Fourmile Run is a waterfall-rich tributary of Pine Creek in the Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area.
It lies close to the Turkey Path on the Colton Point State Park side of the gorge, opposite Little Fourmile Run and the Turkey Path at Leonard Harrison State Park.
But that is where the similarities between the two Turkey Paths end.
On the Leonard Harrison State Park side, you have a wide, refined Turkey Path that takes you close to most of the waterfalls on Little Fourmile Run.
On the Colton Point State Park side of the canyon, the Turkey Path is narrow, rugged, and runs high above Fourmile Run.
Meaning it serves as a mere jumping off point for off-trail exploration of the waterfalls below – exploration that should only be undertaken by experienced hikers with proper footwear!
With that warning in mind, let’s take a look at the waterfalls on Fourmile Run near (but not in) Colton Point State Park.
Getting There
The Turkey Path trailhead at Colton Point State Park serves as a starting point for exploring the waterfalls on Fourmile Run.
For realtime information on current trail conditions and any potential closures or construction, please visit the park’s official website.
Proceeding down the Turkey Path approximately 0.3 miles will bring you close to Rexford Branch and Rexford Branch Falls.
A narrow side trail branches off the Turkey Path to the right and brings you out near the bottom of the falls.
Returning to the Turkey Path, this is where being an experienced hiker with proper footwear comes into play.
Because it is now up to you to decide where and how to get down to Fourmile Run, below the Turkey Path.
There is NO TRAIL, and you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK, as with any off-trail hiking anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Once down at stream-level, there are waterfalls and cascades to be seen up and down Fourmile Run.
Logjam Falls
Logjam Falls (not an official name) is a 12-15 foot tall waterfall not far from where Rexford Branch spills into Fourmile Run.
Upstream from Logjam Falls you’ll encounter plenty of picturesque cascades on Fourmile Run.
These idyllic cascades can be nearly impassable during high water conditions, so again, use caution if attempting this hike (or any waterfall hike) during such conditions.
Fourmile Run Falls
Approximately 0.3 miles upstream from where Rexford Branch enters Fourmile Run, you’ll encounter what I feel is the prettiest waterfall on this stream – Fourmile Run Falls.
Fourmile Run Falls (not an official name) is a gorgeous 20-footer that sheets off the rocks into a large plunge pool below.
There are taller waterfalls in the Pine Creek Gorge, but few can match the splendor of this spot.
Every inch of rock around Fourmile Run Falls seems to be covered in greenery of some sort in the summer.
While in autumn, those same rocks are adorned with a blanket of colorful leaves.
Downstream Exploration
Downstream from Logjam Falls, you can expect to see more dazzling cascades, but no significant waterfalls.
Normally after I’ve photographed this particular cascade, I make my way uphill to the Turkey Path, and then back to the parking area at the trailhead.
Colton Point Overlooks
Of course no trip to Colton Point State Park would be complete without spending some time at one of the various roadside canyon overlooks.
This is as fine a spot as any for “leaf peeping” in the Pine Creek Gorge.
Final Thoughts
While not nearly as accessible as the waterfalls along the Turkey Path at neighboring Leonard Harrison State Park, the waterfalls on Fourmile Run near Colton Point State Park are absolutely worth the effort required to see them, provided you have the experience and expertise to navigate this off-trail hike safely.
Nearby Attractions
Looking for another off-trail adventure on this side of the PA Grand Canyon?
Then check out Chimney Hollow Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Pine Creek Gorge!
Or check out Bear Run on the northeastern edge of Colton Point State Park, home to at least a half-dozen waterfalls.
Looking for a much less-strenuous hike?
Then check out the hike to Stone Quarry Run Falls and Water Tank Hollow Falls along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, near Blackwell.
Campbells Run Falls is another exceptional 25-foot waterfall, less than a half mile off the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Tiadaghton.
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