Honestly, if you blinked while driving down Water Street in Olmsted Falls, you'd miss it.
The entrance to David Fortier River Park isn't exactly a grand gateway. It's just a small gravel lot, maybe big enough for a dozen cars if people park like they're actually trying to be considerate. But don't let the "five-acre" label fool you. This place is dense. It’s basically the sourdough bread of parks—compact, heavy with history, and surprisingly satisfying.
Most people think of the Cleveland Metroparks when they want nature in Northeast Ohio. Those are great, sure. But Fortier is different. It’s tucked into a sharp ravine where Plum Creek meets the West Branch of the Rocky River. Because it's literally carved out of an old sandstone quarry, the geography here feels vertical and ancient. You aren't just walking through the woods; you’re descending into a rocky alcove that feels like a secret the rest of the world forgot.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Waterfalls
When you hear "waterfall park," you might expect Niagara or at least a massive drop. You won’t find that here. Instead, David Fortier River Park has what I’d call "moody" water.
There are several small falls, but the star of the show is right where the two waterways collide. Sometimes it’s a roaring, muddy rush. Other times, like in late August, it’s a gentle trickle over sandstone shelves.
The coolest part? You can actually walk on the riverbed when the water is low. Local kids have been "sliding" down the slick rocks where Plum Creek enters the river for decades. Is it technically allowed? The signs say no swimming, but the mossy rocks tell a story of a thousand summer afternoons. It’s a natural playground that no modern architect could ever replicate.
The Mystery in the Stone
If you look closely at the walls near the stone stairs, you'll see them. Chisel marks. Deep, rhythmic scars in the earth.
This isn't just "nature." It’s an industrial ghost. Back in the 1800s, this was a booming sandstone quarry operated by guys like Luther Barnum (who was also the mayor, because why not?). The stone pulled from this dirt ended up in buildings all over the country.
Even the "old-world" vibe of the park—the stone staircases and the pavilion—wasn't just born there. Much of it was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s. They used leftover grindstones and massive sandstone blocks to create the infrastructure. It’s got that heavy, permanent feel that only Great Depression-era stonework has. Basically, the park is a giant recycling project that happens to be beautiful.
Why David Fortier River Park Is a Photographer’s Obsession
Walk through here on a Saturday in October and you will see at least three wedding parties. Probably more.
🔗 Read more: Uvas Canyon County Park: Why This Waterfall Hike Is Better on a Rainy Tuesday
The Charles A. Harding Memorial Covered Bridge sits at the top of the park, spanning Plum Creek. It’s a replica of an older bridge, but it looks like it belongs in a Vermont postcard. It’s the kind of spot where every high school senior in a ten-mile radius gets their portrait taken.
But the real "pro" shots happen down by the water.
- The Inscription Rock: Located near the mouth of the creek, this massive 14-foot stone is covered in carvings.
- The Hidden Alcoves: Because of the quarrying, there are little stone "rooms" tucked into the hillside.
- The Water Street Bridge: If you stand under the massive concrete arches of the main road bridge, you get this weird, cinematic contrast between the modern highway and the prehistoric-looking river below.
The Man Behind the Name
It’s easy to forget that "David Fortier" was a real guy. He wasn't some 19th-century tycoon.
David Fortier was a mayor of Olmsted Falls and a chemistry teacher at Brunswick High School. He was young, well-loved, and his life was cut short by a tragic traffic accident. The city renamed the park in his honor in the late 20th century. Knowing that gives the place a different weight. It’s a memorial to a neighbor, not just a dot on a map.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
- Skip the sandals. The stone steps are often wet, and the riverbed is incredibly slippery. Wear boots with actual grip.
- Go early. The parking lot fills up by 10:00 AM on weekends. If it's full, you can usually find a spot at the Olmsted Community Church or in the Grand Pacific Junction nearby.
- Check the rain gauge. If it rained heavily yesterday, the waterfalls will be brown and the trails will be a swamp. Wait two days for the "crystal clear" vibe.
- No bathrooms. Honestly, this is the biggest downside. There are no facilities in the park itself, so plan your coffee intake accordingly.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip
Don't just walk the loop and leave. David Fortier River Park is meant for lingering.
Start at the covered bridge for the views, then take the stone stairs down into the gorge. Follow the trail along the Rocky River until you hit the "falls." If the water is low, hop out onto the rocks and look for the fossils and tool marks.
When you're done, walk five minutes up the street to Grand Pacific Junction. It’s a restored Victorian shopping village with some of the best ice cream in the county. It’s the perfect "city-break" that doesn't actually require leaving the city.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Pack a pair of old sneakers you don't mind getting wet and head to the park during the "golden hour"—the hour before sunset. The way the light hits the sandstone walls makes the whole ravine glow orange. After you've explored the lower trails, walk across the street to the Moosehead Hoof & Ladder for a burger; the building itself was actually built using sandstone blocks from the very quarry you just hiked through.