Dutters Run Falls is the collective term given to a series of waterfalls on the prettiest stream in the Loyalsock State Forest that you’ve never heard of.
Overshadowed by its close neighbor Dry Run Falls, Dutters Run and the six main waterfalls along it are well worth the off-trail effort required to see them.
Despite the fact that the waterfalls on Dutters Run are located within a mile of Dry Run Falls, they are rarely visited.
The first four waterfalls in particular, which require varying degrees of off-trail exertion to reach, seem to remain almost the stuff of legend.
So that is the purpose of this write-up: to give you the information you need to find and explore Dutters Run Falls, as well as an idea of what you can expect to see in the various seasons.
Getting There
How to Find Dutters Run Falls
- Turn off of Route 87 onto Dry Run Road, just south of Hillsgrove.
Proceed 2 miles on Dry Run Road. Note: this is a “No Winter Maintenance” road!
- Pass Dry Run Falls on your right hand side.
You will pass Dry Run Falls, then look for the Dutters Trail lot on the right hand side of road, next to the guardrails.
- Park in the pull-off just past the guardrails at the “Dutters Trail” sign.
If the spots are full here, you can park back at the Dry Run Falls lot.
Dutters Run Falls FAQ’s
The waterfalls are scattered over a 1 1/4 mile stretch of Dutters Run.
No they are not. For the purposes of this map and write-up I have named them “First Falls” through “Sixth Falls”, with First Falls being the one closest to Dry Run Road.
The first four waterfalls are off-trail, the last two are along the Loyalsock Trail.
Second Falls is the tallest waterfall on Dutters Run at 18 feet tall.
Yes – use GPS coordinates 41.430142, -76.669840 to find the Dutters Trail parking area.
Exploring the Falls
First Falls is located a few hundred yards upstream from Dry Run Road, and seeing it is a simple matter of hiking the stream.
First Falls is 7-8 feet tall.
Getting around it to hike upstream to the next falls seems to be easiest by going up and around on the right side.
Second Falls
As previously mentioned, Second Falls is the tallest waterfall on Dutters Run, at around 18 feet.
This one reminds me an awful lot of Fourth Falls on Miners Run, also located in the Loyalsock State Forest.
As with First Falls, I find it easiest to scramble up and around the right side of Second Falls to proceed upstream.
Third Falls
Third Falls is my personal favorite of the six main waterfalls on Dutters Run.
While I’m still of the opinion that Ketchum Run Falls is my favorite spot in the Loyalsock State Forest, Third Falls on Dutters Run is right up there.
In my experience, getting around Third Falls is most easily accomplished by going up and around the left side.
Fourth Falls
Fourth Falls is the shortest of the waterfalls on Dutters Run, at maybe 4 feet tall.
This one reminds me of nearby Rusty Run Falls, also located in the Loyalsock State Forest.
Fourth Falls is the last of the off-trail falls on Dutters Run.
Going up and around this one on the left hand side is easiest route to take.
Just beyond Fourth Falls, you’ll pick up the Loyalsock Trail as it comes in on the left side of Dutters Run.
You’ll follow the Loyalsock Trail to see the last two waterfalls on Dutters Run, making a few wet crossings along the way.
Fifth Falls
Fifth Falls is the second tallest waterfall on Dutters Run at 10 feet tall.
I call this one “Triple Drop Falls” because of the three distinct plumes of water it almost always displays.
Of course that is not an official name.
About the only time you WON’T see three plumes of water here is when it’s frozen solid.
To get around this one follow the Loyalsock Trail up around the left side.
Sixth Falls
Sixth Falls is located at the spot where the Loyalsock Trail makes its last wet crossing of Dutters Run before heading uphill away from the stream.
Nestled under the outstretched arms of an evergreen, this idyllic waterfall is a worthy endpoint to your upstream adventure.
Beyond this the terrain levels off and there are no falls of any great significance.
Follow the Loyalsock Trail uphill a few hundred yards to the intersection with Dutters Trail on your right.
Follow Dutters Trail all the way back downhill, parallel to Dutters Run, until you reach your vehicle on Dry Run Road, completing this 2.5 mile loop hike.
Final Thoughts
Dutters Run Falls are every bit as diverse as the more famous waterfalls along Miners Run or Ketchum Run, and yet they see far fewer visitors.
Part of that is certainly due to the fact that some off-trail hiking of moderate difficulty is required.
Dutters Run Falls and off-trail hiking isn’t for everyone, but for those with the ambition and experience to pull it off, it’s hike you won’t soon forget!
Nearby Attractions
Looking for even more waterfalls in the area?
Then check out 10 Must-See Waterfalls Near Worlds End State Park.
In this guide you’ll find maps and detailed directions to 10 great waterfall spots in and around Worlds End State Park and the Loyalsock State Forest.
If scenic vistas are your thing, be sure to check out roadside High Knob Overlook, just minutes from Dutters Run.
Just to the south,in Lycoming County, 5 unforgettable waterfall hikes are waiting for you as well!
Still not convinced you need to explore Dutters Run Falls?
Then check out this video!
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