CLEVELAND, Ohio — Winter offers a brief but striking window to experience Northeast Ohio’s waterfalls in a completely different form. As temperatures drop and snow settles into the valleys, familiar cascades transform into sculpted ice formations, frozen mist and layered textures that only appear during sustained cold spells.

Some waterfalls slow to a trickle beneath thick ice curtains, while others continue pushing through winter conditions, reshaping the scene from day to day.

For photographers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, winter reveals details and moods that simply don’t exist during warmer months.

Over the course of a few days, I spent time traveling to a handful of popular waterfalls around the Cleveland metro area to see how they were responding to the recent cold and snowfall.

Some locations had transformed into genuine works of art (Viaduct Park, Brandywine Falls), while others were heavily snow‑covered (Bridal Veil Falls, Berea Falls), with little visible water or ice to photograph.

In several spots, the surrounding rock walls were lined with massive icicles hanging over rivers and creeks, adding an extra layer of scale and drama to the scenes below.

Visiting frozen waterfalls does come with added challenges, but a little preparation goes a long way toward making the experience enjoyable. Sturdy hiking boots with good traction, warm layers and weather‑appropriate clothing make navigating snowy or icy paths far more comfortable.

While many of these waterfalls are easily accessible, others require short walks on winter trails, and dressing for the conditions allows you to focus on the experience rather than the cold. With the right mindset and gear, winter can be one of the most rewarding seasons to explore waterfalls across Northeast Ohio.

To see more of the photos from the frozen falls around NE Ohio, click here.

Buttermilk Falls — North Chagrin Reservation

Address: 401 Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Willoughby, OH 44094

Tucked into a shaded ravine within North Chagrin Reservation, Buttermilk Falls becomes especially striking in winter when cold temperatures transform the steady cascade into layered ice formations and hanging icicles.

The falls spill gently over shale ledges, creating a textured, terraced look that freezes beautifully during prolonged cold snaps. Unlike larger, thunderous waterfalls, Buttermilk Falls has a quieter, more intimate presence, making it an excellent stop for winter visitors who enjoy subtle details and close‑up photography.

One of the reasons Buttermilk Falls is so appealing in winter is its accessibility. A short walk from the trailhead leads to a wooden overlook perched above the creek, allowing visitors to safely admire the frozen falls without needing to descend into the ravine.

Snow‑covered hemlocks and hardwoods frame the scene, giving the area a distinctly northern feel, adding to its reputation as one of Northeast Ohio’s most reliable winter waterfall stops.

The falls were partly obscured by the excess snow sitting on top of them, but from the bridge over the creek there are some great icicles that have formed on the walls alongside the falls.

Mill Creek Falls (Cataract Falls) — Garfield Park Reservation

Address: Webb Terrace (off Warner Rd), Cleveland, OH 44105

Mill Creek Falls, also known as Cataract Falls, holds the distinction of being the tallest waterfall in Cuyahoga County, dropping nearly 50 feet within the urban landscape of Cleveland. In winter, the volume of water and sheer height of the falls combine to produce dramatic ice formations, with thick columns and frozen spray clinging to the surrounding rock walls.

The contrast between the raw natural feature and its city surroundings makes Mill Creek Falls one of the most visually unexpected winter waterfalls in the region.

An overlook platform provides a direct view of the falls, making this an easy and rewarding stop even in snow‑covered conditions. During extended cold periods, the flowing water carves channels through ice buildup, resulting in constantly changing shapes and textures.

The frozen walls, mist‑formed ice and exposed rock layers give Mill Creek Falls a bold, industrial beauty that stands apart from more secluded forest waterfalls nearby.

Unfortunately, the stairs leading to the best viewing area are currently closed, but from the viewpoint west of the parking lot you can get a pretty decent view of the frozen falls.

Brandywine Falls — Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Address: 8176 Brandywine Road, Northfield, OH 44067

Brandywine Falls is one of Northeast Ohio’s most iconic waterfalls, and winter offers one of the best opportunities to see it in a completely different light.

The 60‑plus‑foot cascade frequently develops massive ice curtains during cold spells, with long icicles draping over the layered sandstone cliffs.

Even when portions of the falls continue to flow, the combination of ice and moving water creates a dramatic, sculptural effect that draws photographers and visitors alike.

A boardwalk and observation decks provide clear views from above, allowing visitors to take in the frozen spectacle without navigating steep winter trails.

Snow and ice accentuate the stepped geology of the gorge, giving Brandywine Falls a monumental appearance in winter.

As conditions change from week to week, the ice formations evolve, making repeat visits worthwhile throughout the colder months.

Brandywine Falls is always spectacular and even though there was some snow covering parts of the falls, it’s still a sight to see.

This is a bit of a hike from the parking lot along a well-packed trail, but be sure to wear the proper hiking boots, and be extra careful on the few stairs that are still open (the stairs leading to the lower viewing platform are closed).

As an added bonus, there are some spectacular multi-colored icicles hanging from the walls surrounding the falls.

Quarry Rock Falls — South Chagrin Reservation

Address: 36050 Solon Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

Quarry Rock Falls is one of South Chagrin Reservation’s quieter winter highlights, forming a broad, shallow cascade along the Chagrin River.

In freezing conditions, the normally fluid flow spreads across layered shale shelves, creating delicate sheets of ice and low‑profile frozen ripples.

The falls tend to freeze gradually, making this a rewarding spot to visit over the course of a cold stretch as the ice builds day by day.

The nearby picnic area and river trail make Quarry Rock Falls easy to access even after snowfall. Winter transforms the surrounding riverbank into a serene scene, with snow‑covered ledges and icy textures extending well beyond the main cascade.

The combination of gentle water movement and expansive ice patterns gives Quarry Rock Falls a subtle but photogenic winter character that rewards those who take a closer look.

The Quarry Rock Falls are very gently sloping falls, so they didn’t offer much to see as they were covered in snow, but the massive walls surrounding the falls are filled with amazing icicles and are worth the trip.

The hike down to the river is a bit slippery, but with good hiking boots you can get to the riverside to see them. However, if you’re not willing to hike down to the river, you can see plenty from the overlook.

Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek — Viaduct Park (Bedford Reservation)

Address: Willis Street, Bedford, OH 44146

The Great Falls of Tinker’s Creek is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Cleveland Metroparks system, and its winter transformation is nothing short of striking.

The wide curtain of water pours over a broad sandstone lip, often forming thick ice walls and frozen arches during sustained cold weather.

A paved path leads from Viaduct Park’s parking area to an overlook above the falls, making this an accessible but visually impressive winter stop.

Historic bridge structures and stone remnants nearby add context and scale to the scene, emphasizing the force of Tinker’s Creek even when partially frozen.

The combination of size, history, and changing ice conditions makes this one of the most compelling frozen waterfalls to visit in Northeast Ohio.

Although this is probably the farthest hike from the parking lot, the path is well packed and worth the hike (again, good hiking boots are recommended) as the falls are amazing to see, and the walls are covered with massive icicles.

Chagrin Falls — Village of Chagrin Falls

Address: N. Main Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

Located in the heart of downtown Chagrin Falls, this namesake waterfall offers a rare example of a vibrant village built around a natural cascade.

In winter, the falls often freeze into layered ice shelves beneath the Main Street bridge, creating an eye‑catching contrast between natural ice formations and the surrounding storefronts, sidewalks, and stonework.

Snow and frost soften the scene, turning the center of town into a picturesque winter landscape.

The stairs leading to the two different viewing platforms are currently closed due to excess snow, but you can still get a very nice view from the south side of the river at the top of the stairs near the municipal parking lot.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Friday’s snow forecast is coming into sharper focus as an Alberta clipper and Arctic front approach Northeast Ohio.

Snow is expected to increase across the region Thursday night and continue through Friday, with travel impacts likely during the morning commute. Conditions are expected to worsen significantly during Friday’s evening commute as snow squalls, gusty winds and dangerous cold move in behind the front.

The National Weather Service in Cleveland has issued winter weather and cold weather advisories for parts of Northeast Ohio ahead of the storm and incoming Arctic air.

Light snow Thursday night, steadier snow Friday morning

After a few spotty snow showers overnight, a more widespread round of snow is expected Friday morning across Northeast Ohio.

Forecasters say snow between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. could impact the Friday morning commute, with light to occasionally moderate snowfall rates. While snowfall totals are not expected to be extreme, roads are likely to become slick during the morning hours.

Brief lull possible before conditions worsen

Forecasters say snow may become lighter or more intermittent Friday afternoon before the most impactful part of the storm arrives.

Confidence is increasing that conditions will deteriorate rapidly late Friday afternoon into the evening as the Arctic front sweeps across the region, coinciding with the peak of the evening commute.

Snow squalls, blowing snow possible Friday evening

The Arctic front is expected to reach the Cleveland area between 5 and 7 p.m. and move through eastern portions of Northeast Ohio between 6 and 8 p.m.

Forecasters warn a broken line of heavier snow showers or snow squalls could accompany the front, producing brief but intense snowfall rates, gusty winds and rapidly dropping visibility. Wind gusts could reach 30 to 40 mph, with visibility falling below one mile at times.

Blowing and drifting snow is also possible, especially in open areas.

Snow totals, advisories

Total snowfall from Thursday through early Saturday is expected to range from 2 to 4 inches across much of Northeast Ohio, with locally higher totals possible in the snowbelt east of Cleveland.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from 7 a.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday for Cuyahoga and Geauga counties, where 3 to 5 inches of snow are possible.

Dangerous cold follows the snow

Behind the front, Arctic air will pour into the Great Lakes, sending temperatures sharply downward Friday night.

Overnight lows in Northeast Ohio are expected to fall between 5 and minus 5 degrees, with wind chills dropping to 15 to 25 degrees below zero across much of Northeast Ohio.

As a result, a cold weather advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to noon Saturday.

High temperatures Saturday are expected to remain in the single digits to lower teens, with subzero wind chills lingering through the day. Bitter cold is expected to persist into Sunday morning before a gradual moderation early next week.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has released thousands and thousands of documents in the Jeffrey Epstein files.

When you search, the word “Cleveland” comes up 798 times.

The overwhelming majority of references are extremely unclear in relation to potential criminal acts.

In fact, some of the references are for streets named Cleveland, not even in Ohio.

Other examples are someone with the last name Cleveland.

Many of them are simply articles published by Cleveland media that have nothing to do with Epstein at all.

In full disclosure, Cleveland 19 News and some of its employees are referenced in citations for writing articles involving the FBI but not Epstein.

The bottom line is the files released by the DOJ and FBI appear to cast an extremely wide net when collecting potential evidence.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are referenced in the files.

One file is a petition to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Office of Tax Policy Analysis, in which the Cleveland Browns Transportation LLC is asking tax questions about the purchase of an airplane in 2006.

The DOJ does not explain why this court filing is in the Epstein files.

The petition itself for the potential purchase of a jet makes no mention of Jeffrey Epstein.

The timing of this document would have fallen under the Randy Lerner ownership of the Cleveland Browns.

We have asked the Cleveland Browns for a comment.

Cleveland Clinic

The Cleveland Clinic is referenced several times in the DOJ files.

This includes emails from Cleveland Clinic doctors looking for grants or donations from the one-time multi-millionaire.

Other mentions are in emails from Epstein himself recommending treatments to friends at the Cleveland Clinic.

One such email exchange was between Epstein and Cecile de Jongh, who served as the first lady of the U.S. Virgin Islands from 2007 to 2015.

Again, the DOJ does not explain why this email exchange was included in the files and how it pertains to the investigation.

We have asked the Cleveland Clinic for a comment.

Bard High School Early College Cleveland

There is another series of Cleveland references and emails when it comes to Bard High School Early College in Cleveland.

Bard is a chain of high schools where students can also take classes to earn college credits, with a campus here in Cleveland.

The Bard School in Cleveland is a part of the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD).

There are a handful of email exchanges between Epstein and Leon Botstein, currently listed as the President of Bard College.

There is also a picture of three woman with their faces redacted.

In the photo, two of them are wearing t-shirts printed with the words, Bard High School Early College Cleveland.

Again, the DOJ gives no indication why these emails or the picture are included in its investigations.

In a comment from Bard, a spokesperson said in an email, “Bard’s inclusion in those mentions, it’s in the context of a wonderfully successful program which Bard has pioneered — and, unrelated, Epstein happened to be a Bard donor (unsolicited) back in 2011 (long before the world knew what a monster he was,) which the school has publicly acknowledged many times.”

CMSD also issued a statement saying, “We have learned of the photo of two people wearing shirts with the name of one of our high schools, and an email attributed to the president of Bard College in New York. We are not aware of any substantive link to CMSD beyond the shirts. ”

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