9 Must-See Central Pennsylvania Waterfalls

Rosecrans Falls in Clinton County Pennsylvania on a summer morning.

Central Pennsylvania waterfalls are diverse and plentiful!

Hillside view of Cabbage Creek Falls in Blair County PA.
Cabbage Creek Falls in Blair County.

Defined as Centre County and the counties adjacent to it, Central Pennsylvania is not only the geographic center of the Keystone State, but also an exceptional arena for outdoor activities, including hiking to and photographing waterfalls.

Rainbow Falls in Pennsylvania at Trough Creek State Park
Rainbow Falls in Central Pennsylvania at Trough Creek State Park.

What I’ve assembled here is a list of 9 outstanding Central Pennsylvania waterfalls, for you to discover and enjoy.

Simply click on the blue text link in each waterfall description to see maps, directions, and additional photos of that waterfall.


Yost Run Falls

Yost Run Falls in the Sproul State Forest is the tallest waterfall in Centre County.

A young hiker takes in the scene at Yost Run Falls.
A young hiker takes in the scene at Yost Run Falls in Central Pennsylvania.

Located along the Chuck Keiper Trail, Yost Run Falls is located a little over a mile from the trail head along Route 144.

The author at Yost Run Falls on a winter day.
The author at Yost Run Falls on a winter day.

Kyler Fork Falls

A summer view of Kyler Fork Falls.
A summer view of Kyler Fork Falls in Central Pennsylvania.

Kyler Fork Falls, located near Yost Run Falls in the Sproul State Forest, is another Centre County gem.

The author on top of Kyler Fork Falls.
The author on top of Kyler Fork Falls in Central Pennsylvania.

Round Island Run Falls

Round Island Run Falls in Clinton County may be one of the most remote waterfalls in all of Pennsylvania!

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

Located in the Sproul State Forest, one of the unique features of this waterfall is that you can stand BEHIND the upper tier.

My daughter behind the upper tier of Round Island Run Falls.
Standing behind the upper tier of Round Island Run Falls in Central Pennsylvania.

Rosecrans Falls

Rosecrans Falls in Clinton County is situated on land owned by the Lock Haven Water Authority but managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Rosecrans Falls in Clinton County Pennsylvania on a foggy summer morning.
Rosecrans Falls in Clinton County, Pennsylvania on a foggy summer morning.

This is quite possibly the most picturesque of all the Central Pennsylvania waterfalls, and looks magnificent in every season, especially winter.

Ice formations around Rosecrans Falls in Clinton County, Pennsylvania.
Ice formations around Rosecrans Falls in Clinton County, Pennsylvania.

McElhattan Falls

McElhattan Falls sits adjacent to Rosecrans Falls in Clinton County.

McElhattan Falls in Clinton County Pennsylvania
McElhattan Falls in Clinton County Pennsylvania

And while McElhattan Falls can easily be viewed from the base of Rosecrans Falls, it is important to note that McElhattan Falls is located on a parcel of PRIVATE LAND and should only be viewed from a distance.


Table Falls

Table Falls is located almost-roadside in the western portion of the Quehanna Wild Area, the least-densely populated area in all of Pennsylvania.

A September view of Table Falls, flowing high and clear on Paige Run.
Table Falls in the Quehanna Wild Area, Central Pennsylvania.

Wykoff Run Falls

Wykoff Run Falls is located roadside in the Quehanna Wild Area in Cameron County.

Winter at Wykoff Run Falls in Cameron County PA
Winter at Wykoff Run Falls in Cameron County PA

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls at Trough Creek State Park in Huntingdon County is one of the best spots in Central Pennsylvania for “leaf peeping” in October.

Fall foliage at Rainbow Falls in Pennsylvania
Fall foliage at Rainbow Falls in Central Pennsylvania.

Cabbage Creek Falls

Cabbage Creek Falls is a picturesque little waterfall tucked away in Shawnee Park (not to be confused with Shawnee State Park) in Blair County.

How to find Cabbage Creek Falls at Shawnee Park in Roaring Spring Pennsylvania.
Cabbage Creek Falls near Roaring Spring in Blair County.

So there you have it!

9 must-see Central Pennsylvania waterfalls to add to your ever-growing PA Bucket List!

The author at Round Island Run Falls.
The author at Round Island Run Falls in Central Pennsylvania.

Nearby Attractions

The 13 Best Scenic Overlooks in Centre County introduces you to some amazing views in and around Happy Valley.

Chocolate Drop Vista sign along Pine Swamp Road in the Bald Eagle State Forest.
Chocolate Drop Vista sign along Pine Swamp Road in the Bald Eagle State Forest.

If covered bridges are more your speed, be sure to check out Saint Mary’s Covered Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in Huntingdon County.

Saint Mary's Covered Bridge in Huntingdon County, PA
Saint Mary’s Covered Bridge in Huntingdon County, PA

Or check out Logan Mills Covered Bridge, the last remaining covered bridge in Clinton County.

Logan Mills Covered Bridge in central PA

Can’t get enough of those PA waterfalls?

Then check out the 5 best waterfall hikes in Lycoming County!

Two photographers enjoying the scenery at Hounds Run Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest.
Two photographers enjoying the scenery at Hounds Run Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County.

Looking for a comprehensive list of the BEST waterfalls in ALL of Pennsylvania?

Then be sure to check out The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide to discover the finest waterfalls in PA!

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfall Guide created by Rusty Glessner
The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide by Rusty Glessner.

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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.