If you’re looking for directions to Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls in Beaver County, you’re in the right place!
Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls is a 10-foot tall waterfall located just off of Route 18 at Raccoon Creek State Park.
History of the Frankfort Mineral Springs
In the mid-1800s, an enterprising individual named Edward McGinnis built a resort called “The Frankfort House” on the hillside above the waterfall.
Visitors flocked to the resort not to see the waterfall, but to drink spring water emanating from the rocky hillside opposite the waterfall.
An advertisement from the era claimed “the Frankfort Mineral Springs Water is recommended by many prominent Physicians of the State as an aid in the elimination of ailments of the kidneys, stomach, and nervous systems.”
Eventually the Victorian fad of drinking and/or bathing in “curative” spring waters began to fade, and the resort fell out of favor.
All that remains now are some ruins of foundations and stairs leading to the mineral springs.
The supposedly-medicinal waters still pour forth from the hillside, at a rate of 500-600 gallons per hour.
The old road leading to the Frankfort House is now called the “Heritage Trail”, and is one way to access Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls.
Hiking to Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls
The easiest way to access Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls is from a parking area along Route 18, just south of the Raccoon Creek State Park office.
CLICK HERE to open a live Google Map to the parking lot (map will open is a separate window).
From the back of the parking area, you can take either the Mineral Springs Loop Trail or the Heritage Trail; both trails will get you to the falls.
The hike itself is short – roughly 300 yards from the parking area to the waterfall, no matter which route you take.
The Mineral Springs Loop Trail follows the stream and is more scenic, but also more slippery with several “wet crossings” involved.
The Heritage Trail is a bit steeper on the way to the falls, but an easier walk in that it just follows the old road and has no stream crossings involved.
Whichever route you choose, the waterfall itself is located in a horseshoe-shaped stone grotto, opposite the mineral springs.
The waterfall is roughly 10 feet tall, and normally only flows well after a hard rain or the spring thaw.
Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls is one of those relatively rare Pennsylvania waterfalls you can stand behind.
Be forewarned – you will get wet if you try this, but it is a cool view!
Overall, Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls is a beautiful little waterfall to check out, and one of the closest waterfalls to the city of Pittsburgh.
And if you’re a history buff, be sure to check out the ruins of the old health spa while you’re there.
Nearby Attractions
Buttermilk Falls in Beaver County is another nearby waterfall that you can stand behind, in a picturesque park setting just a few hundred yards from the Beaver Falls exit of the PA Turnpike.
Big Run Falls in New Castle is a 20 foot tall waterfall at the heart of an abandoned amusement park turned nature park.
Fall Run Falls in Allegheny County has the distinction of being the largest waterfall near downtown Pittsburgh!
The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide provides you with directions to HUNDREDS of PA’s most amazing waterfalls, from all across the Keystone State.
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