Waterfalls of Satterlee Run-SGL 36

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Yellow is the unblazed forest road down to Satterlee Run.  Short off trail hike is required to reach the falls.  Orange is an unblazed but established trail up to Split Rock Vista; the maze is nearby and just further to the west.

Satterlee Run carves a gorge down through Kellogg Mountain and where the two branches of the run meet, there are an impressive series of waterfalls.  In fact, you can look up both glens to see waterfalls.  This is a place of stunning beauty and a must visit for any waterfall enthusiast.

I first visited Satterlee Run a couple years ago, where I had an exciting bear encounter (click the link for other photos).  For that hike, I followed Satterlee Hollow Road from Kellogg Road, and then up an old woods road to the waterfalls.  While it was not posted on that hike, that route does appear to cross private land so it is not recommended.  This route is all on state game lands.

From Deep Hollow or Hatch Hill Road, follow the game commission access road to the first gate.  If the gate is closed, your hike will have to begin here.  If the gate is open, usually during hunting season in the Fall and Spring, drive to the next gate and parking area.  The road was in good shape during my visit and can be driven by a car.  From the second gate it is less than two miles, one way, down to the waterfalls.

Follow the road north where it can be grassy, and wet.  Where a road leaves to the left, take it.  It is a gravel road in good shape.  The road traverses the top of the plateau and then begins to wind down towards Satterlee Run.  As it descends, the road becomes more eroded.  Cross small streams along the way.

Once at the bottom, leave the road and hike off trail down to where the branches of Satterlee Run meet (the road does not directly pass or go near the falls).  This is place of great beauty.  Cross the creek as best you can and hike up the south branch first.  Be careful along the steep terrain.  The waterfalls are beautiful and there are four of them.  Even a small sidestream joins with waterfalls.

Return to where the two branches meet and hike up the main branch of Satterlee Run.  Generally, you will hike on the north side of the creek as the south side is steeper and higher.  There are four falls on this section, ranging from 15 to 30 feet tall.  Be careful along the steep terrain.  The third falls up has a unique stone retaining wall at the top, although part of it has been damaged from floods.  The glen is very scenic with moss, cascades, and smooth bedrock.  Above the third falls, the creek is mellow but as you go upstream a gorge forms again and there is a fourth falls, a steep and beautiful slide in an impressive grotto.  Return the way you came, back up the road and to your car.

SGL 36 is a beautiful place and I hope to explore more of it.  To the north are the impressive Kellogg Mountain vistas from cliffs of white rock.  I believe another vista may exist east of Satterlee Run.  Deep Hollow Falls and Split Rock are nearby and feature a view, rock maze, and a series of waterfalls.

I parked at 41.638086, -76.499098 (only accessible when gate is open).  If the gate is not open, this is as far as you can drive: 41.621888, -76.500854.

41.645424, -76.471889: where the two branches meet and where you will want to begin your exploration of the waterfalls.

Photos and video:

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