Length: less than a mile one way
Trail conditions: trail to the falls is unmarked but easy to follow. It is a little steep down to the falls. Unmarked trails go down the gorge. Off trail to side stream falls and cove.
Parking: pull off parking at 41.074207,-77.328522. Don’t block the gates.
Highlights: beautiful double waterfall and an impressive gorge.
Description: This short hike leads to a beautiful double falls and a gorge enveloped in cliffs. This place is significant, with the largest falls in PA’s ridge and valley region, and one of the largest falls in the PA Wilds outside of Pine Creek.
To find the trail, walk north on Nittany Ridge Road and cross a small creek. Look for an unmarked trail to the right, follow it along the creek. It’s beautiful with hemlock forests. Reach the crest of Rosecrans Falls. Across the creek is private property and a home, do not trespass.
To get to the bottom of the falls, I actually recommend following the trail slightly uphill above ledges. The trail will then curve down below the ledges to the falls. This is more gradual with less erosion. You can scramble down a shortcut, but it is eroded.
The setting is truly beautiful. Enjoy the two falls and towering cliffs. McElhattan Falls may be on private land so don’t venture over there.
To see more, follow unmarked trails down along the creek. Cliffs tower on the other side, complete with a trickling falls 40 feet tall. It must be impressive when frozen. Cross the creek and go off trail into a side cove with a 10 foot falls surrounded by cliffs, another beautiful spot. I was as impressed by the cliffs and gorge as the falls.
Retrace your steps.
Hike Pennsylvania with Jeff Mitchell 