Hiking to Washboard Falls at Camp Guyasuta near Pittsburgh

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I’m always on the lookout for new waterfalls to visit. So, when I found out about a little-known waterfall at Camp Guysuta just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, I knew I needed to check it out.

Camp Guyasuta is a Boy Scouts of America Camp located in Sharpsburg, PA, about 15 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh (Just about the same length drive as Fall Run Falls). Despite its proximity to the city, it’s set in a deep ravine (just below the Bayernhof Museum), which makes it quite a beautiful and peaceful spot.

Camp Guyasuta sign in front of trees in Sharpsburg, PA — Washboard Falls can be found at Camp Guyasuta in Sharpsburg.

At the end of the accessible portion of the ravine, there is a small waterfall known as Washboard Falls that members of the public are allowed to visit on certain days. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know to visit.

Visiting Camp Guyasuta

A car parked in the parking area at Camp Guyasuta near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania — The parking area for the hike to Washboard Falls.

There is no charge for individuals to visit the waterfall at Camp Guyasuta, but the camp is only accessible when nothing else is going on at the facility (The first time I tried to visit, I was told no). Before visiting, call the camp at 412-782-2669 to ask if the day and time you want to visit is okay.

Note that even after getting approved, they may ask you to also call when you arrive and when you leave to check in and out of the camp.

Camp Guyasuta can be found at the following address: 300 23rd St Ext, Sharpsburg, PA 15215.

Enter the camp and park in the large lot just beyond the caretakers cabin, which is about a quarter-mile up the road from when you cross under Route 28. On the camp’s map, this lot is between Tionesta and Campbell.

Hiking to Washboard Falls at Camp Guyasuta

Bridge crossing Guyasuta Run on the way to Washboard Falls near Pittsburgh PA — The hiking trail to Washboard Falls is quite beautiful.

From the parking area, it’s a roughly one-mile roundtrip hike to Washboard Falls at the end of the gorge.

The hike to the waterfall is roughly half on a paved path that passes through the campground while the other half is a well-maintained dirt path that hugs the side of the stream as it meanders its way to through the camp’s gorge. It’s an easy hike that just about anyone can complete.

Camping area at the Boy Scouts Camp Guyasuta near Pittsburgh PA — The first half of the hike passes by some of the camping areas.

While the first half of the hike isn’t as scenic as the second half, it’s a nice walk, and I enjoyed seeing some of the camp’s infrastructure including the pool, ropes course, and camping spots.

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The second half is known as the Liken Nature Trail and features signage along the path telling about the area’s natural features and some of its history.

Historic sign along the trail to Washboard Falls at Camp Guyasuta in Pennsylvania — There are some interesting signs along the nature trail to the waterfall.

I found it quite interesting to learn that this land was the home of Chief Guyasuta, who was friends with George Washington. The land was later owned by another of Chief Guyasuta’s friends, James O’Hara and his descendants, before being donated to the Boy Scouts.

As the trail winds its way towards the waterfall, there are about half a dozen bridges that cross over Guyasuta Run, and its fun to look down on the stream from these vantage points.

A small waterfall in the woods at Camp Guyasuta near Pittsburgh PA — A small waterfall shortly before reading Washboard Falls.

Shortly before reaching Washboard Falls, there’s a 6-7 foot waterfall along the creek, so make sure to keep an eye out for that.

Soon enough, the trail dead ends at Washboard Falls. While this waterfall is only 12-15 feet in height, it’s a quite beautiful spot and you feel very isolated despite being only a few hundred feet from a few homes.

The scene around Washboard Falls at Camp Guyasuta in Pittsburgh PA — Approaching Washboard Falls

It’s worth noting that Washboard Falls is not the strongest waterfall, and if you visit this spot during times of low water, there might be little to no flow over the falls. I visited in the spring and get some lighter flow, so I would love to visit again when water levels are higher.

Once you’re doing enjoying this spot, simply retrace your steps back to your car to complete the one-mile hike.

Bridge in the woods at Camp Guyasuta in Sharpsburg PA — There’s a lot of beauty to be seen at Camp Guyasuta.

It’s worth mentioning that I did notice the camp’s map shows a trail called the Guyasuta Trail that is also supposed to go to the waterfall on a little more roundabout, and likely more difficult route. I looked for this trail at both ends and couldn’t find it, but if you can, it may provide an alternate route to the waterfall.

Overall, while it’s far from the largest waterfall in the Pittsburgh region, this is a fun spot to visit if you love exploring the outdoors.

So, the next time your looking for a fun adventure in Allegheny County, make plans to check out Washboard Falls at Camp Guyasuta.

Looking for more things to do in the area? Check out the Trillium Trail, Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls, and the Pittsburgh Zoo.

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