Pennsylvania’s Secret Waterfalls Nobody Talks About
Pennsylvania hides some of the most stunning waterfalls you’ve probably never heard of, tucked away in state parks and forests where only locals and adventurous hikers venture.
While everyone flocks to the famous cascades, these secret spots offer peaceful trails, misty air, and the kind of natural beauty that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something truly special.
I’ve spent countless weekends chasing these hidden gems across the state, and I’m excited to share fifteen incredible waterfalls that deserve way more attention than they get.
1. Hawk Falls (Hickory Run State Park)
Nestled within the sprawling wilderness of Hickory Run State Park, this waterfall tumbles down a rocky cliff in a way that feels almost magical when you first spot it through the trees.
The trail leading here is only about a mile, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick escape into nature without the grueling hike.
What I love most about Hawk Falls is how the water cascades over moss-covered rocks, creating this serene atmosphere that instantly washes away whatever stress you brought with you.
The sound of rushing water echoes through the forest, and there’s something deeply calming about standing at the base, feeling the cool mist on your face.
Spring is absolutely the best time to visit because snowmelt makes the falls roar with power, but even in summer, it maintains a steady flow that’s worth the trip.
Bring your camera because the way sunlight filters through the canopy and hits the water creates photography gold.
Honestly, this spot deserves way more recognition than it gets.
2. Jonathan Run Falls (Ohiopyle / Laurel Highlands)
Hidden deep in the Laurel Highlands near Ohiopyle, this waterfall requires a bit more effort to reach, but every step on that trail is absolutely worth it.
The hike takes you through dense forest where the only sounds are birds chirping and your boots crunching on leaves, building anticipation with every turn.
When you finally arrive, Jonathan Run Falls greets you with multiple tiers of water spilling down rocky ledges, creating natural pools that look almost too perfect to be real.
I’ve spent hours here just sitting on the rocks, watching the water flow and feeling completely disconnected from the busy world outside.
The surrounding area is incredibly photogenic, with rhododendron bushes framing the falls and creating this wild, untouched feel that makes you appreciate Pennsylvania’s natural beauty.
Summer brings lush greenery, while fall transforms the scene into a canvas of oranges and reds.
Pack some snacks and plan to spend a few hours here because you won’t want to leave quickly.
3. Bent Run Falls (Allegheny National Forest)
Way up in the Allegheny National Forest, Bent Run Falls feels like a secret that only the most dedicated waterfall hunters know about.
Getting there involves navigating forest roads and a moderate hike that filters out casual visitors, which means you’ll likely have this beauty all to yourself.
The waterfall itself drops about twenty-five feet into a rocky gorge, and the way the water catches light creates this shimmering effect that’s absolutely mesmerizing.
I remember my first visit here—standing alone in the forest, listening to nothing but the falls, feeling like I’d stumbled into a hidden world.
Because it’s so remote, wildlife sightings are common, and I’ve spotted deer drinking from the stream on multiple occasions.
The surrounding forest is pristine, with towering trees that make you feel wonderfully small in the best possible way.
Bring a good map or GPS because cell service is spotty, but that disconnection is part of what makes this place so special and restorative.
4. Boggs Falls (Parker Dam State Park)
Parker Dam State Park hides this gem along a trail that winds through hemlock forests and over wooden bridges that add to the fairy-tale atmosphere.
Boggs Falls isn’t massive, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm and accessibility, making it perfect for a peaceful afternoon adventure.
The water slides over smooth rock faces before collecting in a clear pool below, and the surrounding area is carpeted with ferns that look especially vibrant after rain.
I’ve brought friends here who weren’t big hikers, and they all fell in love with how easy it was to reach such a beautiful spot.
What makes this waterfall special is how it changes with the seasons—winter transforms it into an icy sculpture, spring brings thundering flows, and summer offers a cool retreat from the heat.
The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, so you can focus on enjoying nature instead of worrying about getting lost.
It’s become one of my go-to recommendations for people new to waterfall hunting in Pennsylvania.
5. Adam Falls (Linn Run State Park)
Tucked away in Linn Run State Park, Adam Falls rewards hikers with a stunning twenty-foot cascade that feels wonderfully secluded despite being relatively easy to access.
The trail follows a babbling creek through mountain laurel and rhododendron, creating this tunnel effect that makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
When you reach the falls, the water plunges over a rocky ledge into a pool that’s surrounded by moss-covered boulders perfect for sitting and soaking in the scenery.
I’ve visited during different times of year, and each season brings its own magic—spring wildflowers, summer shade, autumn colors, and winter ice formations.
The park itself is less crowded than many other Pennsylvania destinations, which means you can often enjoy the falls without competing for space or views.
Bring sturdy shoes because the trail can get slippery near the water, but it’s nothing too challenging for most fitness levels.
This waterfall has become one of my favorite spots for quiet reflection and reconnecting with nature away from life’s constant noise.
6. Tumling Run Falls (Buchanan State Forest)
Way down in Fulton County, Buchanan State Forest conceals this waterfall that hardly anyone outside the local area seems to know exists.
The hike to Tumling Run Falls takes you through rugged terrain that feels wild and untamed, making the discovery of the falls feel like a genuine adventure.
The waterfall drops dramatically over a rocky cliff face, and during high water, the power and sound are absolutely incredible.
I remember being surprised by how impressive it was considering how little information exists about it online—it’s genuinely one of Pennsylvania’s best-kept secrets.
The surrounding forest is dense and beautiful, with the kind of solitude that’s increasingly hard to find in popular outdoor destinations.
Because it’s off the beaten path, you’ll need to do some research and possibly ask locals for directions, but that extra effort filters out crowds.
Pack out everything you bring in because this pristine spot deserves to stay as beautiful as it is, and respect the quiet that makes it so special for those who make the journey.
7. Factory Falls (Worlds End State Park)
World’s End State Park lives up to its dramatic name, and Factory Falls is one of the park’s crown jewels that somehow gets overshadowed by other attractions.
The trail winds alongside a creek before opening up to reveal this gorgeous waterfall that cascades over layered rock formations in a way that looks almost architectural.
What strikes me every time I visit is how the surrounding canyon walls create this amphitheater effect that amplifies the sound of rushing water.
The falls are especially powerful after spring rains, when the volume of water transforms the usually gentle cascade into a thundering display of nature’s force.
The park offers several other trails and overlooks, so you can easily make a full day of exploring this area.
I always recommend combining Factory Falls with some of the scenic vistas nearby because the park really is one of Pennsylvania’s most underrated destinations.
Autumn is particularly magical here when the forest explodes with color, creating a backdrop that makes the waterfall look like something from a postcard.
8. Logan Falls (Worlds End State Park)
Also located in World’s End State Park, Logan Falls offers a completely different experience from its neighbor Factory Falls, with a more intimate setting that feels like stumbling upon a hidden grotto.
The trail here is shorter and less traveled, which means you’ll often have the falls entirely to yourself.
The waterfall drops into a small pool surrounded by ferns and moss-covered rocks that create this enchanted forest vibe that kids and adults alike absolutely love.
I’ve brought my camera here countless times because the composition practically photographs itself, with natural framing from overhanging branches and interesting rock textures.
What makes Logan Falls special is how it maintains a steady flow even during drier months, making it a reliable destination year-round.
The surrounding area is perfect for a picnic, and I’ve spent many peaceful afternoons here just reading a book to the soundtrack of falling water.
If you’re visiting World’s End State Park, definitely make time for both Factory and Logan Falls—they’re close enough to see in one trip but different enough to each feel unique.
9. Harrison Wright Falls (Ricketts Glen Area)
Everyone knows about Ricketts Glen State Park and its famous Falls Trail, but Harrison Wright Falls often gets rushed past as people hurry toward the bigger cascades.
That’s a mistake because this waterfall deserves your full attention, with its graceful twenty-seven-foot drop creating one of the most photogenic scenes in the entire park.
The falls are named after a local conservationist, and standing before them, you can understand why someone would dedicate their life to protecting such beauty.
Water slides over smooth rock in sheets that catch sunlight and create rainbows in the mist on bright days.
Because it’s one of the first falls you encounter on the trail, many people snap a quick photo and move on, but I always linger here.
The surrounding forest creates perfect natural lighting, and the sound of the water has this rhythmic quality that’s deeply relaxing.
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds, and take time to really appreciate this waterfall instead of treating it as just a checkpoint on the way to others.
10. Freedom Falls (Rock Run Area)
Up in McKean County, Freedom Falls lives in a remote area that requires determination to reach, but that remoteness is exactly what makes it so special.
The waterfall tumbles down a series of rocky steps in the middle of pristine forest, and the isolation means you’ll likely experience it in complete solitude.
Getting here involves driving on forest roads that aren’t always well-maintained, followed by a hike that’s more of a bushwhack than a maintained trail.
I won’t lie—it’s challenging, but standing before this waterfall that so few people see creates a connection with nature that’s hard to describe.
The area around Freedom Falls is incredibly wild, with old-growth forest and wildlife that’s rarely disturbed by human presence.
I’ve seen black bears, wild turkeys, and countless bird species during trips to this waterfall, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Bring a good map, tell someone where you’re going, and be prepared for a real adventure because this isn’t a casual Sunday stroll—it’s a journey into Pennsylvania’s wilderness heart.
11. Austin Dam Falls (Austin Dam Memorial Park)
This waterfall exists because of tragedy—the Austin Dam failure in 1911 killed dozens of people and completely reshaped the landscape.
Today, the ruins create an eerie but beautiful setting where water cascades over the remaining dam structures, creating an unexpected waterfall that’s both historically significant and naturally beautiful.
Walking through the memorial park, you can see remnants of the massive dam that once stood here, and it’s sobering to think about the power of water and the consequences of engineering failures.
The waterfall itself flows over broken concrete and stone, creating this unique blend of human history and natural reclamation.
What makes Austin Dam Falls different from other waterfalls on this list is that human-made quality—nature is slowly taking back what was once a massive industrial structure.
I find it fascinating how vegetation grows through the cracks and how the waterfall has carved new channels through the ruins.
It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and a beautiful spot that honors the memory of those who lost their lives while offering a peaceful place for reflection.
12. Buttermilk Falls (Indiana County Parks)
Don’t confuse this Buttermilk Falls with the more famous one elsewhere—this Indiana County gem is smaller but absolutely charming, with water flowing over a wide rock face that creates a curtain effect.
The park surrounding the falls is well-maintained and family-friendly, making it perfect for introducing kids to waterfall hiking.
The trail is short and easy, following a creek through woods that feel peaceful without being too remote.
I love bringing first-time waterfall hunters here because it delivers beauty without intimidation, and the park facilities mean you can make a comfortable day trip.
The waterfall itself is wide rather than tall, creating this gentle, flowing appearance that’s incredibly soothing to watch.
There’s a viewing platform that offers great photo opportunities, and the surrounding area has picnic tables where you can relax and enjoy lunch with the sound of falling water in the background.
Spring brings the highest flows, but even in summer, it maintains enough water to be impressive, and the shaded location keeps things cool on hot days.
13. Shohola Falls (Shohola Creek)
Pike County hides this spectacular waterfall along Shohola Creek, where water plunges dramatically into a deep gorge surrounded by towering hemlocks.
The falls are impressive year-round, but spring runoff transforms them into a roaring cascade that you can hear long before you see it.
Getting to Shohola Falls requires a bit of scrambling over rocks and roots, which adds to the adventure and keeps the crowds manageable.
I appreciate how the challenging access means that people who make the effort are rewarded with a truly spectacular sight without the tourist crowds you’d find at more famous locations.
The gorge itself is beautiful, with steep walls and interesting rock formations that make you feel like you’ve entered a secret canyon.
The hemlock forest creates deep shade that keeps things cool even on summer days, and the moss-covered rocks add to the primeval atmosphere.
Bring good hiking boots because the trail can be slippery, and be prepared for some elevation changes, but the payoff is absolutely worth every step of the journey.
14. Cove Creek Falls (Blue Knob State Park)
Blue Knob State Park is known for its mountain views and skiing, but Cove Creek Falls remains one of its best-kept secrets, hidden along a trail that most park visitors never explore.
The waterfall drops about fifteen feet over a rocky ledge into a pool that’s surrounded by mountain laurel and rhododendron, creating a natural amphitheater.
What I love about this waterfall is how it changes dramatically with the seasons—winter ice creates stunning formations, spring brings powerful flows, summer offers cool shade, and fall surrounds it with brilliant foliage.
The trail to reach it is moderate, with some elevation gain that gets your heart pumping but nothing too strenuous.
The park itself sits at high elevation, which means the forest here has a different character than lowland Pennsylvania woods, with species that thrive in cooler temperatures.
I’ve combined waterfall visits here with hikes to the park’s scenic overlooks, making for perfect full-day adventures.
Pack layers because mountain weather can change quickly, and bring your camera because this waterfall photographs beautifully from multiple angles.
15. R.B. Winter Falls (R.B. Winter State Park)
R.B.
Winter State Park feels like stepping back in time, with old-growth forest and a peaceful lake that draws far more attention than this hidden waterfall.
The falls are modest in size but beautiful in character, with water tumbling over mossy rocks in a setting that feels almost enchanted.
The trail to the waterfall is short and easy, winding through hemlock groves that create cathedral-like spaces where sunlight filters through in golden beams.
I’ve brought my family here multiple times because it offers just enough adventure to feel special without being too challenging for younger kids or less experienced hikers.
What makes R.B.
Winter Falls memorable isn’t dramatic height or thundering power—it’s the intimate, peaceful atmosphere that makes you want to sit quietly and just absorb the natural beauty.
The surrounding forest is home to diverse wildlife, and I’ve spotted salamanders in the creek and heard owls calling from the trees.
It’s the perfect destination when you want to experience Pennsylvania’s natural side without driving hours or tackling difficult trails, making it ideal for a spontaneous afternoon escape.