22 Must-See Waterfalls in the Laurel Highlands of PA

By
Rusty Glessner
Selfie at Lower Jonathan Run Falls, Ohiopyle State Park

The waterfalls in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania are spectacular!

The counties of Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland are home to countless rivers, creeks, and streams.

And being the mountainous region that it is, that means LOTS of Laurel Highlands waterfalls as well!

The author at Yoder Falls in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.
The author at Yoder Falls in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.

So many waterfalls, in fact, that you may wonder where to begin exploring.

I can help you with that!

Here is my hand-picked list of 22 must-see waterfalls in the Laurel Highlands, complete with directions to each one.

Simply click on the link / blue text in each waterfall description to see maps, directions, and additional photos of that waterfall.

Ohiopyle Falls

A fisherman casts a line on an autumn morning at Ohiopyle Falls.
A fisherman casts a line on an autumn morning at Ohiopyle Falls.

The namesake of Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle Falls spans the width of the Youghiogheny River and is 20 feet tall.

Cucumber Falls

A young explorer checking out Cucumber Falls.
A young explorer checking out Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

Possibly the most photogenic (and most photographed) waterfall in the Laurel Highlands, Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park is a graceful 30-foot drop.

Upper Jonathan Run Falls

A winter scene at Upper Jonathan Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park
A winter scene at Upper Jonathan Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

Upper Jonathan Run Falls is located along the popular Jonathan Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park.

Lower Jonathan Run Falls

Lower Jonathan Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park - Spring 2019.
Lower Jonathan Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

Lower Jonathan Run Falls is located a few hundred yards upstream from the Great Allegheny Passage at Ohiopyle State Park.

Fechter Run Falls

Selfie at Fechter Run Falls, Ohiopyle State Park.
The author at Fechter Run Falls, Ohiopyle State Park.

Fechter Run Falls is located just off the Sugar Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park.

Sugar Run Falls

A downstream view of Sugar Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.
A downstream view of Sugar Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

Sugar Run Falls is located along the Mitchell Trail at Ohiopyle State Park.

Lower Sugar Run Falls

Lower Sugar Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.
Lower Sugar Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

Lower Sugar Run Falls is located just below the Great Allegheny Passage at Ohiopyle State Park, where a bridge carries it over Sugar Run.

Bruner Run Falls

Bruner Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.
Bruner Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

Bruner Run Falls is a series of small waterfalls on Bruner Run at Ohiopyle State Park.

Upper Cascades on Meadow Run

The Upper Cascades on Meadow Run at Ohiopyle State Park.
The Upper Cascades on Meadow Run at Ohiopyle State Park.

The Upper Cascades on Meadow Run form a rocky waterfall along this popular trout fishing stream at Ohiopyle State Park.

Lower Cascades on Meadow Run

The Lower Cascades on Meadow Run at Ohiopyle State Park.
The Lower Cascades on Meadow Run at Ohiopyle State Park.

The Lower Cascades on Meadow Run span the entire stream as it makes its way towards the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park.

Natural Waterslides on Meadow Run

The Natural Waterslides at Ohiopyle State Park on a winter afternoon.
The Natural Waterslides at Ohiopyle State Park on a winter afternoon.

The Natural Waterslides on Meadow Run are located alongside Route 381 in the heart of Ohiopyle.

Fallingwater

Fallingwater as seen from the "Classic View" on the Visitor Center map.
Fallingwater in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

Fallingwater in Fayette County is perhaps the most famous waterfall and home in the Laurel Highlands, thanks to architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s world-renowned design.

Stewarton Falls

Stewarton Falls on Crooked Creek n Fayette County Pennsylvania
Stewarton Falls on Crooked Creek in Fayette County Pennsylvania

Stewarton Falls is located on Crooked Creek in the Bear Run Nature Reserve in Fayette County.

East Park Falls

East Park Falls Connellsville PA Fayette County
East Park Falls Connellsville PA

East Park Falls is located in a city park in the heart of Connellsville, Fayette County.

Robinson Falls

Robinson Falls in Connellsville Pennsylvania
Robinson Falls in Connellsville, Pennsylvania

Robinson Falls is located on the western edge of Connellsville in Fayette County, and is rumored to have been a campsite of George Washington during the French and Indian War.

Adams Falls

Adams Falls in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania
The author at Adams Falls in Westmoreland County.

Adams Falls at Linn Run State Park in Westmoreland County offers you the chance to stand behind a 12 foot tall waterfall.

Cole Run Falls

The author at Cole Run Falls in the Laurel Highlands.
The author at Cole Run Falls in the Laurel Highlands.

Cole Run Falls in Somerset County is a magnificent two-tiered waterfall less than 100 yards from a parking area in the Forbes State Forest.

Cave Falls

The author at Cave Falls on Cole Run in Somerset County,PA.
The author at Cave Falls on Cole Run in Somerset County,PA.

Cave Falls is also located on Cole Run in the Forbes State Forest, Somerset County.

Yoder Falls

A springtime view of Yoder Falls near Davidsville, PA.
A springtime view of Yoder Falls near Davidsville, PA.

Yoder Falls in Somerset County is a 25 foot tall waterfall situated on land owned by the city of Johnstown (but open to public hiking).

Waterfall Beneath the Pack Saddle Bridge

A lone fisherman on Brush Creek below the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in Somerset County, PA.
A lone fisherman on Brush Creek below the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge in Somerset County, PA.

The waterfall beneath the Pack Saddle Bridge in Somerset County is easily the most-photographed waterfall in Somerset County.

Hinckston Run Falls

Hinckston Run Falls in Cambria County Pennsylvania
Hinckston Run Falls in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.

Hinckston Run Falls is located just a few miles north of the Somerset County line near Johnstown, Cambria County.

Hippie Shower Falls

Looking at Hippie Shower Falls from the Great Allegheny Passage in the Laurel Highlands.
Looking at Hippie Shower Falls from the Great Allegheny Passage in the Laurel Highlands.

Hippie Shower Falls is located along the Great Allegheny Passage in Fayette County.

There you have it!

22 must-see Laurel Highlands waterfalls for you to discover and enjoy!

The author and daughter at the Ohiopyle Falls Overlook along Ferncliff Trail.
The author and daughter at the Ohiopyle Falls Overlook in the Laurel Highlands.

Nearby Attractions

Looking to explore some of those famous mountain vistas in the Laurel Highlands?

Then be sure to check out “The 11 Best Scenic Overlooks in the Laurel Highlands” for directions to some of the finest views in Pennsylvania!

The author capturing a sunrise photo at Baughman Rock Overlook.
The author capturing a sunrise photo at Baughman Rock Overlook in Fayette County.

Do covered bridges interest you?

Then be sure to check out “Exploring the Covered Bridges of Somerset County” for driving directions to all 10 historic sites.

Fall foliage at Walters Mill Covered Bridge in Somerset County PA
Walter’s Mill Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

Are bike paths more your speed?

Then be sure to check out the Big Savage Tunnel along the Great Allegheny Passage in Somerset County.

The well-lit and refurbished Big Savage Tunnel along the Great Allegheny Passage in Somerset County PA.
The well-lit and refurbished Big Savage Tunnel along the Great Allegheny Passage in Somerset County PA.

Looking for waterfalls closer to Pittsburgh?

Then be sure to check out these 7 must-see waterfalls in Western Pennsylvania!

The author at Hell's Hollow Falls.
The author at Hell’s Hollow Falls in Western Pennsylvania.

The Laurel Highlands was named by USA Today as one of the top destinations in the United States to view fall foliage.

Fall foliage around the High Bridge over the Youghiogheny River along the Great Allegheny Passage.
Fall foliage around the High Bridge over the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park.

The 12 Best Places to View Fall Foliage at Ohiopyle State Park will show you why!

The Youghiogheny River Overlook along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
The Youghiogheny River Overlook along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail at Ohiopyle State Park.

Looking for a list of the BEST waterfalls in ALL of Pennsylvania?

Then be sure to check out The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide to discover the finest waterfalls in PA!

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfall Guide created by Rusty Glessner
The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide by Rusty Glessner

If frozen waterfalls get your heart pumping, then be sure to check out The 50 Best Winter Waterfalls in Pennsylvania.

A winter scene at Sugar Run Falls at Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County.
A winter scene at Sugar Run Falls in the Laurel Highlands.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is an award-winning photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and creator of the PA Bucket List travel and adventure guide.

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