16 Roadside Waterfalls in Pennsylvania You Won’t Want to Miss

Pennsylvania is home to hundreds of incredible waterfalls, many of which I’ve visited (In fact, I have a whole page on this site about waterfalls and even wrote a book featuring nearly 200 of my favorites).

Many of these beautiful waterfalls require a bit of hiking to see. But what if you can’t hike or simply don’t want to? Well, luckily for you, there are some incredible roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania!

All of the waterfalls listed in this guide can be seen either from your car or via a flat and paved walkway that is totally handicapped-accessible. In fact, the furthest you’ll have to walk to see any of the waterfalls in this guide is around 100 feet.

Just click the link with each place to find out information on how where it is and how to see it.

So, the next time you are looking for a roadside waterfall to visit in PA, here are a few to check out.

Hinkston Run Falls near Johnstown

Hinkston Run Falls (which is also pictured at the top of this article) might be the most impressive of all the roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania that you can see from your car.

This waterfall is actually the outflow of Hinkston Run Reservoir near Johnstown and was created in 1904. However, the sheer cliff face here has no visible signs that it’s not a natural waterfall.

Hinkston Run Falls is roughly 60 feet tall and drops into a large pool at the base of the falls. While the land around the waterfall is private property, the road makes a 90-degree turn at this spot, offering great views of the waterfall.

In fact, since the road is the closest spot to the falls, the best views of this waterfall can be had from your vehicle.

That being said, this is a very quiet road, so it’s also possible to pull off to the side of the road briefly to enjoy the Hinkston Run Falls. Just don’t venture too far away as parking isn’t allowed here.

Dry Run Falls in Sullivan County

Dry Run Falls is located in Loyalsock State Forest in Sullivan County, PA.

This roadside waterfall is set in a narrow gorge adjacent to Dry Run Road a short distance from Worlds End State Park. Despite its name, it’s actually one of the last waterfalls in the area to run dry.

This waterfall is roughly 20 feet tall and can be seen from a variety of spots. The best spot for those wanting to view it from their car is just south of the waterfall along the road as this provides a nice view looking up the gorge. However, don’t pause here for too long as there isn’t much room for cars to pass.

Just at the top of the waterfall, there is a small parking area. While you have to exit your car to see the waterfall from here, it only sits about 20 feet from this parking area. There are also a few picnic tables here for those looking to enjoy a nice meal.

Big Run Falls in New Castle

Big Run Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in New Castle, PA’s Cascade Park. This park actually was a local amusement park for many years, and a few remnants of this history can still be seen, including a support for the park’s rollercoaster just downstream of the waterfall.

Big Run Falls is a 20-25 foot waterfall that drops into a large and impressive hollow. It can be seen from the park’s road fairly easily.

If you want a bit of a closer look, there is a viewing area set up about 100 yards from the falls on the opposite side of the hollow. This spot is only about 100 feet from the small parking area, and while it’s not paved, it’s a flat walk to the fence.

Miners Run Falls in Lycoming County

Miners Run in the McIntyre Wild Area of northern Lycoming County is an amazing stream. That’s because you’ll find a total of seven incredible waterfalls here within a short distance.

Unfortunately, to see six of those, you have to take a difficult off-trail hike to see. However, the first waterfall on the stream, Miners Run Falls, can be easily seen from the road.

This 10-foot waterfall falls over a series of rocks and through a narrow crevice, which creates one of the most dramatic waterfalls on this list.

Ohiopyle Falls in Ohiopyle State Park

Ohiopyle Falls is one of the most powerful and historic waterfalls in all of Pennsylvania.

This waterfall is the focal point of Ohiopyle State Park in southwestern PA and sits on the edge of the community of the same name. While Ohiopyle Falls can’t be seen from your car, it is located less than 100 feet from a large parking area (though you may have to walk a bit further depending on where you can find a parking spot).

From the parking area, the path to the waterfall viewing areas is paved and flat, meaning that this waterfall can be easily seen by those with mobility issues and strollers.

Ohiopyle Falls spans the entire width of the Youghiogheny River and is roughly 20 feet tall, though it can appear shorter during times of high water.

While in the park, if you can handle about 100 feet of uneven terrain, I highly recommend also stopping at Cucumber Falls.

Falling Springs Falls in Luzerne County

Falling Springs Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Pittston in Luzerne County, PA.

This waterfall is located in an area known as the Falling Spring Narrows and tumbles 40 feet or so off of a sheer rock face. While it’s a fairly seasonal waterfall, when it’s flowing well, the water here falls in a beautiful stream.

While this waterfall is located on private property, it can be seen from the road, and there are a few spots to briefly pull off to the side of the road here if you want to stop for more than a second to enjoy this spot.

Caledonia Falls in Caledonia State Park

Caledonia Falls is a small roadside waterfall in Franklin County, PA’s Caledonia State Park.

This waterfall flows over a series of small rocks and is roughly 10 feet tall. It’s a bit hard to tell how much, if any, of this waterfall is natural because the area above the waterfall is a series of man-made mill races and ponds that were built in the past to create power for the area’s industry.

Nevertheless, this is a nice little roadside waterfall in an area that isn’t known for having many waterfalls.

Big Run Falls in Sullivan County

Big Run Falls in Sullivan County (not to be confused with the Big Run Falls listed above) is located within State Game Lands 13, only a short drive from the popular waterfall mecca of Ricketts Glen State Park.

This roadside waterfall is about 15 feet tall. It can be seen from within the car, though a bit of peering over the edge is needed to see more than the top half of the falls.

For those that want to get out for a closer look, there is a pull-off just above the top of the waterfall.

If you do get out, use caution as this is a fairly narrow dirt road.

If you are already in the area and don’t mind a bit of walking, Sullivan Falls is a quarter-mile further down the road and sits about 100 yards from the road along a dirt trail.

Somewhat confusingly, there is a second Big Run Falls within State Game Lands 13, though that one is quite difficult to reach.

Packsaddle Falls in Somerset County

There are more than 200 covered bridges in Pennsylvania, but only one has a natural waterfall directly below it: Packsaddle Covered Bridge in Somerset County.

Packsaddle Falls is located along Brush Creek and is approximately 10-12 feet in height.

The covered bridge here was built in 1870. While it’s the shortest covered bridge in Somerset County, it’s definitely one of the, if not the, most scenic.

This waterfall can’t be seen from inside your car, but it can be easily seen from above by peering over the edge of the covered bridge. While the best views, like the one in the photo above, require a bit of walking on uneven ground, you can still get nice views within about 25 feet of the large pull-off here.

Bowling Alley Falls Near Wyalusing

Bowling Alley Falls is one of the most uniquely named waterfalls in all of Pennsylvania. Its name is derived from the road that it’s on, Bowling Alley Road, though there isn’t a bowling alley on the road right now.

While there are several waterfalls on this list that are seasonal, Bowling Alley Falls is far and away the most seasonal. In fact, I wouldn’t bother visiting this waterfall unless this is a big spring thaw or its close to flooding.

Nevertheless, if you can catch this waterfall when it’s flowing well, it’s a neat roadside waterfall to see.

To the best of my knowledge, the land surrounding the waterfall is private property, but the best views of this 10-12 foot waterfall can be had from a sharp bend in the road.

Wykoff Run Falls in Cameron County

Wykoff Run Falls is a small waterfall along Wykoff Run Road. This road runs between the Quehanna Highway and Route 120, making it a popular and incredibly scenic thoroughfare in this isolated part of the state.

Wykoff Run Falls is only about 3-4 feet in height but makes up for it by being incredibly beautiful.

At this spot, Wykoff Run drops amidst boulders into a large pool that is popular with area fishermen. In fact, when I was last there, a gentleman told me about the giant golden trout he had seen in the waters here but was unable to catch.

Sadly, I did not have my fishing pole with me that day.

While you’re likely to drive right past this spot without noticing it if you aren’t looking, it can be seen from your car. There is small pull-off adjacent to the waterfall for those that want to enjoy it for more than a few seconds or want to step out and take a closer look.

Mineral Springs Falls in Loyalsock State Forest

Mineral Springs Falls is located right on the edge of Loyalsock State Forest and Worlds End State Forest. In fact, if you are driving from Route 154 to Worlds End Vista, you’ll pass within a couple of hundred yards of this beautiful waterfall.

This 12-15 foot waterfall is located about 100 feet from the road and features one large drop and a second smaller drop a short distance downstream. This waterfall tends to be a trickle during times of low water, so definitely visit when water levels are high.

While there is a pull-off near the waterfall for those wanting to have a closer look, you can also see this waterfall from your car.

East Park Falls in Connellsville

East Park Falls is actually a series of two small waterfalls in Connellsville, PA’s East Park.

These twin waterfalls are both about 7-8 feet tall and sit only 50 feet from each other along Connell Run. While they aren’t large, the chance to see two waterfalls right next to each other is a rare treat.

East Park Falls can be viewed from the park’s parking lot, or you can cross this paved area to a nice view from the small bridge that crosses the stream. Those wanting a closer look can walk the short distance to the crest of both waterfalls along a trail on the opposite side of the stream from the parking lot.

Letort Falls in Carlisle

Letort Falls in Carlisle is another small waterfall. In fact, it’s probably no more than five feet tall. However, for those looking for a beautiful roadside waterfall in PA, this is a neat little spot.

The waterfall is located opposite a large parking area for Letort Falls Park, a popular spot primarily for fishing and boating along the Conodoguinet Creek. The waterfall occurs only a few feet before Letort Spring Run flows into this large creek.

Views of the waterfall can be had from the parking lot or from the opposite bank, though you do have the cross a busy bridge to get to the closer viewing area.

Buttermilk Falls in Luzerne County

Buttermilk Falls in Luzerne County (not to be confused with the dozen other Buttermilk Falls in PA) is located near Bear Creek Village and is part of the Bear Creek Preserve.

This 30-35 foot waterfall sits less than 200 feet from the road, and a large pull-off is located adjacent to the falls. The waterfall can be seen from this dirt parking area without leaving your car if you so desire.

It’s worth noting that Buttermilk Falls can be somewhat seasonal, so I definitely recommend only visiting during the spring thaw or after a good amount of rain has fallen.

Stewarton Falls

Stewarton Falls is a little-known waterfall near Ohiopyle State Park and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater.

This waterfall is located down a dirt road and is roughly 15 feet in height. While only the top bit can be seen from your car, a 10-foot walk into the woods will lead you to the top of this beautiful waterfall.

It’s worth noting that Stewarton Falls only flows when water levels are quite high, so make sure to not visit during the dry part of the year.

Do you know of any roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania that I didn’t include or have one you love that I did? Let me know in the comments below.

Looking for more easy-to-visit waterfalls in PA? Check out Dingmans Falls in the Delaware Water Gap, Adams Falls in Ricketts Glen State Park, and Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County.