If you’re looking for directions to Yost Run Falls in the Sproul State Forest, you’re in the right place!
Yost Run Falls is the tallest waterfall in Centre County, and is located in the northern part of the county, along the beautiful Chuck Keiper Trail.
Finding the Parking Area
The parking lot for the hike to Yost Run Falls can be found at GPS coordinates: 41.175155, -77.879025; CLICK HERE to open a Google Map to the parking area (will open in a new window).
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.
The parking area is located on the opposite side of the road from that sign, approximately 50 yards west of Route 144.
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).
Hiking to Yost Run Falls
The hike to Yost Run Falls covers 1.26 miles from parking lot to waterfall, and utilizes the Yost Run Loop section of the Chuck Keiper Trail.
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.
From the parking lot, follow the Yost Run Trail Loop, hiking away from the highway.
At 0.17 miles into the hike, you’ll come to a fork in the trail, facing two gated roads.
Take the trail TO YOUR LEFT, slipping around the the black and yellow gate, and continue down the trail.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you hike – I saw this bear cub along this section of the Chuck Keiper Trail a few springs ago.
I also encountered this majestic bull elk hanging around the Chuck Keiper Trail parking area one early summer morning.
At 0.6 miles into the hike you’ll pass Camp Bloom along 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, as the trail changes from a wide log road to a narrow single-track trail.
Follow this narrow trail right along/above Yost Run for 0.17 miles to 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.
There are also great scenes to be had upstream from Yost Run Falls.
As well as downstream from the falls.
Also, be sure to visit Kyler Fork Falls, located a mere 300 yards downstream from Yost Run Falls!
Nearby Attractions
Round Island Run Falls is located 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.
The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide is your free ticket to discovering HUNDREDS of waterfalls across PA.
Still not convinced you need to see Yost Run Falls?
Then check out this video!
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