Frozen Waterfalls Offer Stunning Winter Sights in Northeast Ohio

From Brandywine Falls to Great Falls of Tinker Creek, these Cleveland-area cascades transform into dramatic ice formations during cold snaps.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Northeast Ohio's waterfalls take on a completely different form in the winter, transforming into sculpted ice formations, frozen mist, and layered textures as temperatures drop and snow settles into the valleys. Photographer David Petkiewicz visited several popular waterfall spots around the Cleveland metro area to capture the dramatic winter scenes, finding that while some locations had heavily snow-covered falls, others had developed impressive ice curtains, icicles, and frozen arches.

Why it matters

These frozen waterfalls offer a unique and beautiful natural experience for photographers and outdoor enthusiasts during the winter months. The contrast between the raw, icy cascades and their surrounding environments - whether it's the urban landscape of Cleveland or the forested ravines of the Metroparks - creates striking visual scenes that are only available for a limited time each year.

The details

Petkiewicz visited several waterfalls, including Buttermilk Falls, Mill Creek Falls, Brandywine Falls, Quarry Rock Falls, the Great Falls of Tinker's Creek, and the falls in downtown Chagrin Falls. At each location, he found the waterfalls had transformed in unique ways - some had developed thick ice curtains and icicles, while others were heavily snow-covered with little visible water or ice. The photographer noted that while accessing some of the falls required short winter hikes, the right gear and preparation allowed visitors to focus on enjoying the experience rather than the cold.

  • In early February 2026, Petkiewicz spent a few days visiting the frozen waterfalls around Northeast Ohio.
  • The waterfalls transform during sustained cold spells, with conditions changing from week to week throughout the colder months.

The players

David Petkiewicz

A photographer who visited and documented the frozen waterfalls in Northeast Ohio in early 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Winter offers a brief but striking window to experience Northeast Ohio's waterfalls in a completely different form.”

— David Petkiewicz, Photographer (cleveland.com)

What’s next

As temperatures continue to fluctuate throughout the winter, visitors are encouraged to check conditions and plan their trips accordingly to see the waterfalls at their most dramatic frozen states.

The takeaway

Northeast Ohio's waterfalls transform into stunning natural ice sculptures during the winter, offering a unique and beautiful experience for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking to appreciate the region's natural wonders in a different light.