Hike Less Than One Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall In Pennsylvania
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on December 10, 2023(Originally published June 25, 2021)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
We’re pretty fortunate to have dozens of waterfalls to visit in Pennsylvania, and a few of them even boast the same name. Buttermilk Falls in Pennsylvania, for example, can be found in Beaver Falls and in New Florence. You’ll find both at the end of a short but scenic path. However, today we’re making our way to the Buttermilk Falls in New Florence, Indiana County, arguably one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Pennsylvania.
Buttermilk Falls in New Florence has a connection to one of Pennsylvania's favorite sons. The land on which the waterfall sits was once owned by Fred Rogers' grandfather.
Getting to Buttermilk Falls Natural Area can be a bit confusing. You'll come off of the main road and head onto a country road. The road leading to the parking lot is narrow - I worried that another car would come the opposite way, that's how tight the road is - and feels more like a driveway. Keep going, though, and you'll end up at the parking lot.
Mister Rogers spent much of his childhood exploring his grandfather's luxurious estate. Today, you can still see some of the remnants of the estate, including retaining walls and foundations.
Before you get to the start of the trail, you'll come to several picnic tables. Bring a picnic along. There are also restrooms and trash cans near the parking lot.
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Follow the Mister Rogers Path, a winding path that's flanked by trees. The trees provide ample shade, during the warmer months, along most of the path.
Opening that first placard was a surprise, and reading Mister Rogers' quotes was one of the highlights of the trail for me.
Listen for the sound of Buttermilk Falls - the cascade is loud - and it will lead you to a viewing platform along the trail for your first glimpse of the falls.
While the trail is rated easy, be prepared to climb a lot of stairs, which could be a bit tiring on the way back from the base of the waterfall. The views, however, are more than worth it.
When my daughter and I visited, the waterfall had quite a few visitors. Everyone was friendly and polite, though, taking turns behind the waterfall and making sure everyone had a good view.
Just be prepared to get wet. The view from behind the waterfall, though, is well worth it, and it's quite refreshing, especially on a hot summer day.
But...there's more. After you've visited Buttermilk Falls and crossed over the Eclipse Bridge again, keep an eye out for two small but beautiful waterfalls.
While you can finish this Buttermilk Falls hike in half an hour, take your time if you can. The smaller waterfalls had rocks and tree limbs we could sit on to enjoy the scenery. We also ran into travelers from across the country and enjoyed a few chats. You can easily spend a few hours, or more, here.
Get a glimpse of a wintry Buttermilk Falls in this YouTube video by Andrew C.
Have you been to this particular Buttermilk Falls in New Florence, Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! If you’re up for more exploring, make your way to Shohola Falls in the Poconos. (You’ll follow a short .06-mile trail to reach it.)
Hiking is one of the best ways to really get to know Pennsylvania. For more of the best hiking trails in Pennsylvania, check out AllTrails.
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More to Explore
Waterfalls In Pennsylvania
Beth Price-Williams|December 10, 2023
Are there any other bucket list-worthy waterfalls in Pennsylvania?
If you’re on the hunt for “waterfalls near me,” you’ll find a ton dotted across the state. Here are some of the best waterfalls in Pennsylvania:
Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park is just a few short steps from its parking lot. Walk down a set of stairs for a view from the base.
See eight waterfalls in one day at Bushkill Falls, called the Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.
Dingmans Falls sits at the end of an accessible boardwalk trail.
Marvel at 21 named waterfalls along the Falls Trail at Rickets Glen State Park.
Tour Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous home that’s built over a waterfall.
