How to Find Kyler Fork Falls in the Sproul State Forest

The author at Kyler Fork Falls.
The author at Kyler Fork Falls.

If you’re looking for directions to Kyler Fork Falls in the Sproul State Forest, you’re in the right place!

High water at Kyler Fork Falls.

Kyler Fork Falls is the second-tallest waterfall in Centre County, located just 300 yards from THE tallest waterfall in Centre County, Yost Run Falls.

A downstream view of Yost Run Falls on a summer day.
A downstream view of Yost Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in Centre County, PA.

Finding the Parking Area

The parking lot for the hike to Kyler Fork Falls can be found just off of Route 144 at GPS coordinates: 41.175155, -77.879025.


As you approach the parking area from either the north or south along Route 144 you’ll see the large Chuck Keiper Trail sign pictured below.

Chuck Keiper Trail sign along Route 144, opposite the parking area.
Chuck Keiper Trail sign along Route 144, opposite the parking area.

The parking area is located on the opposite side of the road from that sign, approximately 50 yards west of Route 144.

The parking area for the Yost Run Falls hike.
The parking area for the Kyler Fork Falls hike.

At the back edge of the lot is a kiosk where you can pick up a DCNR map of this section of the Sproul State Forest (if the kiosk is stocked, that is).

The map kiosk near parking area for Yost Run Falls hike.
The map kiosk near parking area.

Hiking to Kyler Fork Falls

The hike to Kyler Fork Falls covers 1.3 miles from parking lot to the waterfall (roughly 2.6 miles round trip), and utilizes the Yost Run Loop section of the Chuck Keiper Trail.

The trail to Yost Run Falls with the laurel alongside in full bloom.

There is an elevation change of 468 feet along the way – all downhill on the way to the falls, all uphill on the way back if doing this as a simple out-and-back hike.

A detailed map illustrating the hiking route to Yost Run Falls in Sproul State Forest, Centre County, PA, marking key points including parking on Route 144, Brown Camp, Yost Run Falls, and nearby Kyler Fork Falls, with a clearly defined yellow dashed line indicating the recommended trail through forested terrain and elevation contours.

The first 2/3 of the hike follows a forest road, the last 1/3 of the hike follows a more narrow footpath, passing Yost Run Falls as mentioned above.

A springtime view of Yost Run Falls from the trail.
A springtime view of Yost Run Falls from the Chuck Keiper Trail.

If navigating by GPS coordinates, you’ll encounter Kyler Fork Falls at 41.17432, -77.90133.

An early spring view of Kyler Fork Falls.
An early spring view of Kyler Fork Falls.

Reaching Kyler Fork Falls from the Chuck Keiper Trail does require a wet crossing (no bridge, wade or rock-hop across) of Yost Run.

Ferns around Kyler Fork Falls.

Photographing Kyler Fork Falls

The high water after the spring thaw really makes this one roar!

The author on top of Kyler Fork Falls.
The author on top of Kyler Fork Falls.

As spring turns to early summer, the ferns open up and the falls are surrounded by verdant greens.

A summer view of Kyler Fork Falls.
A summer view of the falls.

Autumn brings a blanket of colorful foliage to the gorge.

Fall foliage surrounding Kyler Fork Falls.
Fall foliage surrounding Kyler Fork Falls.

Autumn turns to winter, and the ground in the Sproul State Forest starts to freeze.

A side view of Kyler Fork Falls in the wintertime.
A side view of the falls in the wintertime.

Snow soon dominates the landscape, and then…

The author standing in front of frozen Kyler Fork Falls.
The author standing in front of frozen Kyler Fork Falls.

…the falls themselves freeze over.

The author sitting on frozen Kyler Fork Falls.
The author sitting on the frozen falls.

In short – there is no bad time or season to hike to Kyler Fork Falls!

A young hiker at Kyler Fork Falls.
A young hiker at Kyler Fork Falls.

Nearby Attractions

Round Island Run Falls is also located in the Sproul State Forest, in neighboring Clinton County.

A view of Round Island Run Falls from downstream in early spring.
A view of Round Island Run Falls from downstream in early spring.

Table Falls is located in the Quehanna Wild Area, a 45 minute drive away in Elk County.

A September view of Table Falls, flowing high and clear on Paige Run.
A September view of Table Falls, flowing high and clear on Paige Run.

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide is your source for directions to HUNDREDS of waterfalls across the Keystone State!

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfall Guide created by Rusty Glessner

Still not convinced you need to visit Kyler Fork Falls?

Then check out the video below!


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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.