Marvel At Three Waterfalls Along A Short But Sweet Trail At Buttermilk Falls Natural Area Near Pittsburgh
By Beth Price-Williams|Published September 20, 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.
Chasing waterfalls offers the perfect way to spend an hour or two. While Allegheny County’s home to a lone waterfall – Fall Run Falls in Glenshaw – we’re pretty fortunate to be within driving distance of several other gorgeous cascades. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area near Pittsburgh, for example, boasts three majestic waterfalls.
Roll the window down for the relaxing hour-long drive to Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in New Florence that will take you past rolling landscape and quiet farmland.
Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is tucked away in a rural area. Your best bet is to use GPS to take you to the right exit, Clay Pike Road, off of Route 22, which you’ll follow until you arrive at Valley Brook Road.
The road leading to the natural area is slim – only one car can comfortably pass through at any time – and a small sign alerts you that you’re going the right away.
Sat on property once owned by Mister Rogers’ grandfather, the natural area features several trails, including the Mister Rogers Pathway. That’s the trail you want to follow. You’ll hear the waterfall from the time you start on the path.
Along the winding path, much of it shaded by towering trees, you’ll pass small numbered postcards. Lift up the cover that reveals a memorable saying from Mister Rogers.
To reach the staircase that leads to the 45-foot Buttermilk Falls, cross the Eclipse Bridge, built to celebrate the solar eclipse in 2017. As you go down the winding staircase, you can stop to admire the tumbling waterfall.
Admire the cascading, multi-tier waterfall from the front then walk behind it for one-of-a-kind views. Just be prepared to and be okay with getting a bit wet.
After you’ve made your way back up the stairs that leads away from the waterfall, you might notice two smaller cascades. Both are easy to reach, and you can snag a seat on the rocks to relax and watch the water tumble down.
