We Could Spend Hours Marveling At The Incredible Buttermilk Falls In Pennsylvania
By Beth Price-Williams|Published May 22, 2024
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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.
More than once, as we drove along a quiet country road – past homes with neatly trimmed lawns, trampolines, swimming pools, and fields with grazing cows – my daughter and I wondered aloud whether our GPS had led us astray. The road was empty, except for a car pulled to the side as the driver helped usher a lost turtle to safety. As we turned onto a dusty road that barely fit two cars, we almost missed the small sign that assured us we had nearly arrived at Buttermilk Falls in Pennsylvania.
Few people traveling along Route 22 in New Florence would likely suspect that at the end of a country road (Valley Brook Road) off Clay Pike Road sits a magnificent natural wonder with deep ties to one of Western Pennsylvania’s most beloved sons: Mister Rogers.
At the end of that narrow road sits a sizeable parking lot, flanked by trees, and the entrance to Buttermilk Falls. Listen closely when you get out of your car, and you’ll be able to hear, oh-so-faintly, the sound of the 45-foot Buttermilk Falls in the distance.
If you park facing the left side of the natural area, you can also see the waterfall if the trees are mostly bare.
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Stretching nearly 50 acres, the Western Pennsylvania natural area once belonged to Mister Rogers’ grandfather, where a young Fred spent his childhood exploring.
Right by the parking lot, you’ll find bathrooms, a kiosk where you can grab brochures for local attractions, and a board with park rules and other interesting information. There are also a few picnic tables nearby.
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The .5-mile Mister Rogers Pathway, a predominately paved trail, meanders past a field and towering trees, which help keep it from getting too hot in the summer, and several posts. Go over to each post, grab the knob, and lift it up to reveal one of Mister Rogers’ inspirational quotes.
You’re walking downhill – it’s not steep until you get to the stairs to the waterfall – which means a bit of an uphill climb on the way back. There are benches along the path if you need a breather.
Throughout your stroll, you’ll hear the waterfall grow louder and louder, but the first chance to get a good look is from a large wooden overlook. The overlook promises sweeping views of Buttermilk Falls and the valley surrounding it.
This is a perfect spot for taking photos, selfies, and videos. We visited at the tail end of summer when the leaves were still a lush green and at the beginning of spring when the trees had not yet blossomed. The scenery was equally as beautiful, and it’s interesting to see the contrast if you can visit in different seasons.
While Mister Rogers Pathway is easy, you will climb a lot of stairs, so be prepared. The first set of stairs leads you down to the Eclipse Bridge, which was built in honor of the 2017 Eclipse. Cross the bridge to arrive at the staircase that will take you down to the base of Buttermilk Falls.
You don’t have to go down the stairs to see the waterfall, so don’t worry if you can’t. The overlook I just mentioned promises gorgeous views, too, if you can’t make it down steep stairs. You don’t have to hurry, either. Even if it’s crowded, there’s plenty of space on the overlook, and people are usually courteous while others admire the views.
A long, winding wooden staircase leads you to the base of Buttermilk Falls. At the bottom of each tier, there’s a landing where you can snap photos or wait as others pass and take their turn at the falls. Take your time, if you can, to really soak up the scenery and the moment.
Two of my favorite things about Buttermilk Falls, besides how breathtaking it is, is walking behind it for a one-of-a-kind view and the sound… it’s almost hypnotic.
If you go behind the waterfall, you’ll get wet –and there’s really no way around it unless you wear a poncho. The ground is slippery, so be careful if you try to run. Even in the summer, the water was cold but it was a nice reprieve from the heat.
When you’re ready to take the long climb back up the stairs, you’ve got a few surprises waiting for you at the top – two smaller waterfalls just past the bridge. We always sit on the large rocks by the water and enjoy the view.
A downed tree branch crosses over the water right by the smaller waterfall; you can walk on it for photos or sit on it to drink in the views.
You don’t need a ton of time to visit Buttermilk Falls; you can probably do it all in an hour or so. If you can, though, take your time and enjoy the experience – maybe even bring a picnic.
If you’ve been searching for “waterfalls near me,” you’ve just found one of the most glorious. Have you been to Buttermilk Falls in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is around 20 miles from the darling town of Indiana, Pennsylvania. If you have the time, stop by downtown Indiana and Philadelphia Street, in particular, where you’ll find the Jimmy Stewart Museum, which pays homage to one of Indiana’s favorite sons.
