10 Waterfalls Within an Hour of Pittsburgh

February 10, 2025March 9, 2025hikesandhopsblog 2 Comments

While the western side of the state isn’t exactly known for its waterfalls, there are actually a few you can visit within an hour of Pittsburgh! Ranging from a few feet to almost 50 feet high, these waterfalls are definitely worth a visit. Some can even be seen from the roadside without a long hike! Remember to always stay on trails and don’t venture beyond safety barriers. If visiting in the winter, spikes and trekking poles are a good idea. Now get out there and chase some waterfalls!

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Fall Run Park (Glenshaw)

Did you know there’s a waterfall only 15 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh? Check out Fall Run Park, a community park in Shaler Township. The 25-ft waterfall is only 0.5 miles from the parking lot along a wide path dotted with bridges over a creek. The narrow falls are best seen after rain and are particularly impressive during the winter when the water completely freezes. This is a popular spot, so you’re likely to meet other spectators along the way.

Settlers Cabin Waterfall (Robinson Township)

Settlers Cabin Park is one of the 9 county parks managed by Allegheny County. At only 17 minutes away from Downtown Pittsburgh, it’s perfect for an afternoon or even afterword visit. Among the miles of color-coded trails is this quaint waterfall. The quickest way to see it is to park at the dog park and get on the Green/Waterfall trail. Follow for only 0.5 miles to reach these 4-ft falls. While not the most impressive cascade, this is a charming trail and the falls are lovely after some rain. There are plenty of other trails to add if you want a longer route!

Montour Woods Falls (Moon Township)

Montour Woods is one of my favorite local hiking spots! There are miles of trails and opportunities to connect to Moon Park and the Montour Trail for even longer loops. But thankfully you don’t have to hike miles to see this cascade on Meeks Run. From the parking lot on Hassam Road, follow Meeks Run Trail for only 0.3 miles and you’ll encounter this delightful trickle. Unlike other local falls, this one flows strongly throughout the year.

Buttermilk Falls (Beaver Falls)

There are multiple Buttermilk Falls in Pennsylvania (and beyond) but here I’m talking about Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in Beaver Falls. Also called Homewood Falls, this roadside feature is only 35 minutes away from Pittsburgh (with tolls). There’s a small parking lot for about 5 cars at the trailhead, then its only a 0.2 mile walk to the falls. The impressive 30 foot drop spills out strongly over a rock edge, making for a waterfall that you can actually walk behind. In the winter, the falls can even freeze, for a truly incredible experience. The falls can also be viewed from a small parking lot on 1st Avenue, across the street from the Homewood Methodist Church. The view area is right beside the church, but for your safety, please don’t venture beyond the fence.

Frankfort Mineral Springs Waterfall (Burgettstown)

A trip to Raccoon Creek State Park is wonderful any time of year. There are many trails to explore and the wildflower preserve is beautiful in the spring and fall. And it can reached within 40 minutes from Downtown! But one of the most popular spots in the park is Frankfurt Mineral Springs. Right beside the mineral springs is a beautiful 10-foot waterfall. My absolute favorite time to visit is in late April when a field of white trilliums line the top of the waterfall. To get to the falls, park at the main park office and follow the Mineral Springs Trail. The round trip is only 1.2 miles and is an easy walk, although some of the rocks near the falls can get slippery when wet.

Hells Hollow (Portersville)

Take a trip north of the city to McConnells Mill State Park for another impressive falls. At about 50 minutes, this is a big further from town. But the beauty of McConnells Mill is well worth the drive! Hells Hollow is located on the west side of the park. Although its a popular spot, there is plenty of parking in the Schaffer Road lot. From the lot, its an easy 0.5 mile walk to the falls. The most difficult part is descending the stairs to visit the falls. They end in the waters of Hell Run and you have to step across some rocks to get the full effect of the falls. Beware that this can be dangerous when the water is high or icy.

Want more information about hiking at McConnells Mill? Check out my guide to Hells Hollow & Shubrew

Alpha Falls (Portersville)

You don’t even have to change parks to see this waterfall! Located on the other end of McConnells Mill, near the historic gristmill and covered bridge is the stunning Alpha Falls. To access the trailhead, park at the main park lot for the Kildoo picnic area on Kildoo Road. From there, follow the trail behind the bathrooms down along the hillside for 0.2 miles to reach the Mill. From the Mill, head to the right on Alpha Pass Trail. This rocky trail follows along Slippery Rock Creek through towering hemlock trees and little trickles of water runoff. After 0.5 miles, you’ll reach a 30-foot stream of water that cascades over a sheer rock face. The water flow is modest but makes for a peaceful sight and beautiful ice features in the fall.

There are several other seasonal waterfalls in the park, most of which can be seen along the Kildoo Trail Loop, a 2 mile loop around Slippery Rock Creek starting at the gristmill and heading to Eckert Road bridge and back.

Springfield Falls (Mercer)

Springfield Falls is the only waterfall I know of that you can enjoy a craft beer beside! That’s right, Cobblehaus at the Falls offers a truly stunning spot to view these falls in Mercer. At 55 minutes from town, it might seem like a long drive to visit a brewery, but the views here are definitely worth it. If you’re just looking to see the falls, you can access them from a small parking lot on Falls Road. The waterfall is technically located in State Game Lands 284, so be aware if visiting during hunting season. Its an easy 0.3 miles from the road to the falls, although the way down to the bottom can be a bit tricky.

Big Run Falls (New Castle)

Staying north of the city, we’re heading to New Castle for this next waterfall. Big Run Falls is tucked into the ruins of Cascade Park, a former amusement park, now turned local park. There’s a large parking lot on Highway 65. From there, follow along the park road, past the abandoned amusement park pavilions. On the left, there is a municipal garage. To the right is a gorge with a stream. The waterfall will be directly underneath you. Continue along the road to a picnic area with a better vantage point of the falls. Please enjoy the falls from here. Do not venture beyond the fence as the hillside is very steep and the landscape is delicate. You’ll also see the remaining track of a rollercoaster that once zoomed along the stream.

There are also several short trails in the park if you’d like to stay and explore!

Quaker Falls (Lawrence Co.)

The very last waterfall on my list and arguably one of the most impressive! Quaker Falls is tucked into the newly created Quaker Falls Recreation Area, located in Lawrence County just a few miles away from the Ohio border. There is a large parking lot and a newly built stairway down to a viewing platform for the falls. The impressive 50-foot cascade really took me by surprise when I visited! I didn’t even know that we had a fifty-foot waterfall on this side of the state. Back at the parking lot, there’s also a short walking trail along the top of the falls with interpretive signs about the history of the area that leads to a few other viewing platforms. Please be aware that any foraged trail down to the bottom of the falls is not recommended and hasn’t been cared for by the park organizers.

Beer Hiking Pennsylvania & New Jersey

February 2, 2025hikesandhopsblog 2 Comments

A guide to the best hikes and microbreweries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Beer-lovers and hiking enthusiasts, these 35 hikes through Pennsylvania and New Jersey are for you! Each carefully selected hike leads you through a stunning natural landscape and ends near a brewery or a brewpub where a local craft beer awaits you. This full-color guidebook features the best one- to six-hour beer hikes around the mountains, waterfalls, battlefields, beaches, and forests of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It guides you from the watershed of the Delaware Valley to the grand expanse of the PA Wilds, and from the beaches of the Jersey Shore to the rocky hills of the Laurel Highlands.

Each trail description includes details on access, difficulty, duration, points of interest, and, at trail’s end, a recommended beer, with notes on its appearance, aroma, and taste. You’ll also get an inside look at the creative and passionate craftspeople behind the brewing process.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something. All income I may receive goes back into hosting and running this site!

Publisher’s website: Helvetiq

Purchase from Bookshop.org

Purchase from White Whale Bookstore

Purchase from Barnes & Noble

Hiking Highlights of 2024: My Favorite Adventures

January 6, 2025March 9, 2025hikesandhopsblog 2 Comments

For me, my year in hiking has had a lot of ups and downs! At the beginning of the year, I was hiking and traveling a lot. Then, I was training for an ultramarathon so hiking took a backseat. I also tackled a lot of house projects and finished a major writing project (more details soon!) so was out on the trails a bit less. Despite all of that, I’m still pleased that I hiked over 200 miles this year! With all of that time on trails, here is my round-up of my favorite trails I hiked in 2024 (preference to new-to-me hikes).

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Minister Creek Loop – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

This stunning loop in Allegheny National Forest was by far a highlight of my year. Although it was cold and the creek waters were very high, I could not have asked for a better introduction to ANF. This 7-mile loop includes deep woods, clambering through rocky crevices, and stunning overlooks. Not exactly a trail for the faint of heart, this hike was a true challenge with a huge payoff at the end.

Hector Falls – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

When the locals give you a hiking tip, you better take it! That’s exactly what happened on a weekend trip to Allegheny National Forest region. The owners of a brewery we were visited highly recommended this lesser known waterfall and I’m so glad we checked it out. Although the hike to the trail itself isn’t very interesting, the stunning double-sided waterfall at the end made it so worth it! The unique water feature flows over a rectangular rock jutting off a cliffside so when water flow is high enough, it creates two separate streams plunging off the rock. This was one of the coolest waterfalls I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, although I would recommend visiting in the spring when the water runoff is highest. Although the falls have low foot traffic, the parking area is quite small, so try to plan to visit outside of peak times.

Hearts Content Natural Area – Allegheny National Forest (PA)

If you’ve been following our hikes for a while, you know that Justin loves a big tree. So we always make a point to visit old growth forest areas when we can. Hearts Content is a relatively small hemlock and white pine old growth forest nestled in Allegheny National Forest. The trails are easy and it is a great hike for all ages. We were lucky to visit at golden hour and had the trails completely to ourselves. Prepare to be amazed by towering trees that are between 300-400 years old along the 1-mile scenic interpretive trail.

Ledges Trail – Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH)

On our very first trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park we tackled the much-anticipated Ledges Trail and it did not disappoint. We loved meandering through the impressive cliffsides and peering through narrow crevices. We did a big loop from Kendall Lake to Ledges, which combined the geological beauty of Ledges with the scenic Kendall Lake. This loop can easily be shorten to accommodate little legs and would be a great trail for all ages.

Make it a Hike & Hop – Check out Ledges Trail & HiHo Brewing!

Rock City & Rattlesnake to Overlook – Coopers Rock State Forest (WV)

Despite being just over an hour away from Pittsburgh, it took me until 2024 to finally visit Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia. There’s so much to see at this park, but if you only have time for one hike, definitely make it the Rock City & Rattlesnake trails. This incredible path leads from dense woods into sudden corridors surrounded by rock face. Finally the Rattlesnake Trail ends at the impressive Coopers Rock overlook, the crown jewel of the park.

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Coopers Rock & Screech Owl!

Endless Wall Trail – New River Gorge National Park (WV)

Okay, I’ll admit, this wasn’t a new hike for me in 2024. But its so great that I had to include it as one of my favorites of the year and is one of the few repeat trails on this list. We visited New River Gorge NP at the beginning of October right as the leaves began to change. We did a LOT of hiking but the Endless Wall Trail remains my favorite of the park. The stunning views throughout the short loop just get more beautiful each time I visit. However, this is a very popular spot, so try to visit at off-times or during the week. Parking is a challenge here so please leave no trace and only park in designated areas!

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Endless Wall & FreeFolk Brewery

Conkles Hollow Gorge Trail – Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve (OH)

Another easy hike to take my end of the year round up! I’ve done the Conkles Hollow Rim hike a few times now (also highly recommend) but this time around, we wanted to do the Gorge trail. This 1-mile out and back flat trail leads you deep into the gorge with towering trees and cliff wall climbing up on either side. During wet seasons and after rain, there are various waterfalls spilling down the sides of the gorge. On a hot, sunny September day, it was amazing the temperature difference in the deepest reaches of the gorge. This is a must-hike during a visit to the Hocking Hills Area!

Make it a Hike & Hop! Check out Conkles Hollow & Double Edge Brewing

Want to explore more of Hocking Hills, OH? See my guide to visiting the state park and more.

Red, Yellow, and Blue Loop – Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (PA)

This was by far my hardest hike of the year, but the challenge made it that much more fun! Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a non-profit wild raptor preserve with an educational facility and miles of hiking trails. It’s the only hike on this list with a fee to visit (Adults $10, Seniors $7, Children between 6-12 $5, Under 5 FREE), but its supporting a fantastic cause so don’t let that hold you back. There’s a number of trails with varying difficulty, but we did a heart-pumping loop that began on the River of Rocks Trail (red) then climbs the steep Golden Eagle Trail (yellow). At the top, take the Skyline Trail (blue) along the ridge, ending with some of the most difficult and exhilarating rock climbs I’ve encountered on a trail. You’ll hoist yourself up onto the North Lookout and follow around the Lookout Trail (orange) for multiple vistas of the surrounding valley and soaring raptors. Be sure to check migration times for peak birdwatching months!

Maurice River Bluffs – (NJ)

A writing project took me to New Jersey this year and I’ll admit that I didn’t go in with high expectations. But I was quickly proven wrong with this incredible hike along the Maurice River in Millville, NJ. This 500-acre preserve is managed by the Nature Conservancy and provides a key stopover for migrating birds and presents a uniquely hilly landscape in the lowlands of NJ. We completed a 5-6 mile loop of the entire preserve which included boardwalks along the water with spots to observe wildlife and sandy walks out along the bluffs for vistas of the surrounding wetlands. This hike was incredible but what made it one of my most memorable hikes this year was finally seeing a stunning lady slipper orchid in the wild. I cried.

Pochuck Valley & Stairway to Heaven – Appalachian Trail (NJ)

Another of my Jersey adventures took us along the Appalachian Trail in northern NJ. 72 miles of the famed trail run through the rugged northern region of New Jersey which boasts a markedly different landscape than the rest of the state. This 7-mile out-and-back trail includes boardwalks over wets and ends with a rocky climb to a stunning overlook. Along the way, you’ll encounter day- and thru-hikers all enjoying this unique path. Don’t let the easy path at the beginning fool you; the trek up the “stairway to heaven” is challenging but highly rewarding. From the soaring overlook on a clear day you can see all the way to the Catskill Mountains in New York!

Thanks for joining me on another year of hiking adventures! I can’t wait to see where 2025 takes me.

Ledges Trail & HiHo Brewing

December 24, 2024hikesandhopsblog 1 Comment

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, OH

Did you know there’s a National Park in Ohio? Cuyahoga Valley NP is just outside of Cleveland; only a 2 hour day trip from Pittsburgh. Designated a national park in 2000, this area is unique from other major parks. It’s tucked just outside of a major metropolitan region. But even more interestingly, it is a success story of the rehabilitation of the natural world. For years, the Cuyahoga River was subject to waste and sewage dumping from the nearby industrial centers. The pollution was so bad that the river caught on fire multiple times. But over the next few decades, major strides were made to clean up the polluted waters. Now, the park welcomes over 2 million visitors a year to enjoy its trails and history!

There are over 125 miles of trail to enjoy at Cuyahoga Valley. The geologically unique Ledges Trail is the most popular spot in the park and for good reason! Despite being in a relatively flat state, these massive sandstone cliffs emerge from the woods in a stunning display. At only 2.2 miles, this is a great hike for all ages that offers beautiful views and some fun, rocky sections. Ledges Trail is a must when visiting Cuyahoga!

THE HIKE: Ledges Trail via Kendell Lake

Length: 5.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 488 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Trail use: Hiking, Leashed Pets
Parking: Ample parking at Kendall Lake, restroom facilities

Cuyahoga National Park is the only National Park in Ohio! While it might not have the mountains of the West, it offers stunning waterfalls, unique geological features, and a fascinating history.

Where to Park: Ledges Trail is one of the most popular trails in Cuyahoga National Park. Because of this, I recommend taking the longer route which starts at Kendall Lake but offers more parking. If you’re a newer hiker, have less time, or are hiking with little ones, I’d suggest tackling just the 2.2-mile Ledges Trail by parking here. Just be aware that this lot fills up quickly so try to aim for an off-peak time!

The Route: From the Kendall Lake Parking area, follow the Connector Trail across the road. Make sure to look both ways and cross carefully! Suddenly you’ll find yourself in thick woods. At the first trail junction, turn left to get on the Pine Grove Trail. While not the most interesting part of the trek, this is a pleasant loop through thick woods. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and fungi! After 1.6 miles, the trails meets back up with the Connector Trail. Continue along the Connector Trail passing over a road and then through a parking lot. At the edge of the parking is a trail kiosk with a map and information about the trails around Ledges. Continue forward after the kiosk, now on the Ledges Trail. You’ll notice almost immediately the rocky cliffside that rises up beside you along the trail. Keep an eye out for interesting rock features! At 2.6 miles, you’ll pass the Ice Box Cave, a unique spot where the temperature drops dramatically earning its fitting name. Continue along peering through rock crevices and tight squeezes. At about 3 miles, you’ll pass over the road to the main parking area. Just after this, you’ll reach the Ledges Overlook, a rocky outcropping perfect for a quick rest. The view isn’t super spectacular with the heavy foliage but might be better in the winter! Continue along the Ledges Trail to finish the loop and meet back at the trail kiosk and Connector Trail. Now you can retrace your steps along the Connector Trail, this time bearing to the left at the junction with Pine Grove Trail. This will lead you right back to the parking lot for Kendall Lake. But instead of heading to your car, take the tranquil Lake Trail for an easy loop around the lake. Make sure to end with a jaunt out onto the fishing pier!

This is just one of the many awesome trails to check out at Cuyahoga Valley! On the same day, we also visited Blue Hen Falls and Brandywine Falls. Looking for a general guide to the park and the various trails? Check at the My Trails are Many guide here.

THE BEER: HiHo Brewing Co.

Address: 1707 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
Distance from Trail Head: 9 miles, 16 mins
Website: http://www.hihobrewingco.com/
Food?: Full Menu
Details: Indoor and Outdoor seating, Leashed dogs on patio

HiHo Brewing began as the dream of Jon and Ali Hoven, a beer-loving husband and wife team. While living in Colorado, the couple discovered a passion for craft beer, even starting a homebrew club. They grew more serious about the industry and Jon eventually trained as a professional brewer. in 2015, they moved back to their hometown in Ohio and began the long process of building out their dream brewery. In January 2017, HiHo Brewing Co officially opened!

Formerly a car showroom, the 6,000 sq ft taproom offers amble seating, from high top bar spots to banquet style seating. In the warmer months, there’s a patio outside overlooking the Cuyahoga River where leashed dogs are welcome to hang out with you. With such a large space, you won’t be surprised to see a hefty taplist! Most drafts come in a variety of sizes (5 oz, 10 oz, 16 oz) for your tasting pleasure. HiHo doesn’t limit itself to specific styles so you’re sure to find something you love!

After all that hiking and exploring, you’re sure to be ready for a snack. The house menu features a perfect mix of bar food like pizza and sliders, with healthier salad options. I’m always a sucker for a pretzel with beer cheese, and these did not disappoint!

There’s several brewery options around Cuyahoga, but I highly recommend a stop at HiHo!

Our Beer:

Front Street Wheat – American Wheat – 5.8%
HiHazyHo – Hazy IPA – 7%
Bossy Lady – American IPA – 6.7%
Chuckery Trail Red – Red Ale – 5.5%

Looking for more adventures in Ohio? Check out the NCT Ohio/PA border & Ill Will Brewing, Hocking Hills Gorge Loop & Brewery 33, and Conkles Hollow & Double Edge Brewing Co. Also take a look at my Guide to Hocking Hills.

White Oak Park & Wye Beer Co.

November 17, 2024hikesandhopsblog 2 Comments

White Oak, PA

White Oak Park is one of the nine beautiful Allegheny County parks. This 810-acre is a haven for hikers, bikers, and nature-lovers alike! It has over 8 miles of trail including densely wooded sections with low foot traffic. It’s a great spot for spring wildflowers and has space for a variety of activities, including bocce, a dog park, and athletic fields. After a peaceful loop through the trails, enjoy a brew and a bite at Wye Beer Co. in Trafford, PA. Located right on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail, this brewery is about as outdoors-friendly as you can get!

THE HIKE: White Oak Park Loop

Length: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 321 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 hours
Trail use: Leashed dogs, Bike friendly
Parking: large lot at entrance off McClintock Road

White Oak is a regional park managed by Allegheny County that spans over 800 acres. Here you’ll find plenty of space for recreation, including ball fields, pavilions, a dog park and more. There are many miles of trail included a paved walking path. But where White Oak truly shines is in its deeply wooded hiking trails. These trails, although not terribly well marked at times, wind through huge groves of trees that feel like one is miles away from civilization. Until the trail pops out by a pavilion or bathroom!

White Oak Park is a bit of a drive from most areas of town, but I highly recommend a visit. J and I were pleasantly surprised to have the trails to ourselves on a sunny fall day and really enjoyed an easy loop through the western portion of the park on the Green Trail.

Begin your hike at the parking lot for the Wedding Pavilion. It’s not quite marked well on Google Maps so you can use the link above! Pick up the Green Trail behind the small pavilion and down the hill. You’ll see the green blazes begin right at the tree line. Immediately, you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and any road sounds fade away. Follow the trail for about 0.5 miles, then it will lead close to a pavilion and bathroom. The rest of the hike meanders through thick trees and then veers close the walking path and pavilions. I’d definitely recommend following a route on an app as sometimes the trail junctions aren’t marked or very clear. At the very end, the trail goes sharply uphill where the path is a bit uncertain. You should come out near the dog park. We then followed the road back to the Wedding Pavilion to finish out the hike.

If you have time, I also highly recommend visiting the meadow area behind the park office. We just happened to visit during peak goldenrod season and it was just so beautiful to see the bees buzzing around the golden spires. There are a number of other trails you can pick up from this area including the Yellow Trail, a 1.5 mile loop.

Overall, although the trails are not well marked and online maps difficult to come by, I highly recommend a visit to White Oak Park. It’s the perfect place to explore and feels off the beaten path. We will definitely be back!

THE BEER: Wye Beer Co.

Address: 3 Forbes Rd, Trafford, PA 15085
Distance from Trail Head: 6.7 miles, 14 mins
Website: http://www.wyebeer.com/
Food?: Full Kitchen
Details: Outdoor seating, family friendly, Pet friendly

Tucked into a small business plaza in Trafford is Wye Beer Co. As you pull into the parking lot, you’re likely to see a few bikes pulling up to the brewery as well! Wye Beer is conveniently located right on the Westmoreland Heritage Trail, so it’s become a popular spot for bikers and beer lovers alike. Walking inside, the brewery is quite spacious, with a large bar and plenty of tables. Arcade games line the walls adding to the space’s fun flair. After ordering a pint, you can also sit outside in the beer garden, complete with a ski lift swing (yes, this was my spot of choice!). If you’re feeling a bit peckish, the menu of shareables and flatbreads is sure to hit the spot. We particularly enjoyed the giant Bavarian pretzel! Now Wye doesn’t limit itself to particular styles, so there’s always a wide variety of options on tap. It’s really important to the owners that they have a beer style for everyone!

Wye Beer is still relatively new to the brew scene having opened in early 2024 by three brothers from Irwin. But they’re no strangers to the restaurant and bar life; the family has owned several other ventures, including the popular Ginny’s Pizza. The brewery’s name pays homage to Blackburn-Wye rail line that used to run through the area. A “wye” is a railroad term for a track junction that forms the letter “Y”. I love when we get a history lesson at a brewery!

Also, I highly recommend a stop at the Parkside creamery for a tasty treat to wrap up your day! The pumpkin pie ice cream really hit the spot!

Our Beer: