The Hidden Waterfall Trail In Pennsylvania That Even Locals Don’t Talk About
Last spring, I stood soaking wet at the base of a curtain-style cascade that most Pennsylvania guidebooks completely ignore. Yost Run Falls sits tucked inside Sproul State Forest, and even the folks who live nearby treat it like a quiet rumor.
This trail delivers two waterfalls for the price of one short hike, plus all the rhododendron tunnels and mossy rock you could want. If you crave solitude and the satisfying thrill of finding something truly off the beaten path, keep reading.
Meet The Waterfall Trail Locals Whisper About: Yost Run (With A Bonus Cascade)
Sproul State Forest hides a quiet footpath that leads straight to Yost Run Falls, and if you walk about 300 yards downstream, Kyler Fork Falls appears like a second surprise party.
Both drops are tiered, curtain-style, and wrapped in moss that glows neon after a good rain.
I stumbled onto this spot by accident three years ago when a local at a diner mentioned it in passing, and I have guarded the secret ever since.
The Chuck Keiper Trail section that takes you there feels remote without being punishing, and the lack of crowds means you can sit on a flat rock and listen to the water without a single interruption.
Where It Is And Why It Stays Quiet
Your GPS should point toward PA-144 between Snow Shoe and Renovo, where a small gravel lot sits across from a brown Chuck Keiper Trail marker.
The parking coordinates hover around 41.1755, -77.8790, and the drive from State College takes roughly fifty minutes through winding country roads.
That distance acts as a natural filter, keeping the casual weekend crowd at bay. The lot fits maybe six cars, so if you arrive midmorning on a Saturday and find it full, congratulations on discovering that other people also read obscure trail blogs.
The remoteness is half the charm, though, so I never complain about the extra windshield time.
Choose Your Adventure: Quick Out-And-Back Or Rugged Loop
If you want the simple waterfall visit, follow the Yost Run section of the Chuck Keiper Trail for about 1.26 miles one-way, which means a 2.52-mile round trip with roughly 468 feet of descent on the way in and a steady climb back out.
That option suits families, first-timers, or anyone nursing tired legs.
Prefer a bigger challenge? The full Yost Run Loop links with Eddy Lick for around seven miles and includes a brutal thousand-foot climb packed into a single mile.
I tried the loop once and spent the entire ascent questioning my life choices, but the ridge views made the suffering worthwhile.
Trail At A Glance
Distance clocks in at 2.5 to 3 miles round trip if you hike out-and-back to both falls. Difficulty lands squarely in the moderate zone, with rocky tread and short, steep pitches that demand attention.
Orange blazes mark the Chuck Keiper Trail, so keep your eyes peeled on trees and rocks. The surface is rooty, side-hill singletrack that hugs the creek, and wet conditions turn certain sections into slip-and-slide territory.
I always pack trekking poles for the descent because my ankles have betrayed me before, and I refuse to let them do it again on loose stone near a waterfall.
What You’ll See (And Hear)
Rhododendron tunnels close in overhead, laurel branches brush your shoulders, and the constant hush of Yost Run fills your ears long before the first waterfall appears.
The main drop is tiered and curtain-style, spilling over dark rock you can photograph right from the trail without scrambling.
Walk about 300 yards farther downstream, and Kyler Fork Falls shows up, framed by hemlock and slick stone. Two cascades for one hike feels like finding extra fries at the bottom of the bag.
The acoustics in that little gorge amplify every splash, so close your eyes and let the sound wash over you.
Best Time To Go
Spring snowmelt and the days following steady rain bring the most dramatic flow, when the falls roar and mist coats every surface. Autumn layers on fiery color without the sticky humidity, and the cooler air makes the uphill return far more pleasant.
Summer low-water days trade volume for tranquil pools that still photograph beautifully, just with a softer, gentler vibe. Winter turns everything icy and slick, so traction devices become non-negotiable if you visit during cold snaps.
Conditions shift fast in the mountains, so I always check current advisories on the state forest website before I pack my daypack.
Safety And Stewardship Notes
This is classic PA Wilds terrain, which means narrow side-hills, loose stone, and steep drop-offs that demand respect.
Carry plenty of water, watch your footing on every step, and give yourself extra time for the uphill return because it sneaks up on tired legs.
The loop’s big climb is no joke, so pace yourself and take breaks when your lungs start complaining. Leave No Trace principles apply here more than anywhere else because what feels hidden stays that way only when visitors keep it clean and quiet.
Pack out every wrapper, stay on marked trail, and let the next hiker enjoy the same untouched magic you did.