The Haystacks Section of the Loyalsock Trail features a magnificent waterfall and a swimming hole at an unexplained rock formation on one of PA’s most beautiful creeks.
The Haystacks is a remarkable rock formation on the beautiful Loyalsock Creek. It is a popular swimming hole, hang out spot, and camp site. And what’s more, on the way is the magnificent Dutchman Falls. So, join us on this exceptional adventure!
Railbed and Creekside Journey to Dutchman Falls
The Haystacks and Dutchman Falls are on the easternmost section of the Loyalsock Trail near Laporte, PA. You can start at either the eastern terminus of the Loyalsock Trail off of Rt. 220 or at the Rock Run Bridge. Because we were coming from the west, we opted for the latter.
The trail followed the Loyalsock Creek briefly where we met a boy fly fishing. But the trail quickly leaves the creek, ascending the gorge to join with the railbed of the old Williamsport and North Branch Railway. Once on the railbed, it is an easy walk past rock cuts, culverts, and ephemeral streams. For most of the trail the Loyalsock is out of view in the gorge below, but sometimes you can hear the rapids.
The trail skirts private property but there are a few paths down the Loyalsock Creek. Coming from the west, you can most quickly access the Haystacks by taking the Loyalsock Trail down the gorge just after passing an ephemeral waterfall at 41.45404, -76.48198. See the map and video at the bottom of the post. But we chose to stay on the railbed a little while longer and go down the Haystacks Trail at 41.45461, -76.47422. Either way, after diverging, the railbed along the side of gorge and the Loyalsock Trail at the bottom parallel each other and rejoin before reaching Dutchman Falls, thus forming a loop. We took some time to sit on rocks in the Loyalsock Creek and take in this exceptional stream.
After about 4.2 miles we reached the blue-blazed Dutchman Fall Trail. The trail leads right to the bottom of the falls. The volume of Dutchman Falls was a little lighter on this trip on account of the dryness of the season. But even then, the falls is well worth the trip.
A Refreshing Dip at the Maze-Like Haystacks Formation
After taking in Dutchman Falls, we backtracked to the railbed then at the first turn down the gorge, took the Loyalsock Trail to follow the creek. The scenic hemlock stands and views of the boulder-laden creek made this one of my favorite sections of the trail. Just before you reach the Haystacks, the trail curves around some noteworthy rock cliffs.
And here it is: The Haystacks. The haystacks are something of an oddity that does not fit the geologic model. The sedimentary material composing the formation is entirely different than that of the surrounding area. No one is sure how it got there. Being harder than the surrounding rock, the Haystacks remain where the surrounding strata have eroded away.
We visited the Haystacks on a hot, nearly cloudless day. As such, families set up chairs on the rocks and were enjoying playing in the water and exploring the formation. The spot in the photo above is a great swimming hole. We beat the heat by sitting in the small waterfall, letting it crash over us. The maximum depth of the water in this pool was 3 to 4 feet.
What an odd formation. The Haystacks forms something of a maze that twists and turns through the creek, creating multiple pools and cascades.
Be sure to join us navigating the rocky labyrinth through the creek in the video at the bottom of the post.
Overall, the adventure was 8.2 miles.
Parking from the Rock Run Rd. end (west) is at 41.45971, -76.50958. Parking accommodates 3 or 4 vehicles.
Parking from the eastern terminus of the Loyalsock Trail near Rt. 220 is at 41.44832, -76.45336. There is ample parking here.
Dutchman Falls is near the eastern parking lot. The Haystacks is at about the middle, approximately 2 miles from either parking area. The walk to the Haystacks is easier from the eastern parking lot on account of the railbed running directly from the parking area.
The accessibility of Dutchman Falls and the Haystacks makes this a great adventure for families. You can camp at the Haystacks but must obtain a permit (free of charge) in advance. No campfires are allowed. See details here.
We made this hike a loop starting from the west at the Rock Run Rd. parking area, but if you want to go directly to Dutchman Falls or the Haystacks, you can park at the lot near Rt. 220 to the east. Dutchman Falls is a few minutes’ walk from the parking lot. As you can tell from the contour lines of the map, the two easternmost trails down the gorge are the easiest. The trail down the gorge at the ephemeral waterfall (41.45404, -76.48198) is steep and rocky. The historic railbed, scenic Loyalsock Creek, majestic Dutchman Falls, and playground-like Haystacks each would be worth the trip in their own right, but combined they make this an excellent adventure worthy of your bucket list.
Looking to stay in the area? We highly recommend World’s End State Park. Check out our Complete World’s End State Park Camping Review.
Want more? Check out these other nearby adventures:
- Don’t Miss the Loyalsock Canyon Vista and Rock Garden
- Explore the Giant Boulder Formations of Cold Run
- A Hot Spot to Tons of Easy Access Waterfalls on the Double Run Trail
- A Perfect Picnic Spot on Top of a Waterfall at Dry Run Falls
- Up and Over the Loyalsock Gorge Cliffs on the High Rock Trail
Also, be sure to check out our other adventures.
