Waterfalls by Category

40 Must-See Roadside Waterfalls in Pennsylvania

Incredible fall foliage around Dry Run Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest.

If you’re looking for directions to the best roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania,you’re in the right place!

Big Run Falls in Lawrence County Pennsylvania. — Big Run Falls in Lawrence County.

Because while everyone loves a good waterfall, not everyone is able to hike long distances to see one.

Fall foliage views at Ohiopyle State Park. — Ohiopyle Falls in Fayette County.

That’s why I’ve created this interactive map below, featuring directions to 40 of Pennsylvania’s best roadside waterfalls!

So if finding easily-accessible waterfalls is important to you, then you’re going to want to bookmark this post!

The first waterfall on Miners Run in the Loyalsock State Forest. — Miners Run Falls #1 along Rock Run Road in Lycoming County, PA.

I’m going to break the list down into 2 categories.

“Truly roadside” waterfalls that can be seen from your vehicle.
“Almost roadside” waterfalls that can be seen by walking/hiking less than 5 minutes.

For each waterfall listed, simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to see more details and photos for each one.

A September view of Table Falls, flowing high and clear on Paige Run. — A September view of Table Falls, next to Red Run Road in Elk County.

If you’ve been searching high and low for a list of the best roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania, here it is!

The serene Tanners Falls in Wayne County, Pennsylvania flows gracefully over stratified rock ledges, surrounded by the awakening spring landscape of State Game Lands 159. A rustic metal bridge, showcasing utilitarian architecture, spans across the stream in the background, creating a picturesque scene that juxtaposes the man-made structure with the waterfall's natural beauty. The waterfall, part of the historic site where a tannery once operated until 1931, is enveloped by trees that are just beginning to bud, hinting at the rebirth of the forest in early spring. — Tanners Falls in Wayne County.

The Best “Truly Roadside” Waterfalls in Pennsylvania

For this section, I’m defining “truly roadside” as waterfalls that can be seen from your vehicle.

View of Hinckston Run Falls from the passenger seat of my truck.

1. Dry Run Falls

Dry Run Falls in Sullivan County would get my vote for THE best “truly roadside” waterfall in Pennsylvania.

A summer view of Dry Run Falls in Sullivan County, PA.

Dry Run Falls is literally right next to a large parking area along Dry Run Road.

The proximity of the parking are to Dry Run Falls.

No matter the season, Dry Run Falls is outstanding!

Autumn comes to Dry Run Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest.

2. Holcomb Falls

Holcomb Falls in Bradford County is right up there with Dry Run Falls when it comes to exceptional roadside waterfalls.

Holcomb Falls along Leroy Mountain Road in Bradford County PA. — Holcomb Falls along Leroy Mountain Road in Bradford County.

How close can you get to Holcomb Falls in your vehicle?

This close!

Toyota Tacoma parked in front of Holcomb Falls along Leroy Mountain Road in Bradford County PA — Toyota Tacoma parked in front of Holcomb Falls along Leroy Mountain Road in Bradford County.

3. Big Run Falls in Sullivan County

Big Run Falls in Sullivan County is another fantastic roadside waterfall that can be seen without leaving your vehicle.

The view of Big Run Falls from Sullivan Falls Road.

Big Run Falls is just minutes from Ricketts Glen State Park along Sullivan Falls Road.

A winter view of Big Run Falls from Sullivan Falls Road.

4. Big Run Falls in Lawrence County

Big Run Falls in New Castle, Lawrence County is a 20 foot tall waterfall at the heart of an abandoned amusement park turned nature park.

You can literally park and picnic right next to the Big Run Falls overlook at Cascade Park in New Castle.

Picnic table at the roadside overlook near Big Run Falls in New Castle.

5. Vinegar Run Falls

Vinegar Run Falls is roadside along Route 154 in Sullivan County, just minutes from Worlds End State Park.

Winter view of Vinegar Run Falls in Sullivan County.

Vinegar Run Falls are easily seen from Route 154, but the falls themselves are on private property.

Please be aware of that and simply enjoy them from the road.

Fall foliage at Vinegar Run Falls in Sullivan County.

6. Mineral Spring Falls

Mineral Spring Falls in Sullivan County is plainly visible from Mineral Spring Road near Worlds End State Park.

Mineral Spring Falls in Sullivan County PA

Many people mistakenly believe Mineral Spring Falls is part of Worlds End State Park, but in fact the falls are located in the Loyalsock State Forest.

Mineral Spring Falls near Worlds End State Park

7. Miners Run Falls

Miners Run Falls is a series of waterfalls along Miners Run in Lycoming County.

A downstream view of the first waterfall on Miners Run in the Loyalsock State Forest.

The “first” waterfall in this series is plainly visible from Rock Run Road, where Miners Run passses underneath a bridge before spilling into Rock Run.

An autumn scene from the first waterfall on Miners Run in the Loyalsock State Forest.

8. Wykoff Run Falls

Wykoff Run Falls in Cameron County is plainly visible from Wykoff Run Road in the Quehanna Wild Area.

A fisherman at Wykoff Run Falls in Cameron County

The shortest waterfall on this list, Wykoff Run Falls is still a popular spot in all seasons due to its ease of access.

Winter at Wykoff Run Falls in Cameron County PA

9. Hinckston Run Falls

Hinckston Run Falls is a man-made but attractive roadside waterfall in Cambria County.

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

This waterfall serves as the spillway for Hinckston Run Reservoir, so it usually flows well year-round.

10. Lick Creek Falls

Lick Creek Falls along Landrus Road in Tioga County is just outside the village of Arnot.

11. Buttermilk Falls in Luzerne County

Buttermilk Falls is a 35 foot-tall waterfall located along White Haven Road, one mile south of Bear Creek Village in Luzerne County.

A tranquil scene of Buttermilk Falls, located within the Bear Creek Preserve in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, where the water gently descends in a series of white, frothy cascades over stratified rock ledges. Surrounded by a forest of trees and rocks covered in lush green moss, the area is rich with the hues of nature, as fallen leaves in various shades of brown are scattered across the moist, dark stones, adding to the autumnal palette of the landscape. The water’s flow creates a soft, misty atmosphere, adding a sense of peacefulness to this picturesque woodland setting. — Buttermilk Falls in Luzerne County.

12. Resica Falls

Resica Falls is a stunning 25 foot-tall roadside waterfall located just of Resica Falls Road in Monroe County.

Resica Falls cascades over rock ledges in a wooded area of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, part of the Resica Falls Scout Reservation. The water flows in a series of white, frothy veils against the dark rocks, flanked by branches and trees that have fallen into the falls, creating a natural dam. Lush green moss and early spring vegetation cling to the rocks, highlighting the falls' vibrant ecosystem. A concrete bridge in the background spans the calm river waters above the falls, and the surrounding forest, stripped of its leaves, suggests the quiet of an early spring day just before the burst of new growth.

The Best “Almost Roadside” Waterfalls in Pennsylvania

For this next section, I’m defining “almost roadside” as waterfalls that can be seen by walking/hiking 5 minutes or less.

A young explorer checking out Cucumber Falls. — A young explorer checking out Cucumber Falls, “almost roadside” at Ohiopyle State Park.

1. Alpha Falls

Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park in Lawrence County is accessed by a parking lot at the top of the falls.

Rusty Glessner at Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park — The author at Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park

The best views of the falls, however, are from below.

Staircase on the North Country Trail near Alpha Falls.

To reach that spot you take a quick 5 minute hike down a few flights of stairs and then across a short path to the bottom of Alpha Falls.

Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill in Lawrence County Pennsylvania

2. Quaker Falls

Quaker Falls in Lawrence County is the centerpiece of the Quaker Falls Recreation Area, where scenic view of the falls can be had from near the back edge of the parking lot.

Quaker Falls as viewed from the parking lot at Quaker Falls Recreation Area in Lawrence County Pennsylvania. — Quaker Falls as viewed from the parking lot at Quaker Falls Recreation Area in Lawrence County.

And if you want to see Quaker Falls from below, a short (but unimproved) trail leads down to the base of the falls.

Approaching Quaker Falls in Lawrence County Pennsylvania. — Approaching Quaker Falls in Lawrence County

3. Freedom Falls

Freedom Falls in Venango County is a quick 5 minute walk downhill from a parking area along Rockland Station Road.

Freedom Falls on Shull Run in Venango County.

Your initial view of Freedom Falls once you walk down the hill is from the side, but you can walk downstream another minute or two to get the full frontal effect.

Freedom Falls near Kennerdell in Venango County Pennsylvania — Freedom Falls near Kennerdell in Venango County, Pennsylvania

4. Springfield Falls

Springfield Falls is a beautiful almost-roadside waterfall in Mercer County, located just steps from a parking area along aptly named Falls Road.

Exploring Springfield Falls in Mercer County Pennsylvania. — The author at Springfield Falls.

Standing 20 feet tall and close to 40 feet wide, Springfield Falls spans the entire width of Hunters Run on State Game Lands 284.

Springfield Falls on a spring morning in Mercer County, PA. — Springfield Falls on a spring morning.

5. East Park Falls

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

Close-up of East Park Falls in Connellsville PA

A 5 minute hike takes you from a parking area in the park to the foot of the falls.

Upper East Park Falls in Connellsville Pennsylvania — Upper tier of East Park Falls in Connellsville, Pennsylvania.

6. Robinson Falls

Robinson Falls is located just off of Falls Avenue (appropriately) on the western edge of Connellsville in Fayette County.

It’s rumored the George Washington camped here at Robinson Falls as part of General Braddock’s army during the French and Indian War.

7. Stewarton Falls

Stewarton Falls sits less than 5 minutes (albeit a bit of a steep descent) from Stewarton Road in Fayette County.

Stewarton Falls in Fayette County Pennsylvania — Stewarton Falls along Stewarton Road in Fayette County, PA.

Stewarton Falls is located on the Bear Run Nature Reserve.

Stewarton Falls on Crooked Creek n Fayette County Pennsylvania

8. Fallingwater

Fallingwater in Fayette County is located less than 5 minutes from the parking area and Visitors Center at one of Pennsylvania’s most famous homes.

The author (Rusty Glessner) taking a photo at Fallingwater on a winter day. — The author taking a photo at Fallingwater on a winter day.

You do have to pay admission to tour the grounds at Fallingwater (check their official website – last time I went it was $10 to tour the outside grounds), but it is money well spent if you’ve never been there.

Fallingwater as seen from the "Classic View" on the Visitor Center map. — Fallingwater as seen from the “Classic View” on the Visitor Center map.

9. Ohiopyle Falls

Ohiopyle Falls at Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County offers several different wheelchair-accessible viewing options just a minute or two from a large, paved parking area.

Fall foliage views at Ohiopyle Falls on October 16, 2022.

There is a nice side view from the Observation Deck.

A winter view of Ohiopyle Falls from the Observation Deck.

A frontal view next to the Visitors Center.

Ohiopyle Falls as viewed from in front of the Laurel Highlands Visitors Center.

And a view from inside the Visitors Center as well.

Ohiopyle Falls as viewed from inside the Laurel Highlands Visitors Center.

10. Cucumber Falls

Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park is a 2 minute walk from the parking area to the upper observation area, although you do have to negotiate a handful of steps to get there.

The view from above Cucumber Falls on a winter day. Ohiopyle State Park, Fayette County, PA

If stairs aren’t an issue for you, you can descend additional steps to get even closer to Cucumber Falls.

An autumn view of Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.

11. Natural Slides at Ohiopyle State Park

The Natural Waterslides at Ohiopyle State Park are a series of roadside cascades accessed by a short staircase near Route 381 in the heart of Ohiopyle.

Stairway leading to the Natural Water Slides at Ohiopyle State Park. — Stairway leading to the Natural Water Slides.

The upper portion of the slides was formed by Meadow Run as it cuts through the rocks on its way towards the Youghiogheny River.

The longest chute along the Natural Water Slides at Ohiopyle State Park. — The longest chute along the Natural Water Slides.

The lower portion of the slides is a mini-waterfall spanning Meadow Run.

The lower portion of the Natural Waterslides at Ohiopyle State Park

12. Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County

Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County is just short walk down a well-maintained path to an upper observation deck.

Approaching the upper observation area at Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County.

The view from the observation deck is quite nice.

View of Buttermilk Falls from the upper observation area.

If stairs aren’t an issue, you can get much closer to (and actually walk BEHIND) Buttermilk Falls.

Buttermilk Falls on a late February morning.

13. Cole Run Falls

Cole Run Falls in Somerset County sits less than 100 yards from a parking area in the Forbes State Forest.

The walk to the top of the falls is completely flat.

A side view of Cole Run Falls in the Laurel Highlands.

If you want to view it from below you can pick your way down the bank via an obvious and well-worn footpath.

A summer view of Cole Run Falls in the Forbes State Forest.

14. Pack Saddle Bridge

The Pack Saddle Bridge in Somerset County is iconic because of the waterfalls it crosses over.

Summer downpours in the Laurel Highlands mean huge flow on Brush Creek and the waterfalls beneath the Pack Saddle Bridge.

This view from the right side (when facing upstream) is the easiest vantage point to take in the waterfalls.

A blanket of fresh snow turns the Pack Saddle Bridge in Somerset County, Pennsylvania into a winter wonderland.

15. Table Falls

Table Falls lies right next to Red Run Road in Elk County.

Table Falls flowing high and clear on a September morning.

A 5 minute hike from a parking area located next to the bridge above this waterfall brings you out at the base of Table Falls.

A close-up of Table Falls in the Quehanna Wild Area, Elk County, Pennsylvania.

16. Adams Falls

Adams Falls in Luzerne County is the most accessible of all the waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

A 5 minute walk from a parking area along Route 118 brings you to the top of Adams Falls.

A view of Adams Falls from the upper vantage point.

A short staircase brings you to a middle vantage point.

The multiple tiers of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen.

A final staircase allows you to view the lower tier of Adams Falls.

The bottom tier of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

17. Rock Run Falls

Rock Run Falls is actually a series of waterfalls along the wildly popular Rock Run in Lycoming County.

Rock Run Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

Parking areas along Rock Run Road allow you to drive to these falls, park, and hike down the bank of Rock Run to the falls.

18. Sullivan Falls

Sullivan Falls on State Game Lands 13 is one of the most popular and most easily accessed waterfalls in Sullivan County.

The parking area at Sullivan Falls along Sullivan Falls Road.

A 2 minute walk from the back of a parking area along Sullivan Falls Road brings you to an upper vantage point.

Looking down on Sullivan Falls from the top of the switchback trail.

A more challenging switchback trail takes you down to stream level if you so desire.

The famous rope swing at Sullivan Falls.

19. Coal Run Falls

Coal Run Falls is a series of waterfalls next to Rock Run Road in Sullivan County, just downstream from Sones Pond.

Unnamed waterfall along Coal Run in the Loyalsock State Forest.

You can either hike along Rock Run Road and drop in to see the falls, or (my preference) just park at Sones Pond and hike downstream to one waterfall after another.

20. Darling Run Falls

Darling Run Falls is a small roadside waterfall in Tioga County.

Darling Run Falls in the Tioga State Forest Pennsylvania — Darling Run Falls in the Tioga State Forest

This waterfall is a 5 minute hike downstream from the parking area next to the bridge on Darling Run Road.

Darling Run Falls near the Pine Creek Rail Trail

21. Mine Hole Run Falls

Mine Hole Run Falls is yet another small roadside waterfall in Tioga County.

A short hike from a roadside pull-off on Mine Hole Road puts you right above the falls.

Mine Hole Run Falls in the Tioga State Forest

22. Nay Aug Falls

Nay Aug Falls in located in the heart of a city park in Scranton, Lackawanna County.

Nay Aug Falls on Roaring Brook in Lackawanna County

A short walk from the parking area brings you to the Nay Aug Falls overlook.

23. Shohola Falls

Shohola Falls is located just off Route 6 in Pike County.

Shohola Falls on State Game Lands 180 in Pike County Pennsylvania — Shohola Falls on State Game Lands 180 in Pike County, Pennsylvania

A 5 minute walk from a parking area on State Game Lands 180 is all that is required to see Shohola Falls.

Shohola Falls on State Game Lands 180 in Pike County

24. Raymondskill Falls

Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, is located less than 200 yards from a parking area off of Raymondskill Road in Pike County.

Raymondskill Falls in Pennsylvania — Upper and middle tiers of Raymondskill Falls in Pike County PA.

This 178 foot tall waterfall can be viewed from several different vantage points, the lower of which require a more strenuous hike to get to.

The bottom tier of Raymondskill Falls in PIke County. — The bottom tier of Raymondskill Falls in Pike County.

25. Silverthread Falls

Silverthread Falls is located near the Dingmans Falls Visitors Center in Pike County.

Silverthread Falls in the Delaware Water Gap.

A 2-3 minute hike along a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk is all that is required to see Silverthread Falls

Boardwalk trail between Dingmans Falls and Silverthread Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. — Boardwalk trail to Silverthread Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania.

26. Dingmans Falls

Dingmans Falls is located just a few minutes further down the boardwalk trail from Silverthread Falls, in Pike County.

Dingmans Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania.

Dingmans Falls is listed at 130 feet tall, making it the second tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania.

Dingmans Falls in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

27. Tanners Falls

Tanners Falls in Wayne County is a 20 foot-tall, multi tiered roadside waterfall, located on State Game Lands 159.

The flowing majesty of Tanners Falls in State Game Lands 159, Pennsylvania, is captured in this view where the water rushes over natural rock formations. The falls are framed by a rustic iron bridge that crosses the river, connecting the two sides of the forested area. The overcast sky and the early signs of spring in the budding trees around the falls create a tranquil, almost ethereal scene. The rock surfaces near the water are marked with colorful graffiti, indicating interaction with visitors, against the backdrop of the historic tannery ruins. — Tanners Falls along Tanners Falls Road.

Visitor can park in a large lot at the top of the falls and walk downhill to this point below for an even better view.

The serene Tanners Falls flows steadily over layered, rock ledges surrounded by the subtle greens of early foliage in Wayne County, Pennsylvania's State Game Lands 159. Above the waterfall, a metal bridge, exhibiting signs of rust and age, crosses the stream and blends into the backdrop of the wooded landscape. The cascade of the falls and the surrounding stone outcrops, some bearing the patina of age, are a remnant of the area's history, where an old tannery once stood until 1931. The trees, in early bud, and the overcast sky contribute to the tranquil and historic atmosphere of this natural setting. — Tanners Falls in Wayne County.

28. Upper Slateford Creek Falls

Upper Slateford Creek Falls in Northampton County is located just 100 yards off of National Park Drive in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Photographer Rusty Glessner at Upper Slateford Creek Falls in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Northampton County Pennsylvania. — The author at Upper Slateford Creek Falls.

There you have it – 40 of the best roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania!

Big Run Falls is one of the most picturesque roadside waterfalls in Sullivan County.

If the thought of taking an epic cross-state road trip to see some of these roadside waterfalls intrigues you, then be sure to check out Road Tripping to the Best Roadside Waterfalls in PA!

How to find the 10 best roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania. — Road map for a cross-state road trip to some of the best roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania.

If waterfalls are your thing, be sure to check out my interactive map below, with directions to hundreds of PA’s finest falls!

The 38 Best Roadside Scenic Overlooks in PA is your guide to some of the most beautiful vistas in Pennsylvania that require no hiking whatsoever to enjoy!

Fall foliage views from Norcross Vista in the Elk State Forest. — Norcross Vista along Ridge Road in Cameron County.

You’ll find several roadside waterfalls mentioned in my list of The 50 Best Winter Waterfalls in Pennsylvania as well.

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