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All the United States Ohio Cuyahoga Falls The Little Falls

The Little Falls

For decades, this waterfall remained hidden because of an artificial dam.

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Added By
Corey Barnett
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The Little Falls.   Cleverlyengaged / Atlas Obscura User
The Little Falls.   Cleverlyengaged / Atlas Obscura User
Other side of viewing deck   Deniseg2266 / Atlas Obscura User
The First Cuyahoga Falls   Deniseg2266 / Atlas Obscura User
  Deniseg2266 / Atlas Obscura User
High Bridge Glens Park-path to viewing deck   Deniseg2266 / Atlas Obscura User
Fall colors at the little falls   Cleverlyengaged / Atlas Obscura User
Photo taken 4 July 2008. Dam in background has been removed.   Dan Styer / Atlas Obscura User
A beaver on the banks of the Cuyahoga.   Cleverlyengaged / Atlas Obscura User
Kayakers surveying the Little Falls.   Cleverlyengaged / Atlas Obscura User
Summer   Cleverlyengaged / Atlas Obscura User
  Ahuntley / Atlas Obscura User
view of falls from viewing deck   Deniseg2266 / Atlas Obscura User
  Ahuntley / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In between a highway on-ramp and the Sheraton Suites is a beautiful section of the Cuyahoga River. There, a waterfall known as "The Little Falls" and the surrounding gorge are often overlooked by residents and visitors.

The Little Falls and Big Falls, one mile south in Gorge Metro park, are important to the health of the Cuyahoga River. Like many rivers in industrial areas, dams were installed in the early 1900s to control flooding and to power factories and mills. As a result, the waterfalls disappeared beneath human-made barriers.

In 2013, two dams with 35 feet of concrete were removed from this section of river. Other dams in cities downstream were demolished, creating natural whitewater rapids and revealing the Little Falls.

Today, this section of river has attracted professional whitewater kayakers who test their skills against the might of the Cuyahoga. An annual kayak race features the Class III waterfall "Little Falls," Class II rapids, and a Class V rapid.

Wildlife has returned to the same river that caught fire 50 years earlier including muskrat, mink, otter, and numerous native fish species.

Related Tags

Waterfalls Dams Water

Know Before You Go

Originally built in 1989, the Sheraton Suites takes advantage of its scenic location. Lower level rooms offer private balconies and multiple conference rooms feature sweeping views of the gorge. A restaurant and bar hang over the cliffs of the gorge which offers some of the best views and the roar of whitewater.

Outdoor access to The Little Falls is limited. The upper section can be viewed seasonally at The Jetty. To get closer to the water, enter the Sheraton hotel lobby and take a right towards the swimming pool. With a room key, enter the swimming pool and exit towards an upper outdoor balcony. Without a room key, take the Rock Elevator which offers views on the way down to a natural rock ledge and walkway.

Community Contributors

Added By

Cleverlyengaged

Edited By

Ahuntley, Dan Styer, Deniseg2266

  • Ahuntley
  • Dan Styer
  • Deniseg2266

Published

July 16, 2019

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Sources
  • http://www.gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/cuyahogafalls.shtml
  • https://www.ohio.com/akron/business/new-management-adds-polish-to-cuyahoga-falls-hotel
  • https://www.cfkayakrace.com/
  • https://www.ohio.com/article/20140104/NEWS/301049560
The Little Falls
1989 Front St
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, 44221
United States
41.132686, -81.482562
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