Ready to chase waterfalls the fun way?
This epic Pennsylvania road trip takes you to 7 different waterfalls and guess what?
You can walk behind every single one of them!
Some are located deep in the woods, others are just steps from your car, but every stop brings something totally different to the table.
You’ll explore hidden trails, natural rock ledges and secret cave-like spots.
Keep reading to find out where to go, how to get there, and what makes each waterfall so cool.
1. Round Island Run Falls, Sproul State Forest
First we have Round Island Run Falls, tucked deep in the wild beauty of Sproul State Forest, and yep, you can totally walk behind this one.
This multi-tiered waterfall, approximately 20–25 feet tall, spills over a rocky ledge and you can stand right underneath the falls in a little grotto.
Getting there takes a little bit of effort: it’s a 2-mile out-and-back hike on the Round Island Run Trail, with some steep, muddy sections, so bring those sturdy boots.
The coolest part? There’s a trail that leads directly to the base of the falls, and if you time it right after a good rain, the flow gets loud, splashy, and super dramatic.
2. Kildoo Falls, McConnells Mill State Park
Next is Kildoo Falls in McConnells Mill State Park which is a small but mighty waterfall that’s totally worth a visit.
It drops about 20 feet over a wide rock ledge and forms a misty curtain you can sneak behind if the water flow isn’t too wild.
You’ll find it along the roughly 2.6-mile Kildoo Trail loop, which hugs the Slippery Rock Creek and throws in some pretty cool boulder-hopping fun.
Bonus: the trail starts right near the historic McConnells Mill Covered Bridge, so you get to see two cool places in just one short hike.
3. Buttermilk Falls, Beaver County
Buttermilk Falls in Beaver County is the easiest walk-behind waterfall on this list—like, park-your-car-and-you’re-there easy.
It drops 40 feet over a big sandstone cliff, and there’s a worn little path that loops right behind the falls for an up-close, spray-in-your-face kind of view.
This spot is just off Route 18 in Homewood, with a flat, short trail that’s less than 0.2 miles from the parking area, so it’s perfect if you’re short on time.
This place shares its name with another Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County which you’ll find later in this list!
4. Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls, Raccoon Creek State Park
Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls in Raccoon Creek State Park feels like stepping into a hidden cave with water sliding right over the entrance.
This 10-foot waterfall cascades over a curved rock overhang, and on the short 1.2-mile Mineral Springs Loop Trail, you can easily duck behind it.
The trail also passes the crumbling remains of an 1800s mineral spa resort, so it’s got both nature and interesting history to explore.
It’s shaded, quiet, and feels like one of those secret spots you won’t want to tell anyone about just to keep it special.
5. Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle State Park
Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State Park is the showstopper of walk-behind waterfalls—it’s tall, dramatic, and ridiculously photogenic.
This 36-foot waterfall drops from a sandstone cliff into a rocky gorge, and you can easily scoot behind it for that magical behind-the-waterfall moment.
It’s just a quick walk down from the parking lot (around 0.2 miles) but heads up, the stone steps can get slippery, especially after rain.
This one’s a favorite for families, couples, photographers and even makes a great proposal spot.
6. Adams Falls, Linn Run State Park
Adams Falls in Linn Run State Park might be small, but it packs a punch with swirling pools and a super cool walk-behind rock ledge.
The waterfall only drops about 15 feet, but the way the water shoots through a narrow chute into a deep splashy basin makes it seriously fun to watch.
It’s just a 0.12-mile stroll from the parking area, with an easy trail that leads right to the falls—and yep, you can scoot behind the water if the stream’s not too wild.
Stick around and explore the mossy boulders and quiet creek nearby, it’s one of those chill spots that’s perfect for a breather.
7. Buttermilk Falls, Indiana County
Last but definitely not least is Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County, and this one’s got some major wow factor plus another awesome walk-behind waterfall.
It drops 45 feet over a jagged rock shelf, and there’s a clearly marked path that lets you walk right behind the rushing curtain like you’re part of the waterfall.
The trail is short and sweet at just 0.5 miles and has stairs built into the hillside to help you get up close without too much effort.
Bonus trivia: this land once belonged to Fred McFeely, grandfather of Mister Rogers who apparently spent a lot of time here as a child.
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