PA Waterfalls

Exploring Salvatore Falls in Luzerne County

A collage of five images showcasing the scenic Salvatore Falls in State Game Lands 91, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The images display different perspectives of the waterfall's cascading waters over moss-covered rocks, an observer in a high-visibility orange vest taking a photo of the falls, and the lush forested environment surrounding the area. The bottom of the collage features a satellite map indicating the location of Salvatore Falls and the nearby parking area along Bald Mountain Road, providing context for the natural beauty captured in the photographs.

If you’re looking for directions to Salvatore Falls in Luzerne County, you’re in the right place!

A majestic multi-tiered waterfall cascades over moss-covered rocks at Salvatore Falls in State Game Lands 91, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Vibrant green moss clings to the rocks, adding a lush texture to the scene. Fallen logs and branches are scattered throughout the waterfall, hinting at the natural and untamed aspect of the area. The water flows with a silky smoothness, indicating a slow shutter speed used in capturing the photo. The surrounding forest, with trees reaching towards the sky, frames the falls, creating a serene and secluded natural setting.

Salvatore Falls is a 25 foot-tall, multi-tiered waterfall located on the State Game Lands 91.

A signboard near Salvatore Falls on State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, displaying multiple notices. The signboard, set against a backdrop of barren trees, informs visitors of regulations including wearing orange during hunting seasons, the prohibition of alcoholic beverages and littering, and camping restrictions. Large boulders are scattered around the signboard, which is situated on a patch of grass with some leaf cover, indicative of autumn or early spring. A brown post in front of the sign displays an identification number "91105" in white lettering.

While it feels like a secluded spot nestled deep in the forest, it is in fact located less than a third of a mile from a game lands parking lot, making it ideal for folks who don’t want to hike a long distance to see a waterfall.

A side view of Salvatore Falls on State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, showcasing the natural beauty of the cascading water. The waterfall flows over layers of rock, surrounded by a forest with a mixture of pine and leafless deciduous trees. The rocks are adorned with moss and ferns, emphasizing the lush, moist environment. A carpet of fallen leaves in rich shades of brown covers the ground, while the water's silky texture suggests the peaceful passage of time in this tranquil wilderness setting.

Directions to Salvatore Falls

The parking lot where the hike to Salvatore Falls begins is located along Bald Mountain Road.

If navigating by GPS coordinates, use 41.25443, -75.75368 to find this large gravel lot.

A parking area at Salvatore Falls on State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, featuring a vivid orange pickup truck parked on the gravel. Leafless trees surround the lot, suggesting a late fall or winter season. The sky is overcast, and the ground appears wet, possibly from recent rain. In the background, a gate blocks a road, with information signs posted nearby, inviting further exploration into the natural area. The landscape is stark, with the truck providing a stark contrast to the muted colors of the environment.

As mentioned, the hike is roughly 1/3 of a mile long, virtually all of it along a game lands road.

An aerial map image detailing the route to Salvatore Falls located on State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The map highlights Salvatore Falls with a blue pin marker and the associated parking area with a yellow 'P' marker. The route to the falls from the parking area is indicated by a dotted yellow line along Bald Mountain Road, which traverses through a mix of wooded areas and open fields. The surrounding landscape includes patches of different terrains, with a notable road, Interstate 476, to the west of the parking area.

Walk around the gate at the back of the parking lot and follow the road north for approximately 5 minutes.

An overcast day at the entrance to Salvatore Falls on State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. A gate crosses a gravel road, preventing vehicle access, with signs posted containing information and warnings. A weathered wooden guardrail lines the road. Leafless trees dominate the scene, with a few clinging to their last leaves, indicating a transition into winter. The ground is wet from recent rains, and the grass is still holding onto green hues, contrasting with the brown leaf litter.

When you come to this bridge, cross it, then make your way down into the open woods.

A curving gravel pathway leads to a small bridge within Salvatore Falls on State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The landscape on either side of the path is a mix of evergreen and leafless deciduous trees, indicating a seasonal transition. The overcast sky suggests it might be a chilly and damp day. The bridge crosses over a stream, which is not visible from this vantage point, and is flanked by wooden barriers with a mix of dormant grasses and fallen leaves lining the ground.

Almost immediately upon entering the woods, you’ll see the top of the waterfall.

A vibrant woodland scene at Salvatore Falls on State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Mossy green rocks, slick with moisture, foreground the image, leading the eye towards the cascading falls in the mid-ground. A lively stream, bordered by rocky outcrops, snakes through the dense thicket of deciduous trees.

Continue off-trail down the embankment approximately 50 yards, to the base of the falls.

A secluded view of Salvatore Falls through the dense woodland of State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. A partially obscured waterfall cascades in the background, framed by trees and fallen autumn leaves. The terrain is rugged and mossy, with rocks and foliage creating a rich tapestry of natural textures. The overcast sky suggests a cool, damp climate, typical of a forested area in the midst of seasonal change.

Enjoying Salvatore Falls

Photographers and nature enthusiasts alike will appreciate the vibrant greens and earthy browns at Salvatore Falls.

This image captures the serene beauty of Salvatore Falls on State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The waterfall spills gracefully over a cliff and cascades down a series of rocky tiers. Lush, vivid green moss blankets the boulders, contrasting with the brown leaf litter of the forest floor. The forest around the falls is dense, with the bare branches of trees indicating a cooler season. The water's smooth appearance, a result of the camera's long exposure, adds a magical quality to this tranquil woodland scene.

The upper tier of the falls is roughly 15 feet tall.

Author and photographer Rusty Glessner in outdoor attire, with a blaze orange vest and beige pants, stands on moss-covered rocks while photographing the captivating Salvatore Falls. The waterfall gracefully cascades over tiered rock formations, enveloped by the lush forest of State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The surrounding woods are rich with moss and ferns, enhancing the natural beauty of this tranquil setting. The observer's presence adds a sense of scale and the human experience of nature's wonders.

Factoring in some of the lower tiers puts Salvatore Falls at around 25 feet in total height.

A picturesque waterfall at Salvatore Falls in State Game Lands 91, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Water gently descends over a series of natural rocky ledges covered in bright green moss. The tranquil scene is framed by the rugged textures of the forest, with fallen branches and autumnal leaves scattered around the moist, mossy stones. Tall trees surround the falls, their bare branches reaching skyward, while the water flows with a soft blur, suggesting the serene motion captured in a moment of time.

The moss and ferns around Salvatore Falls gives the scene an almost-magical quality.

A breathtaking view of Salvatore Falls, where water cascades over multiple rock shelves covered with vibrant green moss, located in State Game Lands 91, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The falls are surrounded by a forested area with trees that seem to stand as silent guardians of this serene setting. The fallen leaves and ferns add a touch of autumnal color to the lush greens, while the smooth flow of the water provides a calming presence in the woodland landscape.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re seeking a quick waterfall outing, or a chance to photograph nature’s artistry, Salvatore Falls in Luzerne County is a destination that will resonate with every outdoor enthusiast.

A close-up view of Salvatore Falls on State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, where the water flows elegantly over a mossy rock face. Ferns and other small plants find their home among the rocky outcrops, thriving in the moist environment created by the waterfall. The cascade is framed by the rugged textures of the surrounding forest, with trees extending their roots into the rich, damp earth. The long exposure of the water creates a silky effect, highlighting the peaceful and enduring presence of this natural feature amidst the tranquil woods.

The sight of Salvatore Falls’ crystal-clear water flowing over moss-covered rocks is a spectacle well worth checking out, a picturesque reminder of the quiet majesty of Pennsylvania’s landscapes.

Nearby Attractions

Concrete City is one of the most-famous ghost towns in Pennsylvania, and it lies tucked away in an overgrown, wooded plot of land on the outskirts of Nanticoke, in Luzerne County.

Exploring Concrete City in Nanticoke Pennsylvania. — Scenes from Concrete City in Luzerne County.

Little Shickshinny Falls is a beautiful 25-foot tall waterfall located on State Game Lands 260, just west of the town of Shickshinny in Luzerne County.

Little Shickshinny Falls in August 2023. — Little Shickshinny Falls in Luzerne County.

Buttermilk Falls is a 35 foot-tall waterfall located along White Haven Road in Luzerne County, on the western edge of the Bear Creek Preserve.

A captivating image of Buttermilk Falls in the Bear Creek Preserve, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, featuring multi-tiered waterfalls spilling over layered rock formations. The falls are flanked by verdant forest trees, some clinging to the last of their autumn leaves, with the forest floor adorned with a scattering of brown foliage. The water, appearing silky and white, contrasts with the dark, wet rocks, offering a visual symphony of natural beauty and serene woodland charm. — Buttermilk Falls in Luzerne County.

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide features an interactive map that provides you with accurate directions to over 200 of Pennsylvania’s finest waterfalls, making it easy for anyone to discover new Keystone State waterfall adventures!

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