Burdic Run Falls is one of the most difficult to reach waterfalls in the entire Pine Creek Gorge.
Not because it’s a long hike – it’s less than a mile from Painter-Leetonia Road.
Not because it’s off-trail – the majority of the hike takes place on the Seimons Trail.
It’s the last 75 feet.
And the fact that the last 75 feet are nearly vertical!
So while the hike to the top of Burdic Run Falls is fairly typical for the Pine Creek Gorge, the descent to the bottom, should you want to see it from that vantage point, is fraught with potential danger.
I’ve done it once, and the view was incredible.
Having said that, I’m in no hurry to do it again.
But for the advanced-level hikers out there who are looking for a challenge, I’ll share with you what I know and what I learned about Burdic Run Falls.
How to Find Burdic Run Falls
Burdic Run Falls is located approximately one mile south of Colton Point State Park in Tioga County.
As mentioned previously, the Seimons Trail will get you 90% of the way to the top of Burdic Run Falls.
The trailhead is located along Painter-Leetonia Road at GPS coordinates 41.68872, -77.47943.
As you get close to the falls, an obvious but unblazed user trail branches off of the Seimons Trail to the left, along Burdic Run, and dead ends the top of the falls.
The GPS coordinates for Burdic Run Falls are 41.68013, -77.46525
Getting to the Base of Burdic Run Falls
As you saw in the earlier image, the first 15 feet of the descent involves a ladder that is rather tenuously attached to the side of the gorge.
In the photo below you can clearly see the ladder on the upper right side of the falls.
Once you’ve gotten to the bottom of the ladder, the next 50-60 feet down is a matter of freestyle scrambling / sliding and trying to control your descent.
Again – this is fraught with potential danger and should only be attempted by experienced hikers!
The View from the Base of Burdic Run Falls
If and when you do make it to the base of the falls, you’re staring straight up at 60 feet or so of Pine Creek Gorge goodness!
Even with a wide angle lens, it’s difficult to get the entirety of Burdic Run Falls in a single frame.
Notice one of the members of our hiking party in the photo below for scale.
If you visit in the spring or summer, this gorge is GREEN!
And go ahead and get that hero shot at Burdic Run Falls – you earned it!
The return hike is a matter of scrambling back up the right side of the falls, back up the ladder, and retracing your steps along the Seimons Trail.
Nearby Attractions
Colton Point State Park is less than a mile from Burdic Run Falls, and features some magnificent views of the PA Grand Canyon.
There are also several exceptional waterfalls in or near Colton Point State Park.
Bear Run is another stream teeming with waterfalls on this side of the Pine Creek Gorge.
Also on this side of the gorge you have Chimney Hollow Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Pine Creek Gorge.
On the opposite side of the Pine Creek Gorge, Leonard Harrison State Park offers more views of the PA Grand Canyon.
Leonard Harrison State Park is also home to the Turkey Path waterfall trail, one of Pennsylvania’s most famous waterfall hikes.
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