Hot summer days, especially in Pennsylvania, mean finding ways to stay cool and comfortable. Staying indoors in the air conditioning always guarantees a way to beat that summer heat. However, sometimes we want to get outdoors and explore. These seven Pennsylvania waterfalls are picture-perfect any time of the year, and they make a fun summer destination.
1. Buttermilk Falls – Indiana County
Tucked in Indiana County, in a park where Mister Rogers played as a young boy, you'll find one of several waterfalls called Buttermilk Falls in Pennsylvania. The stroll to the waterfall is short at just half a mile, but it's bursting with beauty. Meander over the Eclipse Bridge that leads to the tumbling waterfall. Cool off by getting sprayed by the waterfall when you walk behind it. Find more information on the official website of Buttermilk Falls Park.
2. Buttermilk Falls – Beaver County
Walk behind another Buttermilk Falls in Beaver County, or wade in the cool water into which the waterfall tumbles. The 40-foot Buttermilk Falls is easy to reach. Set off on a short stroll, which should take around 10 minutes and leads right to the cascade. Stop by the official website of Buttermilk Falls Natural Area for more information.
3. Cucumber Falls – Ohiopyle State Park
You won't have to walk far to reach the base of Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park. However, you'll have to walk down some stairs. Feel the mist of the 30-foot waterfall when you walk behind it for a unique view of the cascade. Ohiopyle State Park is also home to Meadow Run Natural Waterslide, an ideal spot for cooling off if you're up for a bit of adventure. Check out more on the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
4. Paupauk Falls – Hawley
While you can't get too close to Paupack Falls in Hawley, you can cool off with a delicious drink and a meal as you admire the multi-tier waterfall. Glass Wine Bar Kitchen at Ledges Hotel offers a generous menu of snacks, meaty meals, and scrumptious side plates like mac and cheese. Learn more on the official website of Ledges Hotel.
5. Logan Falls – Allegheny National Forest
If you love spending time in nature, you can't go wrong with a day or a getaway at Allegheny National Forest. However, if you're short on time, set off on the .03-mile Logan Falls Trail. It leads to the picturesque Logan Falls. While you can't swim at the base of the falls, you can dip your feet in the water to cool down. Stop by the official website of Allegheny National Forest to learn more.
6. Fall Brook – Salt Springs State Park
Follow the one-mile Fall Brook Trail at Salt Springs State Park, which leads to two beautiful waterfalls, neither of which are named. You'll probably see other hikers walking on the rocks of the second waterfall along the trail and wading in the pool into which it tumbles.
Head over to the official website of Salt Springs State Park for more information.
7. Nay Aug Falls – Scranton
For beautiful views of Nay Aug Falls, follow the two-mile Davis Trail at Nay Aug Park in Scranton. The trail features a few surprises along the way, including a treehouse, making it well worth the time. You won't be able to cool off in the waterfall's pool. However, when the two swimming pools at the park are open, you can take a dip. (Check the park's website for pool days and hours.) Here's the official website of Nay Aug Park where you can learn more.
What are your favorite Pennsylvania waterfalls to visit during the summer? Let us know in the comments! Summertime and road trips just go hand-in-hand, don't they? If you love waterfalls, you'll love the ultimate waterfall road trip in Pennsylvania.
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