Exploring Quaker Falls in Lawrence County

Exploring Quaker Falls in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.

Quaker Falls is a 50 foot-tall waterfall located less than a mile from the Ohio border, north of Pittsburgh in Lawrence County.

Downstream view of Quaker Falls, also known as Quakertown Falls in Lawrence County PA
Downstream view of Quaker Falls, also known as Quakertown Falls, in Lawrence County.

Quaker Falls is the centerpiece of the newly-created Quaker Falls Recreation Area, a Lawrence County park that is still in the process of being fully built-out.

Master plan for Quaker Falls Recreation Area in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.
Master plan for the park.

The waterfall and the surrounding area is rich in historical significance, and you can learn about this history from the numerous interpretive signs installed around the park.

History of the region surrounding Quaker Falls in Lawrence County.
History of the surrounding area.

Long a destination for tourists, Quaker Falls (also sometimes referred to as Quakertown Falls or Poland Falls) is a beautiful waterfall that perhaps has never looked better than it does now.

Vintage postcard image of Quaker Falls in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.
Vintage postcard image of the falls.

So follow along as I show you how to find Quaker Falls in Lawrence County, as well as what you can expect to see once you’re there.

Quaker Falls as viewed from the parking lot at Quaker Falls Recreation Area in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.
The view from the parking lot.

How to Find Quaker Falls in Lawrence County

The parking area for the Quaker Falls Recreation Area is located along Route 224 in Mahoning Township, less than a mile from the Ohio state line.

How to find the Quaker Falls in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.
A map to Quaker Falls in Lawrence County, PA.

If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 41.02173, -80.51110 to find the parking area.

Parking lot at Quaker Falls Recreation Area in Lawrence County.
Parking lot.

A nice view of the falls can be had from the back edge of the parking lot, along the newly-installed gravel walking trail.

View of Quaker Falls from the edge of the parking lot at Quaker Falls Recreation Area.
View from the edge of the parking lot at Quaker Falls Recreation Area.

Exploring Quaker Falls Recreation Area

From the parking area, you can follow the gravel walking trail counterclockwise towards the opposite side of Quaker Falls, crossing over Falling Spring Run via a pedestrian bridge directly above the falls.

Pedestrian bridge above Quaker Falls in Lawrence County.
Pedestrian bridge above the falls.

Along the trail you’ll also encounter a variety of educational signs related to the falls and the surrounding area.

A history of Quakertown, the village that was once located near Quaker Falls.
A history of Quakertown, the village that was once located near the falls.

Viewing Quaker Falls from Below

The “unimproved” but obvious trail leading down to the base of the falls starts near an informational sign just a few yards from Route 224.

Quaker Falls ecology sign at the top of the unimproved trail leading to its base.
Sign at the top of the unimproved trail leading to its base.

As a nearby sign clearly states – this is strictly a “hike at your own risk” trail.

Unimproved trail marker at Quaker Falls Recreation Area in Lawrence County PA
Unimproved trail marker.

While this isn’t the easiest descent, it’s certainly doable with plenty of tree roots to grab onto on the way down and back up.

The unimproved trail leading to the base of Quaker Falls in Lawrence County PA
The unimproved trail leading to the base of the falls.

The reward for your effort is a fantastic view of Quaker Falls and the surrounding grotto.

Standing in front of Quaker Falls, north of Pittsburgh in Lawrence County.
Standing in front of Quaker Falls, north of Pittsburgh in Lawrence County.

The 50 foot drop which makes up Quaker Falls is spread roughly equally between 2 tiers.

Approaching Quaker Falls in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.
Downstream view of the falls.

Quaker Falls may just be the westernmost waterfall in Pennsylvania, and is also one of the tallest on this side of the state as well.

Quaker Falls in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.
Frontal view of the falls.

With all of the recent improvements and additions to the area surrounding the falls, there’s never been a better time to explore Quaker Falls in Lawrence County!

Ecology of the area surrounding Quaker Falls in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.
Ecology of the surrounding area.

Still not convinced you need to visit Quaker Falls?

Then check out this video!


Nearby Attractions

Big Run Falls is a roadside waterfall located at the center of Cascade Park in New Castle, the county seat of Lawrence County.

Big Run Falls in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.
Big Run Falls in Lawrence County.

McConnells Mill State Park in Lawrence County is home to a slew of outstanding hikes, overlooks, waterfalls, and historic structures.

McConnells Mill Covered Bridge over Slippery Rock Creek in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.
McConnells Mill Covered Bridge over Slippery Rock Creek in Lawrence County.

Springfield Falls is a beautiful roadside waterfall in neighboring Mercer County.

Exploring Springfield Falls in Mercer County Pennsylvania.
The author at Springfield Falls, AKA Leesburg Falls, in Mercer County.

Moraine State Park is a 16,725-acre recreational area located in nearby Butler County.

Crescent Bay Overlook on the South Shore of Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park.
Overlooking Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park in Butler County.

Buttermilk Falls in neighboring Beaver County is one of a select few Pennsylvania waterfalls you can stand BEHIND!

The author behind Buttermilk Falls in Beaver County PA.
The author behind Buttermilk Falls in Beaver County, PA.

The Best Waterfalls Near Pittsburgh Road Trip is an epic 358 mile round-trip adventure of a lifetime!

A roadmap to the best waterfalls near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Be sure to check out The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide for directions to literally HUNDREDS of additional waterfalls across the Keystone State!

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfall Guide created by Rusty Glessner
The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide by Rusty Glessner.

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.