We, Pittsburghers, are pretty lucky with all that we have to do right in our own backyard – from sports and shopping to dining out and some of the country’s finest museums. But sometimes, we all need to just slow down, take a breath, and marvel at the artistic masterpieces of nature. Several waterfalls in the area promise unparalleled beauty, the opportunity to hike or to picnic, and plenty of photographic moments. Here are seven beautiful hidden waterfalls in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area:

1. Cucumber Falls
Cucumber Falls, Stewart Township, PA 15431, USA
Flickr/Eric
Get a bird's eye view of Cucumber Falls from the observation deck overlooking the waterfall. Then descend down the staircase that leads to the base of the 30-foot waterfall. Approximately an hour outside of Pittsburgh, Cucumber Falls is part of the nearly 21,000-acre Ohiopyle State Park. Be sure to stop in the visitor's center to pick up a map of the park before setting out on your exploration. Stop by the official website of Ohiopyle State Park for more information.
2. Ohiopyle Falls
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Flickr/Kordite
Only a few minutes from Cucumber Falls cascades Ohiopyle Falls, a 15-foot waterfall that unlike Cucumber Falls, is wider than it is high. Flowing along the Youghiogheny River, the powerful waterfall beckons kayakers who often kayak the lower and upper part of the river.
3. Buttermilk Falls
Buttermilk Falls Natural Area, 570 Valley Brook Rd, New Florence, PA 15944, USA
Beth Price-Williams/OIYS
Spend the perfect day at the pristine Buttermilk Falls. Nestled in New Florence in Indiana County, the 45-foot waterfall is the centerpiece of a natural paradise. Visitors can enjoy a picnic at the pavilion near the waterfall, can use the nearby bathroom facilities, or can hike around the waterfall for panoramic views. Find more information on the official website of Buttermilk Falls Natural Area.

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4. Fall Run Park
Fall Run Park, 187 Fall Run Rd, Glenshaw, PA 15116, USA
Flickr/Melissa
Fall Run Park in Shaler promises the ideal backdrop for hiking, photography, and enjoying nature. The waterfall, perhaps the masterpiece of the nearly 94-acre park, sits at the end of a one-mile trek. After drinking in nature's beauty, visitors can play a game of pickup at the basketball court, can kick the ball around on the soccer field, or can play at the playground. Here's the official website of Fall Run Park.
5. Fallingwater
Fallingwater, 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464, USA
Facebook/Fallingwater
Get ready to be blown away by the sheer beauty of Fallingwater, a waterfall that cascades under what is perhaps one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous architectural designs. Built for the Kaufmann family, of Kaufmann's Department Stores, Fallingwater welcomes visitors for tours of the home and the falls from March through December. Reservations are necessary. Book your tour on the official website of Fallingwater.
6. Springfield Falls
Springfield Falls, PA 16156, USA
Flickr/Oliver Hine
Tucked away in Mercer County, Springfield Falls offers impressive dimensions at 40 feet wide and 25 feet high. The falls, which can easily be seen from the parking lot, are typically best viewed from above as the trip to the base requires hiking down a steep, tricky trail. View a trail map of Springfield Falls on All Trails.
7. Jackson Falls
Jackson Falls, 930 Brownstown Rd, Apollo, PA 15613, USA
Flickr/Shannon O'Toole
Discover three spectacular waterfalls at Jackson Falls, located in Roaring Run Recreational Area in Apollo. Each is larger than the next – the smallest at five feet, the middle at 10 feet, and the highest at 20 feet – and each provides ample opportunities for amateur and professional photographers.

Next time you’re asking yourself, where are there waterfalls near me, you’ve got an answer. What is your favorite waterfall in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments then check out these six waterfall hikes near Pittsburgh that belong on your bucket list.

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More to Explore

Waterfalls Near Me

Beth Price-Williams | March 04, 2022

What are the best waterfall hikes near Pittsburgh?

If you’ve got an entire morning or afternoon to explore, make your way to Beaver Falls, where you’ll find two beautiful waterfalls. Nestled in Sahli Nature Park, an unnamed waterfall tumbles into a shimmering pond. The nature park’s a fun, family-friendly destination all-year around, and you’ll find swings, a butterfly nursery, and a whole lot of wildlife during your visit. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area, also in Beaver, boasts a gorgeous waterfall that drops 40 feet. While there’s not a specific trail to the waterfall, you’ll have about a five to 10 minute walk. Just listen for the sound of the cascading water.

Are there any hiking trails with waterfalls in Pittsburgh?

Allegheny County is home to a single waterfall, and it sits at the end of a picturesque one-mile hiking trail. If you’re looking for a fun and easy kid-friendly hike in Pittsburgh, you’ve found it. Fall Run Trail, meandering through Fall Run Park in Glenshaw, passes lush green and travels over a wooden footbridge on the way to the 30-foot Fall Run Waterfall. If you’re up for traveling a bit farther from Pittsburgh, follow the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail at McConnells Mill State Park or visit Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in New Florence. The natural area, donated to Indiana County by Mister Rogers’ grandfather, leads to several gorgeous cascades.

Where is Cucumber Falls in Pittsburgh?

Ohiopyle State Park is home to several waterfalls, including Cucumber Falls, a beautiful cascade that’s easily-accessible. Look for the sign that announces you’ve arrived at the waterfall’s tiny parking lot. Then get a bird’s eye view of the cascade before walking down the staircase to view it from its base. You can even walk behind Cucumber Falls. Less than five minutes down the road, Ohiopyle Falls is easily-accessible from several viewing platforms. If you’re visiting during the summer, bring your swimsuit and towels for a day of cooling off on the Meadow Run Natural Waterslides.

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