Pinchot State Forest, formally known as Lackawanna State Forest, occupies nearly 45,000 acres of land, primarily in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. With this much land, there are bound to be many hidden gems. One of these is Rattlesnake Falls.
Rattlesnake Falls is located in Spring Brook Township in southern Lackawanna County (not to be confused with the waterfall of the same name in Monroe County). The land surrounding this beautiful waterfall was purchased by the state in the last few years and is now part of the Montage Mountain Tract of the forest. It’s great that such a beautiful site can be preserved for everyone to enjoy.
The hike to Rattlesnake Falls is an easy half-mile walk, primarily along an old forest road, from Route 502. Along the way, there are nice views of Nesbitt Reservoir, though these may be somewhat obscured during the summer months.
While it might look inviting, note that the reservoir is the source of drinking water for 75,000 people and is not located in the state forest land, so don’t leave the trail to get a closer look.
The trail winds its way through the forest just above the southern end of the reservoir. While several side trails come into the main trail, keep walking straight along this trail.
After about 10 minutes, the trail will veer to the right at Rattlesnake Creek. Do not cross the creek, instead turn right with the trail to head upstream. In just a few hundred yards, you’ll come to the top of Rattlesnake Falls.
Rattlesnake Falls has carved out a unique gorge. The main falls is about 12-15 feet in height. A few yards downstream is a second drop of roughly three feet. In many ways, it reminded me of a more narrow version of Hawk Falls in Hickory Run State Park.
Getting a close look at the main drop can be a bit of a challenge without getting your feet wet, but it’s still a great waterfall to enjoy from the banks before the lower drop.
Make sure you also check out the area above Rattlesnake Falls. Here, Rattlesnake Creek make a few small drops through a narrow channel cut into the rock. It’s an incredibly beautiful area that makes a perfect spot for resting for a few minutes.
Rattlesnake Falls is a great hidden gem in Lackawanna County’s Pinchot State Forest. It’s easy to reach, while still feeling quite secluded. This is a great choice for those looking to explore a peaceful landscape and beautiful waterfall in northeastern Pennsylvania.
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How to Get to Rattlesnake Falls
Rattlesnake Falls in located near Nesbitt Reservoir in southern Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Parking is located along Route 502, just south of the bridge over where Spring Brook opens into the lake.
There are no official parking areas here, so just look for a space wide enough to accommodate your vehicle. When parking, use extreme caution as you will be right alongside this busy road.
The hike starts from a yellow gate that blocks an old forest road. The trailhead and parking area can be found at the following coordinates: 41.310124, -75.640540.
Walk past the gate and follow the old forest road for 10 minutes. In times of high water, there may be a bit of water on the trail and a small stream to cross. After 10 minutes, you’ll reach Rattlesnake Creek. The path will curve right to follow the creek a short distance upstream to the waterfall.
Rattlesnake Falls can be found at the following coordinates: 41.316134, -75.635895.
To return to your car, simply retrace your steps. Again, use caution around the roadway.
If you want to see more nearby waterfalls after your visit to Rattlesnake Falls, check out Choke Creek Falls, Seven Tubs, and Buttermilk Falls.
Want to see more of Pennsylvania’s best waterfalls? Check out our Pennsylvania Waterfalls page!
[Click here for information on how to use the coordinates in this article to find your destination.]
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This is privately owned property and trespassers will be cited. There is no legal parking on rt. 502. Security forces patrol area and will cite intruders. State police are called when cars are parked on the side of rt. 502. This reservoir is the drinking water source for 55,000 people, trespassers are prosecuted.
The reservoir is, but my research at the time this article was written indicated that the trail and the waterfall were firmly on state forest land. Has this changed recently? It would be a shame for a corporate landowner to callously shut down access to such a beautiful spot.
parked there several times never an issue
Just left- parked there for two hours and explored the falls and and surrounding trails!! Beautiful!!
The proper access is next to the lake on state route 502; if you arenot near water, you are in the wrong place.
DO NOT park in or enter the private property at the top of the hill. This dirt road is not an access or public. The state police will fine tresspassers on this private land.
To the best of my knowledge, the route near the lake is the one that I have written about in my article.
We were there today. The no trespassing signs are all in the woods. We figured out that as long as you stay on the trail you are ok. We were there for 1.5 hours and we parked on 502 across from the trailhead on the side of the road and had no issues. It was a nice easy and enjoyable walk.