 Trail Overview

Location: Brandywine Gorge Trail – Cuyahoga Valley NP, Sagamore Hills, OH
Distance: ~1.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate (some stairs and creek crossings)
Dog-Friendly: Yes — leashed pups welcome and trail-tested by Simba 🐶
Trail Style: Loop with elevation change, waterfall overlook, and forest terrain

🥾 Our Hike Experience

We started from the Brandywine Falls parking area, where a short boardwalk takes you to the main overlook — and let me just say, this view never gets old. The 65-foot waterfall pours dramatically over layers of sandstone, and the mist fills the air with cool, fresh energy.

After taking in the falls (and getting a few solid photos of Simba posing like the national park pup he is 📸), we continued down the Gorge Trail Loop, which drops into the ravine and follows Brandywine Creek through shady woods, small footbridges, and mossy rock walls.

💧 Trail Highlights

🌊 Brandywine Falls – The showstopper of the hike, and one of Ohio’s most beloved natural features
🌿 Gorge Trail – A peaceful path through forested ravines and along the creek
🌉 Footbridges & Crossings – Adds some fun variety for both humans and dogs
📸 Scenic Stops – Great photo ops from top to bottom (especially during golden hour)

🐶 Simba’s Trail Report

✔️ Sniff Quality: 10/10 (chipmunks galore)
✔️ Water Fun: Splash zones along the creek
✔️ Favorite Spot: The shady stretch under the bridge, cool rocks to lay on
✔️ Biscuit Count: 2 on the trail, 1 extra for posing near the falls
✔️ Tail Wag Rating: 5/5 – would hike again tomorrow!

🚐 RV & Visitor Tips

• Parking: Arrive early — Brandywine is popular, especially on weekends
• Restrooms: Available at the main parking area
• Leash Reminder: Dogs must be leashed at all times (and it’s enforced)
• RV Note: Parking area is best suited for vans or smaller rigs — scout ahead for larger setups
• Nearby Trails: Try the Stanford Trail or the Bike & Hike Trail for more mileage

🎥 In This Week’s Video


🎬 Full trail loop with waterfall views
🐾 Simba sniffing, trotting, and cooling off creekside
🌳 Forest shots with that perfect early fall light
💧 Brandywine Falls in all its thunderous beauty
🎶 Set to a relaxed, nature-inspired soundtrack

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✨ Final Thoughts

Brandywine Gorge Trail is short, sweet, and absolutely loaded with scenery — from start to finish. Whether you’re into waterfalls, forest bathing, or just watching your dog trot happily across a footbridge, this hike is one of Cuyahoga Valley’s best gems.

Until next time — hike happy, leash up, and chase waterfalls (with biscuits in your bag),
– Ash & Simba 🐾💦🌲

Location: Sagamore Hills, OH 44067, USA

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