Dutchman Falls (not to be confused with Dutchmans Run Falls) is a magnificent 27 foot tall, two-tiered waterfall located near the eastern terminus of the Loyalsock Trail.
And while the hike to the falls is relatively short (0.3 miles one-way), it is steep in places and confusing to some folks.
So my purpose here is to show you exactly how to find and explore Dutchman Falls in Sullivan County.
Getting There
How to Find Dutchman Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest
- Turn off of Route 220 onto Mead Road, approximately 0.86 miles north of the Loyalsock State Forest HQ along Route 220.
GPS coordinates for Mead Road / Route 220 intersection: 41.44523, -76.45217
- Procede uphill to the parking area on the right hand side of the road.
- Walk to the back of the parking area (behind restrooms) and the Loyalsock Trailhead.
- Hike downhill 0.2 miles on the Loyalsock Trail until you come to the old Williamsport and North Branch railroad bed.
At the bottom of the hill you will see this sign (pictured below) on the railroad bed.
- Turn right and follow the blue-blazed Dutchman Falls Spur Trail 50 yards along the railbed and across Dutchman Run.
- Once across Dutchman Run, turn left into the forest and follow the trail to the base of Dutchman Falls.
- Arrive at the base of Dutchman Falls, 0.3 miles from the parking area.
GPS coordinates for Dutchman Falls: 41.45014, -76.45085
Exploring Dutchman Falls
My preferred method of exploring Dutchman Falls is to start at the bottom, cross Dutchman Run, and then explore the top tier of the falls on the way back up towards the rail bed.
The 20-foot tall bottom tier is quite majestic as the water sheets off the varied rock faces above.
From downstream, with your back to Loyalsock Creek, you can incorporate some of the small water features on Dutchman Run into your photo.
And of course Loyalsock Creek is worthy of some photos from this angle as well.
Microspikes are definitely a must if you wish to get down to this vantage point safely in the winter.
Crossing over Dutchman Run below the bottom tier, I then pick my way up the right side towards the upper tier of Dutchman Falls.
The upper tier is approximately 7 feet tall and easily twice as wide.
The water is shallow enough right below the upper tier to allow for easy back and forth stream crossings.
Once I’ve seen enough of the upper tier of Dutchman Falls, I make my way back uphill, sometimes stopping off at the railroad bridge upstream. The stonework here is quite impressive.
To complete the hike, simply climb up to the railbed and follow the Loyalsock Trail back up to the parking area.
Final Thoughts
Dutchman Falls is a short hike, but I wouldn’t call it an easy hike.
Getting to the very bottom can be challenging, especially in the winter.
Having said that, the payoff is enormous!
So even if you only do it once in your lifetime, make it a point to visit Dutchman Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest!
Nearby Attractions
Dutchman Falls is just minutes from nearby Worlds End State Park, the epicenter of my 10 Must-See Waterfalls Near Worlds End State Park write-up.
The guide gives you maps and detailed directions to 9 more waterfalls in and around Worlds End State Park.
Looking to stay in the Loyalsock State Forest but venture a little further?
Dry Run Falls is a fantastic roadside waterfall not too far away.
Looking to rack-up a few miles on the Loyalsock Trail?
Then check out the waterfalls along Ketchum Run, as the LT runs parallel to that stream past several picturesque spots, including Lee’s Falls shown below.
Looking to go off-trail in the Loyalsock State Forest for a bit?
Then the waterfalls on Dutters Run are calling your name!
Still not convinced you need to see Dutchman Falls?
Then check out this video!
