If you love chasing waterfalls (and yes, you should go chasing these ones), Western Pennsylvania is calling your name.
This road trip is packed with jaw-dropping sights and hidden forest trails that will leave you in awe.
You’ll hike behind waterfalls, discover secret ruins, and maybe even find yourself in a place where Mister Rogers once played.
So get ready for a waterfall loop that’s anything but ordinary.
1. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park in southwestern Pennsylvania is a waterfall wonderland in the middle of the Laurel Highlands, about 90 minutes south of Pittsburgh.
It’s home to several epic waterfalls you can’t miss including Cucumber Falls which is a 36-foot bridal veil waterfall you can actually walk behind.
Ohiopyle Falls is another must-see as it features a 20-foot drop and comes crashing through the Youghiogheny River.
There’s also Jonathan Run Falls which features both Upper and Lower Falls tucked into a forest trail that feels like your own secret adventure.
The park’s also packed with hiking and biking trails, whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River, and seriously jaw-dropping views at every turn.
Fun fact: the name “Ohiopyle” comes from a Native American word that means “white frothy water” which totally makes sense once you see the rapids.
2. Buttermilk Falls
Next up on your waterfall road trip is Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County and yep, it’s just as dreamy as it sounds.
The 45-foot drop isn’t just gorgeous, it’s historic too as you can actually walk behind the falls and see the remains of the stone foundations and walls from the estate where Fred Rogers’ grandfather once lived (yes, that Mister Rogers).
The trail to get there is short and sweet, making it perfect for a quick stop with a big payoff.
With water spilling over wide rock ledges and mossy cliffs, it looks like something straight out of a fairytale (if that fairytale also had cool stone steps and a picnic area).
3. Freedom Falls
From there, cruise up to Venango County for a stop at Freedom Falls, a powerful waterfall that’s totally worth the bumpy dirt road it takes to get there.
This 20-foot cascade pours over a broad rock shelf into a wide, clear pool that’s perfect for wading or just kicking back and soaking it all in.
Right next to the falls, you’ll find the ruins of an old iron furnace from the 1800s, which gives the spot a super cool, abandoned industrial feel.
It’s quiet, remote, and feels like one of those places you stumble on by accident and never forget.
4. Springfield Falls
Next on the loop is Springfield Falls in Mercer County, a waterfall that seriously knows how to make an entrance.
Located just off a quiet country road, this 20-foot beauty fans out over a rocky ledge and crashes into a pretty gorge surrounded by trees and wildflowers.
The trail’s basically a short stroll from the parking area, so you’ll get that big-reward, low-effort hike we all love.
5. Quaker Falls
Don’t skip Quaker Falls in Lawrence County, a peaceful little spot with a big personality.
This 50-foot waterfall drops down a mossy rock face and feels super secluded, even though it’s just a quick walk from the roadside parking area.
The area used to be part of a historic Quaker settlement, and there are signs along the path that give you fun little history nuggets while you walk.
It’s quiet, shady, and the kind of place where you’ll want to sit for a while and just listen to the water doing its thing.
6. McConnells Mill State Park
Last stop on your Western PA waterfall loop: McConnells Mill State Park in Lawrence County—it’s waterfall central with some seriously dramatic scenery.
Alpha Falls is a hidden little gem located near the northern end of the park and Hell’s Hollow Falls is a fan favorite with a gorgeous woodland trail that leads you past an old lime kiln.
The park is full of massive boulders, deep gorges, and a historic gristmill that still looks like something out of the 1800s.
If you’re into trails with a bit more challenge and a whole lot of scenery, this spot brings the wow factor in a big way.
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