Waterfalls near Columbus

18 named waterfalls within 50 miles of Columbus, nearest first, with height and directions.

Showing the waterfalls around Columbus, nearest first. Tap the button to start from where you are instead.

    Waterfall names and positions: USGS Geographic Names Information System (public domain) and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Heights are from OpenStreetMap where a mapper recorded one. Data as of September 2026. Always check the land manager for trail status, closures and parking before you go.

    Waterfalls around Columbus at a glance

    There are 18 named waterfalls within 50 miles of downtown Columbus. The nearest is Milliken Falls, about 5.5 mi WNW in a straight line. Most of the falls around the city lie to the south: 11 of the 18. All of them are in Ohio.

    Distances here are straight lines from the city centre. Roads bend around ridges and rivers, so a fall 20 miles out can take an hour to reach. Search your own street or tap Find falls near me above to measure from where you are.

    How far you have to drive

    WithinNamed waterfalls
    10 miles of Columbus1
    25 miles of Columbus2
    50 miles of Columbus18

    Well-known falls within reach of Columbus

    Cedar Falls (45 miSE) and Ash Cave (46 miSSE) are among the best-known waterfalls within 50 miles. Each is described on its state page: waterfalls in Ohio.

    The 15 nearest waterfalls to Columbus

    WaterfallDistanceHeightWhere
    Milliken Falls 5.5 mi WNW not recorded Ohio
    Indian Run Falls 12 mi NNW not recorded Ohio
    Rock House Falls 38 mi SSE not recorded Ohio
    Lower Falls 41 mi SSE not recorded Ohio
    Rim Trail Falls (off-trail) 41 mi SSE not recorded Ohio
    Broken Rock Falls 44 mi SSE not recorded Ohio
    Upper Falls 44 mi SE not recorded Ohio
    Devil's Bathtub 44 mi SE not recorded Ohio
    Lower Falls 44 mi SSE not recorded Ohio
    Whispering Cave 44 mi SSE not recorded Ohio
    Whispering Falls 45 mi SSE not recorded Ohio
    Cedar Falls 45 mi SE not recorded Hocking County, Ohio
    Ash Cave 46 mi SSE not recorded Ohio
    Amphitheater Falls 46 mi WSW not recorded Ohio
    Cedar Cliff Falls 46 mi WSW 23 ft Ohio

    Counties with the most falls near Columbus

    Hocking County, OH (1) and Knox County, OH (1). County is from the USGS record, so falls mapped only in OpenStreetMap are not counted here.

    Before you go

    The map shows where falls are, not whether a trail reaches them or the land is open. Check the land manager for closures, fees and parking, and stay on the trail near the water. See waterfall safety, waterfall hikes near me and the best time to see waterfalls.

    Waterfalls near other cities: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Charleston, WV, Lexington, Pittsburgh.

    Waterfalls near Columbus: common questions

    How many waterfalls are near Columbus?

    Our map has 18 named waterfalls within 50 miles of Columbus, 2 of them within 25 miles. The count uses USGS and OpenStreetMap names as of 2026-09-23; unnamed and seasonal falls are extra.

    What is the closest waterfall to Columbus?

    Milliken Falls, about 5.5 mi WNW of the city centre in a straight line. The drive is usually longer; use the Directions link in the list above.

    What is the tallest waterfall near Columbus?

    Among falls with a height recorded in OpenStreetMap, Cedar Cliff Falls at about 23 ft, 46 mi WSW of Columbus. Published heights vary between sources.

    When is the best time to see waterfalls near Columbus?

    Spring and after heavy rain. Many falls slow to a trickle in summer, and some freeze into ice columns in cold winters.