BRANDYWINE FALLS - Cuyahoga Valley Ohio

 Brandywine Falls is a National Park located in Cuyahoga Valley, Ohio. Brandywine Creek carved a 65-foot fall that cascades over layers of rock made of shales formed from mud on the sea floor that covered the area 350-400 million years ago into a gorge.

The moss, eastern Hemlocks, and Maple trees grow abundantly among the moistness of the gorge.






Accessibility: An ADA boardwalk leads to an observation deck at the top of the falls. Steps also lead to the bottom observation deck to be face-to-face with the powerful falls.

Handicapped restrooms are located directly off the parking lot.

Handicap parking signs designated for those with handicap placards are next to the restrooms and at the head of several walking trails and biking trails.

The biking trails are paved and worth the walk through scenic woods. Maps of the trails are available at a kiosk near the restrooms.

Type: Cascade - water descends a series of rock steps.

Address: 8176 Brandywine Road in Sagamore Hills Township

Phone: (303) 657-2752

WILDCAT FALLS - South Carolina

Wildcat Falls, officially known as Greenville Wayside Park, ia divided into three tiers. All three are fed by Wildcat Branch Creek. The lower section called Wildcat Wayside Falls can been seen right off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway in Greenville County. The fall drops 30-feet before spilling into a shallow granite pool.

ACCESSIBILITY:  No hiking required.  Roadside parking is available for all types of vehicles. Wheelchairs can pull right up to the waterfall pool. The fall can be seen from the side of the road; in fact, you don't even need to get out of the car.

If able, a few natural steps on the left side of lower falls leads to Middle Falls. Middle Falls cascades 10-feet. A shelter built in 1930 is located on the side of Middle Falls. The shelter was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp as a resting stop for traveling motorists.

TYPE: Tiered: Water drops in a series of distinct steps or falls.

Cascade: Water descends a series of rock steps.




DIRECTIONS: Drive 5 miles west from Greenville, SC on US 276. The waterfall is located on the right side of the road. The Wildcat sign is located on the right side of the road too.

ADDRESS:  Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC 29635

AMICALOLA FALLS - Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Fall cascades more than 729 feet (from top to bottom), four times the height of Niagara Falls, making it the tallest southeast. Amicalola Falls is the high-point of Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia. The name comes from a Cherokee Indian word meaning "tumbling waters".

A $5.00 parking fee is due upon entry to the park. There are several parking lots, a store, a museum of wildlife in the park, and rangers on-site for any type of state park questions.

ACCESSIBILITY: Overlooks, platforms, bridges, trails, and a 625 step staircase provide spectacular scenery and access to the falls. A .3 mile ADA trail made of recycled tires offers easy entry to a bridge near the upper third of the falls. If you are physically-able, 625 steps span from the base to the top of the falls. Challengers can join the Canyon Climbers Club. Handicap Parking signs designate handicap parking in all parking lots.

 

FALL TYPE: Cascading: Water descends a series of rock steps.

An 8.5 mile trail leads to the southern end of the famous 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail.

A mountain-top lodge offers the comforts of a hotel and restaurant and picturesque views of the Georgia's Appalachian Mountains. Cottages and a campground offer countrified habitations.



 Park Phone: 706-265-4703

Address: Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge
280 Amicalola Falls State Park Road
Dawsonville, Georgia 30534

Directions: Travel 15 miles  N W of Dawsonville on Highway 52. Take Highway 53west to Hwy 183 to Hwy 52east.

TOCCOA FALLS - Georgia

 Toccoa is a Cherokee word for "beautiful".  Located on the campus of Toccoa Falls College campus in north Georgia, the 186-foot high waterfall is one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls east of the Mississippi. In fact, the fall is taller than Niagara Falls.

ACCESSIBILITY: The falls' access is through the Toccoa Falls gift shop.  Open from 8:30am to sundown, the admission is nominal. Ticket prices are $2 for adults, $1 for seniors, and free for children (6 and under) and veterans. The walking path is slightly uphill with small crushed gravel. A golf cart is available to those who need extra assistance to the base of the falls.










TYPE: Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface. The 186- foot vertical fall plunges into a green pool of water. The creek continues to flow throughout the 1,100 acre campus.









DIRECTIONS: At the entrance of the college, stop at the Security booth. The officer will guide you in the correct direction. Follow the small signs to the gift shop parking lot which has several handicap parking spots.

HIGH FALLS - DuPont State Forest, North Carolina

High Falls is one of the 4 major waterfalls in DuPont State Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in Transylvania County on Little River.

 The falls gradually flows over 125-feet of wide granite. The water stays on the rock for the entire drop.

TYPE:   

• Cascade: Water descends a series of rock steps
  

• Fan: Water spreads horizontally as it descends while remaining in contact with bedrock

ACCESSIBILITY: Trails pass four falls, Triple Falls, Hooker Falls, Bridal Falls, and High Falls. Handicap parking is available at High Falls or Hooker Falls. ADA trails lead to the overlook that allows full view of the entire falls and a second view from the covered bridge at the top of the falls. Connected ADA trails pass High Falls and Hooker Falls.

Contact Information

Mail:



Telephone:


Email:

DuPont State Recreational Forest
PO Box 300
Cedar Mountain, NC 28718-0300

Voice: 828-877-6527
Fax: 828-862-8531
Permits and reservations: 828-877-6527, ext. 242

dupontsf.ncfs@ncagr.gov

DOANES FALLS - Royalston, Massachusetts

In the 19th century, Amos Doane owned the land and a four-story tall manufacturing mill of doors, sashes, and blinds that sat on the falls.  Later aftser the Doane's mill failed, several mills-grist, saw, pail, and falling-operated successfully on the falls. 

WATERFALL TYPE: The waterfalls cascade over boulders, flat granite, and small islands at several points on the Lawrence Brook before plunging into the Tully Lake.

ACCESSIBILITY: Trails lead down both sides of the stream. Two types of trails lead to the upper falls and lower falls. Moderate to strenuous trails lead to viewing points and to the base of the falls; however, trails marked as handicapped with handicapped signs are smooth. The trails lead directly to viewing areas.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS:

Athol Road
Royalston, MA 01368
Telephone: 978.248.9455
Tully Lake Campground:  978.249.4957 (seasonal)
Email: central@thetrustees.org

From Rt. 2, Exit 18, follow Rt. 2A West into Athol. At intersection with Rt. 32, cross Miller’s River Bridge and bear right onto Chestnut Hill Rd. (becomes Athol Rd.) north toward Royalston. Proceed 4 mi. to entrance and parking (3 cars) on left. To Coddings Meadow at Lawrence Brook, walk 0.5 mi. down gated woods road off Athol Rd. on right just before stone bridge.

KENT FALLS STATE PARK - Kent, Connecticut

Kent Falls is one of the most fabulous waterfalls in the New England states dropping 200 feet in 1/4 mile before flowing into the Housatonic River.

This oldest state park in Connecticut was a gift to the state from the White Memorial Foundation in 1915.


The area is named "Sactacook" after a small Indian tribe that originated in Southwestern Connecticut.

ACCESSIBILITY: Handicap parking signs are at the head of the paved trail that leads through the covered bridge and onto the waterfall. At the base of the fall, a flat stone platform provides a serene view of the fall.

FALL TYPE: Cascade: Water descends a series of rock steps.

ADDRESS: 159 Macadonia Brook Road  Kent, CT  06757

DIRECTIONS: North on Rte 7, 4.5 miles from Kent

GREAT FALLS - Paterson, New Jersey

 




Amidst the town of Paterson, New Jersey, a 77-foot impactful waterfall on the Passaic River powers the Great Falls in Paterson National Historical Park. Alexander Hamilton proposed early development of the water power system for industrial use which began in 1792.

Great Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in eastern United States.















We captured the famous Fall's rainbow as we crossed the footbridge over the chasm. 

ACCESSIBILITY:  The parking lot on McBride Street offers handicap parking and ramps at designated handicap parking signs.sidewalks, ramps, and bridges circle the entire park. An accessible bridge crosses over the waterfall and gorge.

WATER SOURCE/FALL TYPE: Passaic River/Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.













PHONE: (973)523-0370


ADDRESS:72 McBride Avenue, Patterson New Jersey

NIAGARA FALLS - Niagara Falls State Park, New York

DESCRIPTION:  Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie overflow into Lake Ontario. About 150,000 gallons of water/second floods over the America side of Niagara Falls. The height is 176 feet.  Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in America.

Besides the spectacular scenic views of the falls and the experience of the mist at many points in the park or hearing the Fall's roar which makes it nearly impossible to carry on a conversation in a normal voice volume, the park offers dining, Cave of the Winds tour, Legends of
Adventure movie (meet daredevils traversing the Falls), sea life at the Aquarium of Niagara, and boat rides to the bottom of the Falls on "Maid of the Mist", as well as a touring shuttle.

In the late 1860's, a small group of environmentalists founded the Free Niagara movement. The movement wanted the natural beauty of the land surrounding the falls to be protected and remain free to the public. The entire network of paths through the wooded areas and along the banks of Niagara River stays maintained and preserved. Even though the park entrance is free, a $10 parking fee is due upon exiting.

 

 TYPE:   Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.  Block: Water descends from a relatively wide stream or river.

 

ACCESSIBILITY:  Wheelchairs and strollers are available at the welcome center.  Level pathways and elevators are available for easy access to anywhere in the park. The trolley and "Maid of the Mist" are accessible for wheelchairs. The 230-foot Observation Deck has elevators to the top overlook and to the base of the falls. Accessible pathways lead to the base of the falls to experience the massive amounts of mist.

DIRECTIONS:  After crossing Grand Island Bridge ($1 toll), take exit 21 to Robert Moses Parkway. Continue on the Parkway as it turns into Prospect Street. Follow the signs that direct you to Niagara Falls State Park parking lots.

Phone:  (716) 278-1796
Address:  Niagara Falls State Park
                332 Prospect Street
                Niagara Falls, NY  14303

MINNEOPA STATE PARK - Mankato, Minnesota

MINNEOPA FALLS STATE PARK - Mankato, Minnesota

 Minneopa Falls are located inside Minneopa State Park in South Central Minnesota near Mankato and New Ulm.  The word "Minneopa" is Dakota language meaning "water falling twice" which explicitly describes the alluring double falls.  The upper falls drops 7-10 feet and the lower falls plunges 40 feet into a pool. The Minnesota River and Minneopa Creek flow through the park which are the source of the waterfall.

A $5 day pass is required for entrance into the park. A fee that is well worth the tranquil view and relaxation created by the sound of water spilling over rock formations. The park is open year-round from 8am-10pm.



ACCESSIBILITY:  A concrete trail leads directly from the gravel parking lot, past picnic areas with shelters and tables. Shaded areas with picnic tables and grilling areas are available also. The trail leads to a picturesque bridge that crosses the waterfall between the upper and lower fall. Following the path around a bend, a full scenic view of both the double fall and bridge can be seen. Clean bathrooms are available; however, the entrance is a tight squeeze for a wheelchair.


FALL TYPE:  Plunge - Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.

DIRECTIONS:  Drive west of Mankato on Highway 60 for 3.5 miles. Watch for the brown State Park sign. Turn right on Highway 68 and drive north for 1.6 miles to the park entrance.

EMAIL:  minneopa.statepark@state.mn.us

ADDRESS:  54497 Gadwall Road  Mankato, Minnesota  56001

PHONE:  (507) 389-5464
             

CATARACT FALLS - Cloverdale, Indiana

DESCRIPTION:  Cataract Falls, located in a park in Indiana in a town named Cloverdale, Indiana (west central part), is the largest waterfall in Indiana. Two sets of falls on Mill Creek, the upper and lower fall, create a cascading fall that drops 86 feet. The upper fall drops 20 feet and the lower fall approximately a half mile away drops 18 feet.

ACCESSIBILITY:  Concrete paths with viewing areas lead directly from the parking lot to the upper falls. Picnic tables, shelters, and bathroom facilities are available at the upper falls. A short drive through the park takes you to a parking lot at the lower falls. There are no accessible paths to the lower falls; however, a grassy area isn't too bumpy for a wheelchair to cross for a closer look.

FEATURE:  A 140 foot covered bridge was built at the upper falls in 1876 and was open to traffic until 1988.








FALL TYPE: 

• Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.
• Cataract: A large, powerful waterfall 
• Cascade: Water descends a series of rock steps

FEE: The Cataract Park website stated there is a $5 fee unless you arrive before the park office opened. If so, you may enter the park free of charge. When we went the office looked deserted.

DIRECTIONS:  From I-70, drive south on US231 and Bloomington. Watch for signs to Cataract Falls. Turn on Cataract Falls road. Drive 3 miles. Cataract Falls is on the right. A large parking lot is directly off of the road. The park is open sun-up to sundown.