Shredder Falls Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 1.6 miles (2.57 km) round-trip
- Hiking Time: 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 39 feet
- Route: Out-And-Back or Loop
- Best Season: Late spring when the cascades are flowing
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at the Brandywine Falls Parking Lot, 8176 Brandywine Road. Northfield, Ohio 44067
Shredder Falls Trail Guide
Shredder Falls Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
Shredder Falls Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back or loop that is 90% on the Brandywine Gorge Loop.
To begin the trail, start from the Brandywine Falls parking lot. As you begin, face the woods (west) and begin your hike clockwise.
Once you leave the parking lot, you will head on a concrete path (do not take the boardwalk) for about 500 feet until you get to your first intersection (straight and left). You will notice the trail marker on the left that points to Brandywine Gorge Loop. Take this single path trail for approximately 1/4 mile. During this section of the hike, be careful as there are numerous roots, and you’ll quickly decline via steps and a rocky trail.
Once you reach the bottom, you’ll notice another Brandywine Gorge Loop marker that will direct you to the right. You will follow the trail through a beautiful forest for about 1/8 mile until you get to an abandoned road. Once you reach the road, continue going straight, and you’ll quickly come across a bridge that will take you over the beautiful Brandywine Creek.
Next, you’ll take a right and follow the windy trail through the woods for 1/3 mile. During this section of the hike, you’ll notice you follow Brandywine Creek the entire time, and you’ll see Shredder Falls in the distance once you get closer.
Once you reach about a 1/3 mile, you’ll have to pay extra close attention if you want to see Shredder Falls. As you reach a section of the hike that will start inclining, look to your right, where that is a beaten path into the creek. You will follow this path into the creek and take a left.
You will be in the creek for no more than 2 minutes before you see some small cascades. This is not Shredder Falls. Be careful (as you’ll be hiking in a creek on slick rock) and hike for another 2 minutes before you reach a larger, longer cascade. This is Shredder Falls and is a neat sight to see.
Spend as much time as you want here, as you surely will have it to yourself, and then head back. Once you get out of the creek, you have two options. You can head back the way you came, making this an out-and-back hike. Your other option is to take a right and head up the incline to make this a loop trail. If you do this, you will want to make sure to take a right once you reach the top of the trail. You will then take the paved path past Brandywine Falls and into the parking lot.
Alternative Option
If you want a more scenic hike with two backcountry waterfalls, check out the Blue Hen Falls Trail and Buttermilk Falls Trail.
The benefits of visiting these two falls are as follows:
- Beautiful backcountry waterfalls that are magnificent any time of year, especially in winter when they freeze.
- Less crowded hikes where you have a greater chance of seeing wildlife, including coyotes and foxes.
- It’s a more challenging hike. However, if you want a good workout while experiencing the backcountry of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there isn’t a better hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, mornings are the best time to visit during the peak seasons of summer and fall due to sharing this trail with Brandywine Falls. During winter and spring, you can avoid crowds at any time except on the weekends.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail any time of the year, and many swimming areas exist.
Yes, this is an easy hike for children 3 and up. They will love the waterfall, the streams to play in, and the different plants and animals they may experience.
Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits frequent this trail. You may also see red-tail hawks, owls, coyotes, and the occasional fox on the trail. None of these animals poses a risk to hikers.
This easy hike has one large decline and one large incline. It should only be done by those in good shape who can complete uphill hiking.
Yes, trail runners of all levels will love how hilly this trail is. It is one of the most popular trails for runners in Northeast Ohio.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities. One part of the trail (the overlook) can be accessible to wheelchairs.
Yes and no. You will follow the Brandywine Gorge trail, which is marked. There are no markings for the creek that you must trek to access Shredder Falls.
No, you can hike this trail any day and at any hour. Shredder Falls does close at dusk.
It would be best if you parked at the Brandywine Falls parking lot.
Shredder Falls, which is essentially on most of the Brandywine Gorge Loop, is one of the most popular trails in the park and one of the most crowded locations. While you should have no problem getting a parking spot, please note that you will likely see other hikers, and it often gets crowded in the middle of the day.
It is always recommended to carry a phone, a backpack, water, hiking boots or shoes, and a light snack. In the summer, carrying 2 liters of water is recommended when it is hot and humid due to the altitude and heat.
Shredder Falls Trail Map
How to Get There (Driving Directions)
The easiest way to Shredder Falls is via the Brandywine Gorge Loop (Brandywine Falls Parking Lot). The quickest way is to put Brandywine Falls (8176 Brandywine Road, Northfield, Ohio 44067) into your phone and GPS.
Driving Directions:
- When driving to the Brandywine Falls Parking Lot, you can take Brandywine Road either north or south, depending on where you are coming from. For visitors outside of Northeast Ohio, following the directions on your phone or GPS is best.
Learn More About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Waterfalls
While Shredder Falls Trail is one of the more accessible and popular trails and waterfalls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there are numerous waterfalls within the park or nearby that can be enjoyed in a day. Some of my favorites include:
- Twin Sisters Falls
- Contour Falls
- Linda Falls
- Great Falls of Tinkers Creek
- Chippewa Creek Falls
- Deer Lick Cave Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
