Hike the Brandywine Gorge Loop

This hike is best done early or late in the day to avoid the midday crowds. Park at Brandywine Falls Trailhead. Spaces are limited. The gorge loop includes sections of several trails. If you didn’t get a trail map at the visitor center, consult the one at the bulletin board near the restrooms or use the NPS App. This is a 1.5-mile hike with a 160-foot elevation change. We recommend wearing sturdy walking shoes. To protect this fragile habitat, please stay on marked trails. Follow the path toward the falls, then take a left onto the trail just before the boardwalk. The clockwise loop takes you down into the gorge, over a footbridge above the creek, and back up the other side. Keep bearing right at all trail intersections. After you pass the Inn at Brandywine Falls and cross back over the creek – and over the falls – take a right at the small bulletin board. The path leads to the falls viewing boardwalk and back to the parking lot. For a closer look at the falls, follow the signs and walk down approximately 80 steps to a lower viewing deck. The hike at a glance Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip (or more if starting elsewhere; see below) Elevation change: 160 feet Nearest restrooms & water: Brandywine Falls Trailhead Alternate routes For a longer hike that avoids the busy Brandywine Falls parking area, consider starting your hike from the village of Boston. Several parking areas are available, including those at Boston Mill Visitor Center, Boston Trailhead, and Stanford Trailhead. Be sure to consult a map and plan ahead for this hike, as there are multiple options at trail intersections. Bring water. There is also drinking water available seasonally at Brandywine Falls Trailhead. From Boston Mill Visitor Center Park at Boston Mill Visitor Center. Follow the path from the parking lot toward the visitor center, carefully crossing the railroad tracks when safe to do so. Stop at the visitor center and/or restrooms as needed. Continue around the visitor center and walk across the pedestrian bridge over the Cuyahoga River. Turn right and follow signs and stencils on the ground to access the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Turn left onto the Towpath and hike 0.5 miles north. Turn right onto the connector trail toward Stanford House. Carefully cross the road and follow the trail up to the right, past the pond and around the barn. From here follow the Stanford Trail for 1.2 miles, then follow signs to connect to the Brandywine Gorge Loop. A roundtrip hike from this location is approximately 5.7 miles and includes a cumulative 440-foot change in elevation. From Boston Trailhead Park at Boston Trailhead. Follow the connector trail from the southeast corner of the parking area toward the Towpath Trail. Turn right onto the Towpath Trail and hike 0.5 miles north. Turn right onto the connector trail toward Stanford House. Carefully cross the road and follow the trail up to the right, past the pond and around the barn. From here follow the Stanford Trail for 1.2 miles, then follow signs to connect to the Brandywine Gorge Loop. A roundtrip hike from this location is approximately 5.5 miles and includes a cumulative 440-foot change in elevation. From Stanford Trailhead Park at Stanford Trailhead. The parking area includes standard parking spaces as well as horse trailer spaces. Trailhead information is located near the southern end of the parking area. Hike connectors and the Stanford Trail for 1.5 miles, then follow signs to connect to the Brandywine Gorge Loop. A roundtrip hike from this location is approximately 4 miles and includes a cumulative 400-foot change in elevation.