Crazy Man's Hollow Falls: A Hidden Waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Dan Wagner
Jul 27
3 min read

Hidden within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Crazy Man's Hollow Falls is one of the park's best-kept secrets, known mostly to locals willing to venture off the beaten path. Like Twin Sister Falls, the seasonal waterfall flows best after heavy rain or snowmelt, rewarding adventurous hikers with an off the beaten path cascade far removed from the busy park crowds.

Trailhead elevation 623'

Water seasonal from Chaffee Run

Don't miss a winter visit when the falls freeze over

Hiking to Crazy Man's Hollow Falls

The Crazy Man's Hollow Falls hike begins at the Station Road Bridge Trailhead near the northern end of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The large parking area accommodates more than 60 vehicles and rarely fills, making it one of the more convenient trailheads in the park. From the parking lot, cross Station Road Bridge, which spans the Cuyahoga River at the Pinery Narrows, the narrowest section of the Cuyahoga River Gorge.

Just beyond the bridge, turn right and follow the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail south.

After approximately 0.4 miles, you'll reach the point where Chaffee Run empties into the Cuyahoga River. The spot is easy to find by the first set of wooden railings on both sides of the Towpath Trail.

Immediately beyond the railings, look for an opening in the vegetation on the left. This marks the start of the unmarked route to Crazy Man's Hollow Falls and the beginning of the off-trail portion of the hike. From this point forward, waterproof hiking shoes or boots are recommended.

Once inside the forest, follow Chaffee Run upstream. Water levels vary considerably throughout the year. During spring, expect several inches of flowing water, with some sections reaching six inches or more. In the heat of summer, the creek often shrinks to only an inch or two deep, although scattered pools can still be more than a foot or two deep.

As you continue upstream, the ravine gradually narrows and the route becomes a bit more rugged. Fallen trees require hikers to climb over, duck under, or weave around them, but none of the obstacles are particularly difficult. Careful footing is the key to staying dry.

Roughly halfway to the waterfall, you'll encounter a modest logjam. While it is relatively easy to navigate, use caution when crossing over, as loose branches and debris can shift underfoot and create unstable footing.

Beyond the logjam, the ravine tightens more, leaving few opportunities to avoid the shallow pools that collect after rainfall. The exposed shale lining the creek can become extremely slick, especially when wet, so take your time through this section.

Just before reaching the waterfall, pass a large moss-covered fallen tree followed by one final, smaller logjam.

Moments later, Crazy Man's Hollow Falls comes into view, cascading approximately 50 feet over a broad shale ledge along Chaffee Run. Although the shale amphitheater is narrower than the one surrounding nearby Twin Sister Falls, the secluded setting and seasonal cascade make this one of the more rewarding unofficial waterfalls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, especially after periods of heavy rain or spring snowmelt. It's important to note that this waterfall does not flow during the summer season unless sustained rainfall has occurred. It's also one of the best winter hikes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, when the falls freeze solid and form a huge curtain of ice.

The origin of Crazy Man's Hollow Falls' name remains a bit of a mystery. Most believe it was given by a local many decades ago, and over time the name stuck, but its true origins are anyone's guess. After enjoying the falls, simply retrace your steps to the trailhead. If you're looking to extend your day, return to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and continue north to explore several other unmarked waterfalls nearby, including Twin Sister Falls, Contour Falls, and Raccoon & Romane Falls. Each offers its own unique scenery and requires a slightly more adventurous route than Crazy Man's Hollow Falls.