Linn Run State Park is a 612 acre park in Westmoreland County, popular with hikers, campers, and picnickers.
The park borders the Forbes State Forest, which offers an additional 50,000 acres of land for outdoor recreation.
Adam Falls at Linn Run State Park
One of the most popular attractions at Linn Run State Park is Adam Falls, a 15 foot waterfall best seen after heavy rains or the spring thaw.
Adam Falls is located just a short distance from the Adam Falls Picnic Area, off of Linn Run Road (the main road that runs the length of the park).
One of the unique features of Adam Falls is the cavernous space behind it, making it one of the few Pennsylvania waterfalls you can stand behind.
The Abandoned McGinnis Rod and Gun Club
In the early 1920s the State of Pennsylvania was actively encouraging city dwellers to build “weekend retreats” in the country, offering $2/year leases on quarter-acre lots of state forest land.
The McGinnis Rod and Gun Club, built in 1922, was one such retreat.
The McGinnis Rod and Gun Club existed for roughly 20 years before the building was consumed by fire, leaving only the stone walls and fireplace you see today.
You’ll find this abandoned hunting lodge along the Flat Rock Trail, which would have been the original road leading to the McGinnis Rod and Gun Club in 1922.
Hiking at Linn Run State Park
There are 6.25 miles of hiking trails at Linn Run State Park, but many of the trails connect to others in the Forbes State Forest, for much longer hiking options.
Adam Falls Trail
As mentioned earlier, the Adam Falls Trail leads from the Adam Falls Picnic area to and then a bit past Adam Falls.
This is a one-mile loop trail and a great little hike any time of year.
Flat Rock Trail
The Flat Rock Trail is a half-mile (one way) out and back hike that runs parallel to Linn Run and passes the abandoned McGinnis Rod and Gun Club mentioned earlier.
You’ll find the trailhead next to the turn-off for the Adam Falls Picnic Area, along Linn Run Road.
Iscrupe Trail
The Iscrupe Trail is a 0.75 mile (one way) out and back hike that follows the original route of Linn Run Road.
Grove Run Trail
Grove Run Trail is a 4 mile loop hike that starts with a gentle slope behind the Grove Run Picnic Area and becomes progressively steeper as it follows follows Grove Run upslope.
Picnicking at Linn Run State Park
There are two main picnicking areas at Linn Run State Park.
Both the Adam Falls and Grove Run picnic areas have picnic tables, playgrounds, and restrooms.
Grove Run Picnic Area also features continuously flowing springwater.
Cabins at Linn Run State Park
There are ten rental cabins at Linn Run State Park, nine rustic (no indoor plumbing) and one modern.
Railroad History at Linn Run State Park
The Pittsburgh, Westmoreland, and Somerset Railroad line once ran right through the heart of present day Linn Run State Park.
Today you’ll find remnants of the track along Linn Run Road, not far from the park office.
How to Find Linn Run State Park
The Linn Run State Park office is located at 770 Linn Run Road, Rector, PA 15677.
If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 40.15428, -79.21330 to reach the park office.
Nearby Attractions
Fish Run Falls in the Forbes State Forest may be the prettiest little waterfall in Westmoreland County that you’ve never heard of!
Not only is the waterfall beautiful, but it’s located next to a historic railroad aqueduct built more than 120 years ago!
Wolf Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest is an outstanding scenic vista overlooking Linn Run State Park.
Beam Rocks Overlook in the Forbes State Forest offers a fantastic 180° eastern view from high above the treetops and the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail below.
Spruce Flats Bog is one of the most unique ecosystems in all of Pennsylvania – a high altitude bog featuring plants and trees found nowhere else in the state.
Mill Creek Falls is a picturesque, cascading waterfall on an idyllic mountain stream in Westmoreland County.
Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County is a historically accurate reproduction of a British fort originally constructed in 1758 during what would become known as the French and Indian War.
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