The five fave waterfalls of Lake Metroparks’ Andy Avram

By Mimi Vanderhaven

The Hunger Games. Jurassic Park. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

If this was a category on Jeopardy!, the question would be “What are famous movies that feature waterfalls?”

Luckily, you don’t have to travel the globe or even pay for a movie ticket to find breathtaking waterfalls, as there are several here in Lake County.

Mimi loves the meditative rush of water as much as the next girl, so she consulted Andy Avram, Interpretive Manager at Lake Metroparks for the insider’s scoop.

“The deep ravines of southern Lake County frame delightful waterfalls,” he says. “Some of these cascades are easily accessible, while others require a bit of a hike to see them.”

Andy’s Top 5 List

1. Paine Falls Park — A short walk leads to a view of one of the largest waterfalls in Lake Metroparks. Paine Creek flows under the Paine Road bridge before spreading out into a large, two-tiered, fan-shaped waterfall.
2. Chair Factory Falls — A mill built at the site of this large waterfall used to be a hub of industry in Concord from 1846 until it burned down in 1893. Among many products, chairs were made there. Today, the forest has reclaimed this stretch of Jordan Creek, creating a scenic waterfall. Access it from the Greenway Corridor, either by parking at the Old Stone Schoolhouse in Concord Township or from the Environmental Learning Center.
3. Baker Road Park — Before dropping into the Grand River Valley, the Sycamore Trail makes a brief stop at a deep, narrow ravine with a stunning waterfall.
4. Penitentiary Glen Reservation — A short jaunt along the Gorge Rim Loop Trail and a 141-step descent into the gorge reveals a lovely waterfall along Stoney Brook. A small bench invites hikers to stop and bask in the serenity.
5. Hogback Ridge Park — A right turn after following the Bluebell Valley Path down the steps and to the bank of Mill Creek will lead hikers to a large, fan-shaped waterfall.

Lake Metroparks provides more than 3.5 million visitors each year with recreational and educational experiences, including more than 50 miles of trails. To see photos of all five waterfalls, visit LakeMetroparks.com/parks-trails/waterfalls-of-lake-metroparks for more information.