The 5 Best Waterfall Hikes in Lycoming County

The first waterfall on Miners Run in the Loyalsock State Forest.

If you’re looking for the 5 best waterfall hikes in Lycoming County, you’re in the right place!

An autumn scene from the second waterfall on Miners Run in the Loyalsock State Forest.
An autumn scene from the second waterfall on Miners Run in Lycoming County.

This article contains a list of the 5 most-popular waterfall hikes in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

Approaching the First Waterfalls on Dutchmans Run in the McIntyre Wild Area.
Approaching the First Waterfalls on Dutchmans Run in Lycoming County.

Simply follow the blue text links in each waterfall hike description to find the corresponding maps, directions, photos, and videos.

Remnants of winter at Jacoby Falls.
Remnants of winter at Jacoby Falls in Lycoming County.

1. Miners Run Falls

For my money, the hike along Miners Run in the Rock Run Valley is THE best waterfall hike in Lycoming County.

An autumn scene from the fourth waterfall on Miners Run in the Loyalsock State Forest.
An autumn scene from the fourth waterfall on Miners Run in Lycoming County.

6 magnificent waterfalls within a 0.6 mile stretch of Miners Run – the entire hike is mapped out HERE.

An autumn scene from the fifth waterfall on Miners Run in the Loyalsock State Forest.
The author at the fifth waterfall on Miners Run in Lycoming County.

2. Jacoby Falls

Jacoby Falls is another remarkable waterfall hike in Lycoming County.

A winter afternoon at Jacoby Falls.
A winter afternoon at Jacoby Falls in Lycoming County.

And although there is only one waterfall to be seen, it’s a big one!

Jacoby Falls swollen by heavy summer rain.
Jacoby Falls swollen by heavy summer rain.

You can find the Jacoby Falls hike described in detail HERE.

Icy scene at Jacoby Falls in Lycoming County.
Icy scene at Jacoby Falls in Lycoming County.

3. Hounds Run Falls

Hounds Run is the next-door neighbor of Miners Run, so it only makes sense to visit one when visiting the other.

Fall foliage at Hounds Run Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest.
Fall foliage at Hounds Run Falls in Lycoming County.

A small splash dam downstream from Hounds Run Falls also makes for a nice photo-op.

The splash dam on Hounds Run, just below Hounds Run Falls.
The splash dam on Hounds Run in Lycoming County.

You can find my detailed write-up the Hounds Run Falls hike HERE.

A summertime view of Hounds Run Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest.
A summertime view of Hounds Run Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest.

4. Dutchmans Run Falls

Dutchmans Run Falls is the tallest waterfall in the McIntyre Wild Area in Lycoming County.

The First Falls on Dutchmans Run in the McIntyre Wild Area
Dutchmans Run Falls in the McIntyre Wild Area, Lycoming County.

Numerous smaller waterfalls dot Dutchmans Run as you hike upstream.

The Third Falls on Dutchmans Run in the McIntyre Wild Area.
The Third Falls on Dutchmans Run in the McIntyre Wild Area.

You can find maps and detailed directions on the Dutchmans Run Falls hike HERE.

Ice and snow at the frozen first falls on Dutchmans Run in Lycoming County, PA.
Ice and snow at the frozen first falls on Dutchmans Run in Lycoming County, PA.

5. Abbott Run Falls

Abbott Run Falls is the largest in a series of waterfalls on Abbott Run in the McIntyre Wild Area in Lycoming County.

Ice formations surrounding Abbott Run Falls.
Ice formations surrounding Abbott Run Falls in Lycoming County.

This is probably the most challenging of the 5 waterfall hikes described in this write-up.

The author at Abbott Run Falls in the McIntyre Wild Area.
The author at Abbott Run Falls in the McIntyre Wild Area.

You can find my maps and directions to Abbott Run Falls HERE.

Large unnamed waterfall on Abbott Run in Lycoming County Pennsylvania
Large unnamed waterfall on Abbott Run in Lycoming County

What About Rock Run?

Rock Run is a wildly popular stream in Lycoming County, and does contain one nice-sized waterfall, as well as several smaller falls downstream which double as popular swimming holes.

Rock Run Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
Rock Run Falls in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania.

But there’s really no hiking involved – you simply drive along Rock Run Road and park near the falls.

Thus I didn’t include Rock Run in my top 5 waterfall HIKES in Lycoming County.


Bonus Hikes

Here are 3 outstanding waterfall hikes that lie just beyond the borders of Lycoming County.

Bohen Run Falls and Jerry Run Falls

Bohen Run Falls and Jerry Run Falls lie just to the north of Lycoming County near Blackwell, Tioga County.

The author at Bohen Run Falls.
The author at Bohen Run Falls in Tioga County.

Both waterfalls are part of a 4 mile loop hike I describe in detail HERE.

The author at Jerry Run Falls
The author at Jerry Run Falls in Tioga County.

Water Tank Hollow Falls

Water Tank Hollow Falls is also located near Blackwell, and easy to access via the Pine Creek Rail Trail.

Exploring Water Tank Hollow Falls in Tioga County Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Water Tank Hollow Falls.

East Branch Falls and Middle Branch Falls

Just a few miles east of the Lycoming County border, East Branch Falls can be found in the Mill Creek watershed, in neighboring Sullivan County.

East Branch Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest
East Branch Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest, Sullivan County.

Nearby Attractions

Band Rock Vista in Lycoming County offers a stunning 180-degree view of the Lycoming Creek Valley and the town of Ralston more than 900 feet below.

Hiking to Band Rock Vista in Lycoming County.
Band Rock Vista in Lycoming County on a winter morning.

Montgomery Pike Scenic Overlook is a gorgeous roadside overlook and picnic spot located approximately 3.5 miles south of Williamsport along Route 15 in Lycoming County.

Exploring Montgomery Pike Scenic Overlook in Lycoming County
Montgomery Pike Scenic Overlook in Lycoming County.

The 27 Best Waterfalls in the Loyalsock State Forest is your guide to even more nearby waterfall action in the 114,552 acres that comprise this state forest.

A downstream view of Rusty Run Falls.
A downstream view of Rusty Run Falls in the Loyalsock State Forest.

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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.