Hinckston Run Falls is a man-made waterfall formed by the outflow of the Hinckston Run Reservoir near Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
History of Hinckston Run Falls
The Hinckston Run Reservoir was built by the Cambria Steel Company (formerly the Cambria Iron Company) in 1904 to provide a steady supply of water for their steel mills in nearby Johnstown.
The reservoir became property of the Bethlehem Steel Company in 1923, and title was transferred to the Cambria-Somerset Authority in 2000.
The waterfall is located at the end of a 600 yard-long channel that diverts the outflow from the 103-acre reservoir over a 60-foot tall cliff, forming the “waterfall” you see today.
How to Find Hinckston Run Falls near Johnstown
Hinckston Run Falls is a true roadside waterfall.
In fact, that is the ONLY place you are permitted to view it from, as all of the land around the falls themselves are posted as a “No Trespassing” zone.
The waterfall can best be viewed from the intersection of Waterfall Drive and Honan Avenue.
In fact, some locals refer to this as Honan Avenue Falls.
GPS coordinates for the intersection are 40.37117, -78.89085.
Viewing the Falls
As you are restricted to viewing this waterfall from the road (a lightly-traveled road but a road nonetheless), there aren’t too many options as far as angles to view and/or photograph Hinckston Run Falls from.
Straight on.
From the left.
From the right.
It’s a pleasant pit stop if you’re in the area and out for a drive.
Related Articles
If the thought of taking an epic cross-state road trip to see the best roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania intrigues you, then be sure to check out Road Tripping to the Best Roadside Waterfalls in PA!
Nearby Attractions
George’s Song Shop in downtown Johnstown is America’s oldest record store!
Yoder Falls in neighboring Somerset County requires a short-but-steep hike on property owned by the City of Johnstown (but open to public hiking).
Cole Run Falls, also located in neighboring Somerset County, is nearly-roadside in the Forbes State Forest.
Beam Rocks is an outstanding scenic overlook located in the Forbes State Forest in Somerset County.
Buttermilk Falls in neighboring Indiana County offers you the chance to walk behind one of the tallest natural waterfalls in western Pennsylvania!
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