Walk Behind A Waterfall For A One-Of-A-Kind Experience Near Pittsburgh
By Beth Price-Williams|Published August 24, 2016
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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.
Discover untouched beauty, not too far outside of Pittsburgh, where you can embark on an easy yet picturesque hike, listen to the sound of birds and of rushing water, and walk behind a waterfall, the latter of which will provide you with one of those unique experiences you’ll certainly never forget.
Gas up the car and get ready for a short road trip to Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Beaver Falls, less than an hour drive from downtown Pittsburgh. Just take the turnpike to the Beaver Falls exit or follow Route 18 and, just past the turnpike exchange, you'll see the sign for Buttermilk Falls.
Head for the parking lot when you arrive at Buttermilk Falls Natural Area. The parking lot will lead you to the base of Buttermilk Falls, which is also commonly referred to as Homewood Falls to distinguish it from the more than a half of a dozen other Buttermilk Falls scattered throughout Pennsylvania.
Wear comfortable shoes to make the already-easy hike to the waterfall, which can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes, more enjoyable. Along the way, you'll pass by an old sandstone quarry.
Stroll up the wide set of stairs, hugged on both sides by leafy green trees. The sandstone you pass has a storied history in the Pittsburgh-area and has been used to help build Western Penitentiary as well as area tunnels, roads, and piers for bridges.
Listen for the sound of rushing water as you approach the delicate Buttermilk Falls. Local lure says that the majestic waterfall earned its name in the latter 1800s and was coined by Civic War soldiers as they drank, you guessed it, buttermilk.
Enjoy a bird's eye view from high atop the falls by hiking to the top of Buttermilk Falls.
Of course, all of that is merely the prelude to the real beauty of your unique adventure. Click the video above to catch spectacular glimpses of what you’ll see when you walk behind this stunning waterfall, one of the tallest in Western Pennsylvania. Follow the path behind the waterfall to enjoy the veil of water that rushes down and, if it’s hot, perhaps enjoy the spray of cool water from Buttermilk Falls.
Walk behind a waterfall at Buttermilk Falls, just one of the many beautiful waterfalls that dot the Southwestern Pennsylvania landscape. Click here to discover seven hidden waterfalls that will leave you breathless.
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