Where is Yost Run Falls?
Yost Run Falls is located in northern Centre County, approximately midway between the village of Moshannon to the southwest and the town of Renovo to the northeast.
Basically 13 miles from either location, with a parking area located just off of Route 144.
Finding the Parking Area
The parking lot for this hike can be found at:
GPS coordinates: 41.175155, -77.879025
As you approach from either the north or south along Route 144 you’ll see the large “Chuck Keiper Trail” sign pictured below.
As indicated on the sign, the parking area is located on the opposite side of the road.
Follow the gravel road approximately 50 yards to the large lot on your right (pictured below).
The lot is large enough to park 12-15 vehicles comfortably, although rarely do I ever see more than a few there, even in hunting season.
At the back edge of the lot is a kiosk/map holder, where you can pick up a nice DCNR map of this section of the Sproul State Forest. I’d suggest getting one if there are still copies available when you visit.
The hike to Yost Run Falls covers 1.26 miles from parking lot to waterfall.
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.
Step-by-Step Directions
From the parking lot you follow the “Yost Run Trail Loop”, hiking away from the highway.
At .17 miles into the hike, you’ll come to a fork in the road.
In front of you will be an old rusty gate (pictured below).
And to your left will be a black and yellow gate.
Take the trail TO YOUR LEFT! Slip around the right side of the black and yellow gate (there’s a space between the gate and tree) and continue down the trail.
In the summer months this section of the trail is absolutely beautiful.
Also keep you eyes peeled for wildlife great and small.
I saw this bear cub right along the trail a few springs ago.
And this majestic bull elk was hanging around the parking area one early summer morning.
I’ve also seen plenty of frogs, salamanders, snails, and yes – snakes, along the trail. So look high and low and step carefully as you go.
At .6 miles into the hike you’ll pass Camp Bloom along the trail.
Continue past the camp and down the trail.
At 1.09 miles into the hike you’ll come to the Brown Camp (as in the name of the family that owns the camp – sign near the door).
At this point you will bear TO THE RIGHT.
The trail changes from a wide log road to a narrow single-track trail.
Follow this narrow trail right along/above Yost Run for .17 miles to the top of Yost Run Falls.
Photographing Yost Run Falls
Whether your shooting a DSLR or a cell phone (I do both), it’s hard to take a bad photo of Yost Run Falls.
In the winter months it’s almost Christmas card-perfect.
Unless there has been an extended deep-freeze. In which case it looks like a frozen blob!
With the spring thaw things start to green up fast along Yost Run.
Once the snow is completely gone, the lush foliage fills in around the falls.
The bank opposite the trail gives you a different perspective to shoot from.
And by venturing downstream a few yards you can incorporate some smaller cascades into the mix.
This is one of my go-to spots in all seasons.
There are also great scenes to be had upstream from Yost Run Falls…
As well as downstream from the falls.
Final Thoughts
There is really no bad time to visit Yost Run Falls, except maybe after a prolonged drought.
Which doesn’t seem to happen any more in PA!
As the largest waterfall in Centre County, and the closest one to PSU / Happy Valley, I can’t help but encourage you to put this one on your PA Bucket List when visiting the area!
Nearby Attractions
Be sure to visit Kyler Fork Falls, located a mere 300 yards downstream from Yost Run Falls!
Round Island Run Falls is located nearby in the Clinton County portion of the Sproul State Forest.
Table Falls is located in the adjacent Quehanna Wild Area.
And Wykoff Run Falls is also located in the Quehanna Wild Area, roadside in Cameron County.
Still not convinced you need to see Yost Run Falls?
Then check out this video!
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