Twin Sisters Falls Trail Hike Overview
- Length: 1.75 miles (2.81 km) round-trip
- Hiking Time: 50 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 115 feet
- Route: Out-And-Back
- Best Season: Winter. When the stream and waterfall freeze, this hike becomes a winter wonderland with some of the most unique views in the entire park.
- Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
- Kid-Friendly: Yes, for those who can traverse over rocks/boulders and across streams and uneven trails.
- Wheelchair Accessible: No
- Finding the Trailhead: Located at Station Road Bridge. 13513 Station Road Bridge, Brecksville, Ohio 44141
Twin Sisters Falls Trail Guide
Twin Sisters Falls Trail (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)
Twin Sisters Falls Trail is a 1.75-mile out-and-back hike within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is a moderately difficult, mostly flat trail with over 100 feet of elevation gain. It takes hikers on the Towpath Trail and into the “backcountry” of the park.
You start your hike by parking at Station Road Bridge in Brecksville, Ohio. While this parking lot is open 24 hours a day, you should only try this hike during daylight.
After departing your car, you will walk on the paved path north until you reach the famous Station Road Bridge within 100 feet.
You will cross the bridge and enter the towpath trail, where you will walk straight for about 1/10 of a mile before getting to your first intersection. You will take an immediate left and, within another 100 feet, will come upon a split in the trail. Whether you go right or left, the distance is about the same, and you will merge onto a single trail in about 1/10 mile. Taking a left at the split will bring you closer to the Cuyahoga River, while taking a right will give you better canal views.
Once you complete either the right or left-hand side of the trail, you will continue on the towpath for another 1/10 mile before you reach a tributary known as the mudcatcher on the right-hand side across from the canal. This is easily recognizable due to its unique structure; sometimes, water flows off it.
At this point, you will need to cross the canal and prepare to get wet. To minimize how wet you get, you can cross this in winter when the water freezes or in summer when the water level is low.
You will then climb up a small, well-traveled footpath just to the left of the mudcatcher. After this, you have two options for getting to Twin Sisters Falls. The easiest route is to follow the river. You will get wet, and there are down trees you will have to climb over or under, but it is the most direct route. Your other option is to follow the well-traveled single-track that will weave you in and out of the dirt and water but will allow you to avoid obstacles like down trees and help you avoid getting wet.
Regardless of the route, you will travel for another .1/3 mile. During this section of the hike, you will experience the true beauty and serenity of the backcountry. In the spring, you may notice salamanders and frogs; in the summer, tiny fish and sometimes small animals like squirrels and chipmunks.
Take note during your hike of the gray sandstone and the peaceful sound of the rippling stream you are hiking through. You will also notice a small split in the trail to the right halfway into this section of the trail. If you are feeling adventurous, you can find a peaceful runoff “waterfall” that adds to your experience when it freezes in the winter.
You will then continue for the second half of this section with more single-track trail, stream trekking, and a slippery but doable uphill climb on sandstone as you approach the waterfall.
Once you reach Twin Sisters Falls, you can’t help but notice its magnificent size. When it freezes in the winter, it creates an unforgettable natural wonder. In the spring and fall, it can become a gushing waterfall. And in the summer, if there is a waterfall, it provides a cool reprieve from the heat.
Once you relax, enjoy a snack, and take in the falls, you will head back the same way you came and back to your car in amazement over your adventure.
Alternative Option
If you are looking for a shorter hike or a bigger waterfall, visiting Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is highly recommended.
The benefits of visiting Brandywine Falls are as follows:
- It is the crown jewel of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and has even been compared to some of the waterfalls in National Parks like Yosemite.
- It is easy to get to. You only need to park and walk 1/4 of a mile to view the falls, which makes it a much easier alternative than Blue Hen Falls.
- It is even more spectacular than the Twin Sisters Falls in the winter when it freezes. It has become one of Ohio’s most, if not the most, stunning natural wonders.
- Loop trail. For those that want to not only visit this waterfall but take a scenic and backcountry hike, you can complete a 1.5-mile loop of Brandywine Gorge Trail, where you’ll experience the beautiful Brandywine Creek, plentiful fauna and flora, and so much more!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can hike on this trail any time of the year. However, winter and spring are the most beautiful times to visit with minor traffic.
This hike is considered moderate and achievable for novice to moderately experienced hikers. Expect a trail that consists of limestone, single-track, water crossings, and even stream trekking.
Yes, this is a moderate hike for kids five and up. They will love the waterfall, the streams to play in, and the different plants and animals they may experience.
Yes, you can bring leashed dogs on the trail at any time of the year
Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits frequent this trail (towpath). Squirrels, chipmunks, salamanders, and frogs can be found in the backcountry section of the trail.
No, this is not a hike that is conducive to trail running.
No, there are no trail markers for Twin Sisters Falls. It is best to use the video and trail map provided map provided in this article.
No, you can hike this trail any day and any hour.
No, this trail is not recommended for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities.
It is always recommended to carry a phone, backpack, water, hiking boots or shoes, and a light snack. You should also bring a camera for pictures and trekking poles for those who need additional help with balance.
You should park at Station Road Bridge in Brecksville, Ohio.
This is not a well-known trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and you should not worry about crowds. Like most trails, you may encounter a few people on the summer weekends.
Twin Sisters Falls Trail Map
Driving Directions
The easiest way to get to the Twin Sisters Falls Trailhead is to input the Station Road Bridge, Brecksville, Ohio, into your phone and GPS.
Driving Directions:
- When driving to the Station Road Bridge Parking Lot, you will arrive from driving north or south on Riverview Road. Once you approach Cuyahoga Valley National Park you will take a right onto Station Road Bridge Road/Chippewa Creek Road.
Learn More About Cuyahoga Valley National Park Hikes
While Twin Sisters Falls Trail is one of the best backcountry trails and one of the most scenic attractions in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, numerous fulfilling hikes can be enjoyed during a day or long weekend. Check out some of my other favorite hikes below:
