Fall Run Trail In Pennsylvania Is A 1.4-Mile Out-And-Back Hike With A Waterfall Finish
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on September 25, 2023(Originally published January 28, 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.
Hiking is just about the perfect outdoor activity all year round. Fall Run Trail in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania is one of those hikes that you can take any time of the year, and it’s picture-perfect. In fact, with all of its natural beauty, the pretty trail definitely deserves a visit at least once each season. It also features a magical surprise.
Just about 15 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, Fall Run Park in Glenshaw is brimming with natural beauty. You can see some of that beauty by going on a scenic hike.
The sign that leads you from the main road to Fall Run Park is quite small, so keep an eye out. It's easy to miss. My daughter and I used GPS, so we knew when to slow down. Otherwise, we probably would have missed the turn.
The parking lot is pretty sizeable, so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to park. Most of the parking lot - and the park itself - is shaded by a canopy of trees. Even though the temperature was in the 80s, it felt a lot cooler along the trail.
Fall Run Trail, a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail, attracts hikers of all ages and of all skill levels with its easy rating and beautiful scenery, most notably Fall Run Falls.
Wear a pair of comfy shoes because the trail can get a bit muddy and slippery. The biggest challenge you'll likely face is a few slight inclines and some rocky terrain, but it's really nothing to worry about.
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The meandering trail is just as pretty drenched in the summer's golden sunlight as it is blanked by winter's snow. Along the way to the waterfall, you'll cross over a few picturesque footbridges and...
If you're looking for one of the prettiest "waterfalls near me," you've just found one. Did you know that Fall Run Falls is the only waterfall in Allegheny County?
Smaller waterfalls dot the path, so no matter where you go, you'll hear the tumbling of water. While we ran into a few others along the trail, it was incredibly quiet and peaceful with the birds, waterfalls, and crickets serenading us.
You can walk down the rocks to get to the base of the waterfall, too. Just wear the right shoes. I made it most of the way in flip-flops, but it was a bit too slippery to go all of the way.
Don't worry if you don't feel like climbing to the top. A footbridge sits across from the waterfall. There, you'll find a few rocks, where you can sit down and admire the views - from the waterfall across from you to the colorful wildflowers behind you.
After your out-and-back hike, you might want to check out the rest of the park, too. It offers such fun amenities as a basketball court, a playground, and picnic tables.
Have you hiked Fall Run Trail in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! For the ultimate waterfall hike in Pennsylvania, make your way to Ricketts Glen State Park, home of 21 waterfalls.
A day in the Pittsburgh area usually isn’t enough. Get out and explore some more, starting by checking into a charming Vrbo.
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More to Explore
Waterfalls In Pennsylvania
Beth Price-Williams|September 25, 2023
Where can I find waterfalls in Pennsylvania?
Fall Run Falls in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania is just one of hundreds of waterfalls in Pennsylvania. Check out these easy-access waterfalls in Pennsylvania, too.
Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle sits at the bottom of a staircase, making it an easy trek (as long as you’re up for the walk back up the stairs). Or, you can view it from the parking lot, which offers stunning overhead views.
Bushkill Falls in Bushkill boasts eight waterfalls, all along a single trail. The private waterfall park in Pennsylvania is open seasonally.
Fallingwater in Mill Run sits atop the famous home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Tour the home, which promises stunning views of the cascade, for a unique experience. (Reservations are required.)
Dingman Falls in Dingmans Ferry boasts a wheelchair-accessible trail that leads to the stunning waterfall. The trail also features handrails and benches.
