Exploring Blackberry Run Falls in Sullivan County

Rusty Glessner at Blackberry Run Falls in February 2020
The author at Blackberry Run Falls

Blackberry Run Falls is a dazzling 15 foot tall waterfall close to Jamison City on the Columbia / Sullivan County border.

And it is relatively short hike if you know where to look.

Because it is “off trail” on State Game Lands 13, far fewer people visit it than say Big Falls, Twin Falls and Lewis Falls just up the road, or Sullivan Falls and Big Run Falls on the opposite side of Fishing Creek.

And that’s a shame, because it is an admirable waterfall in an idyllic setting.

Blue skies over Blackberry Run Falls.
Blue skies over Blackberry Run Falls.

In this write-up, I’ll give you all the information you’ll need to find and enjoy Blackberry Run Falls on State Game Lands 13 in Sullivan County.

As with all hikes on State Game Lands, wearing a blaze orange hat or vest (or both) is a prudent precautionary safety measure.

Getting There

How to Find Blackberry Run Falls in Sullivan County

  1. From the intersection of Jamison City Road and Sullivan Falls Road in Jamison City, proceed northeast on Jamison City Road 0.3 miles.

    The road will transition from asphalt to gravel.

  2. At the 0.3 mile marker you will encounter a historical sign on your right, detailing the history of Jamison City.

    Jamison City historical sign

  3. Just past the historical sign you will see the remnants of an old tannery, on the left hand side of the road.

    This is private property – enjoy it from the road but please don’t trespass.Remains of the tannery in Jamison City, Sullivan County.

  4. Continue up the road past the tannery, cross the small bridge over Blackberry Run, and proceed 0.5 miles to a game commission parking area on the left hand side of the road.

    The parking area is next to a white shed, and large enough for 15-20 vehicles.
    GPS coordinates for the Blackberry Run Falls Parking Area: 41.315147, -76.348976 Blackberry Run Falls parking area

  5. From the parking area, walk back down the road past the fenced-in game commission building, hop the curb just past the fence, and bushwack up the hill approx. 120 yards to a log road.

    Follow the route in red shown on the map below.A satellite map of the Blackberry Run Falls hike on State Game Lands 13 in Sullivan County, PA.

  6. Follow the log road for approx. 140 yards until it ends, then proceed uphill (approximately 300 feet of elevation change) along the posted property line roughly 400 yards to the upper corner of the private property (indicated on the map at GPS Coordinates 41.31580, -76.35638) .

    Be sure to stay on the upper side of the posted private property located between you and Jamison City Road.A topographic map of the hike to Blackberry Run Falls on State Game Lands 13 in Sullivan County, PA

  7. Hike downhill (250 feet of elevation change) along the property line approx. 225 yards to Blackberry Run.

  8. Hike upstream on Blackberry Run approximately 220 yards to Blackberry Run Falls

    The easiest approach is on the left side (as you face upstream) of Blackberry Run, following what looks like an old road grade.
    GPS Coordinates for Blackberry Run Falls: 41.316200, -76.359373The approach to Blackberry Run Falls.

  9. Arrive at Blackberry Run Falls

    Total distance of hike: approximately 1 mile.
    A winter day at Blackberry Run Falls


Exploring Blackberry Run Falls

Cascades on Blackberry Run
Cascades on Blackberry Run

I recommend starting your exploration just below Blackberry Run Falls at this outstanding, fan-shaped cascade.

It certainly makes for a terrific photo op.

Ice formations below Blackberry Run Falls
Ice formations below Blackberry Run Falls.

Moving upstream towards the falls, you’ll need to pick what you feel is the safest/driest spot to cross over Blackberry Run.

Just below this blowdown it is possible to rock-hop and not get wet.

Fluffy white snow surrounding Blackberry Run Falls
Fluffy white snow surrounding Blackberry Run Falls.

The best vantage point, in my opinion, is from the right side of the stream.

A side view of Blackberry Run Falls
A side view of Blackberry Run Falls.

It is relatively easy to get a complete side view of the falls as well.

Ice formations along Blackberry Run in Sullivan County
Ice formations along Blackberry Run in Sullivan County

And don’t forget to look up!

In the winter there are some spectacular ice formations to be found all around Blackberry Run Falls.

Ice formations around Blackberry Run Falls
Ice formations around Blackberry Run Falls

When you’ve finished exploring Blackberry Run Falls, you can venture further upstream (by going up the left side of the stream) to see a few smaller falls / cascades, or simply backtrack to your vehicle.


Final Thoughts

Once you know where it is and how to reach it, Blackberry Run Falls makes a great first stop on your way up the road to see the Big Falls, Twin Falls, and Lewis Falls.

A wall of ice surrounding Big Falls on State Game Lands 13 in Sullivan County, PA.
Big Falls on State Game Lands 13 in Sullivan County, PA.

A one mile off-trail hike with some moderate bushwacking and you’ll be standing in front of one of the many reasons why I keep going back to State Game Lands 13 again and again.


Still not convinced you need to explore Blackberry Run Falls?

Then check out this video!


Feeling Extra Adventurous?

Consider hiking to Quinn Run Falls, Shanty Run Falls, and Foundation Falls – all located just upstream from Lewis Falls.

Photographer Steve Rubano at Quinn Run Falls on State Game Lands 13.
Photographer Steve Rubano at Quinn Run Falls on State Game Lands 13.

Or for an easier adventure, check out nearby Sullivan Falls, also located on State Game Lands 13.

Sullivan Falls on State Game Lands 13 in the winter.
Sullivan Falls on State Game Lands 13 in the winter.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.