Swim At The Bottom Of A Waterfall After The 5-Minute Hike To Buttermilk Falls In Pennsylvania
By Beth Price-Williams|Published July 28, 2022
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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.
Summertime in Pennsylvania can get downright hot. Those sweltering days mean one of two things. We either hide away in our air-conditioned cocoons with the blinds drawn, or we seek out a refreshing way to combat the climbing temperatures. Even if we prefer the A/C most of the summer, we might still have those days when we want to frolic in an old-fashioned swimming hole, like the one at the bottom of this waterfall in Pennsylvania.
Wear a pair of comfy shoes for your short stroll to Buttermilk Falls at Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Beaver Falls.
The trek to the popular Western Pennsylvania waterfall is so short and sweet that it’s more of a leisurely walk than a hike. You might also hear Buttermilk Falls feferred to as Homewood Falls, an easy way of distinguishing it from the other Buttermilk Falls in Pennsylvania.
Did you know there’s another Buttermilk Falls in Western Pennsylvania? It’s in a natural area in New Florence that features three waterfalls: two tiny ones and the majestic Buttermilk Falls.
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The picturesque path features both a railing along part of the way and some wide stairs. You’ll also pass an old sandstone quarry. Definitely bring your camera along.
You’ll likely hear the waterfall tumbling down before you see it, part of the magic of a cascade. Buttermilk Falls drops down 40 feet, promising sensational views.
Acclimate yourself to the cold temperature of the pool by walking behind the waterfall. You’ll get drenched, if you want to, and get a rare look at the waterfall.
The pool into which Buttermilk Falls tumbles is a popular swimming hole in the summer. It’s not too deep, but take precautions as you would in any swimming hole.
Make sure you wear water shoes, too, so you don’t bruise your feet on the rocks. Some visitors also report broken glass in the area, so keep an eye out, and remember to take out whatever you bring in.
Have you been to this waterfall in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! For a much bigger swimming hole, head to Mauch Chunk Lake in Pennsylvania. It also has a sandy beach.
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