Join us as on a rugged hike along Dutchmans Run in Lycoming County where we show you how to find a series high waterfalls and uncover historic ruins.
Dutchman Run in the McIntyre Wild Area of Loyalsock State Forest in Lycoming County, PA boasts a series of at least three significant waterfalls. In fact, the McIntyre Wild area is a waterfall wonderland – if you know where to look. As a bonus, we encountered multiple historic ruins along the way. Our adventure begins at the trailhead off of Rock Run Road in Ralston, PA at 41.50695, -76.95118.
The trail follows an old railroad grade roughly paralleling Lycoming Creek. The trail is weedy in spots, especially during summer. We followed the trail for about 1.1 miles and spied the ruins of a stone house in then photo below to the right of the trail at 41.52266, -76.95097.
Shortly after the stone house ruins, the trail crosses multiple beds associated with Dutchmans Run. Follow Dutchmans Run up McIntyre Mountain. The trail quickly fizzles out, but keep to the right of Dutchmans Run. There are no blazes or discernable trail. We scouted the area to the left of Dutchmans Run for a clearer trail, but this side is even more rugged and leads up rocky cliffs away from the falls, contrary to our purpose. As we approached the first waterfall we passed a precarious looking rock overhang.
We encountered the first of three significant waterfalls at 41.52527, -76.94886. Dutchmans Run First Falls is 25 to 30 feet tall.
After enjoying the first waterfall, we continued our journey uphill to the top First Falls, again staying to the right of Dutchmans Run. You can easily access the crest of the waterfall and catch views of the ravine below and mountains through the trees beyond. Second Falls is visible upstream and is at 41.52575, -76.94778. Second Falls is the smallest of Dutchmans Run’s three major waterfalls, being 8 to 10 feet tall.
The tallest of the three waterfalls, Third Falls is visible from Second Falls. We hiked the short distance along Dutchmans Run, crossing it multiple times as we navigated the large flat rocks. Third Falls tumbles down the mountain via multiple steps, then hits a slide, followed by a vertical drop. The experience was worth the sweat and rugged trailless terrain. All throughout our journey along Dutchmans Run we encountered pieces of coal. At the base of Third Falls, we found more evidence of mining operations: bent railroad rails and metal brackets fastened into rocks.
The ravine at Third Falls forms a “Y”. There is a trickle of a waterfall in the arm to the right of Third Falls. Masonry high up on the right arm of the “Y” enticed us to make a hands-and-feet climb up the steep ravine. In addition to the view of Third Falls, our effort was rewarded with the discovery of an old railroad grade with a bridge constructed from railroad ties.
After the rugged climb we zipped over the rail grade through a young hemlock stand. The sight below thrilled and delighted us: railroad rails repurposed as a foot bridge! But would they hold?
We crossed cautiously, and although the rails flexed as we proceeded, we made it across just fine. What a fun surprise! We wondered who would have gone to the trouble to place the rails. The crossing is at 41.52697, -76.94533.
The grade continued on the other side of the rail bridge. We passed a large coal pile to our left, solving the mystery of the coal we found throughout Dutchmans Run. About 0.2 miles from the rail crossing the trail splits where a stream flows between several coal piles. To our right, we climbed down a steep, loose embankment to the stream and found another surprise. We call it Coal Pile Falls. Note the beam and stacked stones forming a bridge next to the small waterfall.
We climbed back up from Coal Pile Falls and turned right at 41.52798, -76.94132 to cross the stream bed. We followed a rough old grade for about 0.3 miles until it came out at McIntyre Mountain Road. There is no trail, but we headed toward 41.52506, -76.93768 and encountered McIntyre Mountain Road. Our next objective was to cross over the plateau to Abbott Run. We breezed over the drivable dirt McIntyre Mountain Road for 0.7 miles then turned left to an unblazed old grade at 41.53232, -76.93090.
The grade started out OK but became difficult to follow as it entered a spruce forest. We lost and found the “trail” multiple times. Don’t worry about trying to stay on trail. Navigate through the spruces the way that seems most clear, making your way toward 41.53724, -76.93560. The key is to follow the trench mine, keeping it to your right. The trench mine will eventually open to an area that was once excavated to your tight.
At 41.53724, -76.93560 we lost all semblance of grade or path. We bushwacked downhill in the direction of Abbott Run. Thankfully there was little brush through the forest. We successfully made it to Abbott Run and an attendant grade at 41.53963, -76.93585. However, by this time it was clear that we did not have enough daylight to explore the waterfalls. We followed the rough grade down the mountain, bypassing the waterfalls in the ravine below that were even more spectacular than those on Dutchmans Run!
We returned to our campsite in Loyalsock State Forest happy and thankful for the waterfall adventure and fun surprises along Dutchman Run. The views of the waterfalls on Abbott Run stoked our anticipation to resume the adventure tomorrow.
In the map above the rail bed from trailhead to Dutchmans run is given in brown.
Bushwacking and rough grades are given in purple.
Trails/roads are given in yellow.
For more information on navigating Abbott Run and how to return to the trailhead see Part 2 (COMING SOON)
The trail to Dutchman Run First Falls is 1.3 miles one way. Apart from the weeds, this trail is relatively easy with a short off-trail portion as you approach First Falls. Visiting First Falls only would be appropriate for the casual adventurer.
The trailless terrain uphill from First Falls to Second and Third Falls becomes moderately difficult.
The climb from Third Falls up to the slope of McIntyre Mountain is steep and not for everyone.
Venturing on the purple portions beyond Coal Pile Falls requires off-trail navigation skill.
Want more? Here are other adventures in McIntyre Wild Area:
Abbott Run
Most Scenic Overlook
Pennsylvania Ghost Town
in All of PA
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
