Tracking Down Waterfalls on McIntyre Wild Area’s Hounds Run

Hounds Run in Lycoming County, PA features some of the more accessible waterfalls in the McIntyre Wild Area and is a great destination for outdoor family fun.

Couched in a mountainside ravine, Hounds Run is a hideaway for one of McIntyre Wild Area’s most accessible, and magnificent, waterfalls. Although McIntyre Wild Area is a waterfall wonderland, most of those gems have to be earned by uphill hikes over rugged terrain and spotty unmarked grades. Hounds Run Falls is only 0.3 miles from the trailhead and the terrain is quite manageable.

We parked at the pull-off on Rock Run Road adjacent to the bridge over Hounds Run. The lot is large enough to accommodate about eight vehicles. There are no marked trails, but there are several grades that follow the stream until the ravine narrows. There are numerous cascades to enjoy along the way.

At about 0.2 miles in, the stream curves around rocky cliffs, and the ravine deepened with the rim rising high above us. We used the abundant rocks to cross the water several times, seeking the best route since there were no trails or grades. Shortly after turning the curve, we found a stepladder-like waterfall about eight feet high.

We took a path up the embankment from Stepladder Falls, and the ravine opened before us to reveal the majestic Hounds Run Falls.

Hounds Run Falls is located at 41.53709, -76.89840, about 0.3 miles from the parking area. Hounds Run Falls is strikingly scenic with an upper drop about 25 feet high and a two-tiered lower drop about 15 feet high. There is a flat landing between the two drops with a seemingly artistically placed huge round boulder perched on the landing.

Among the fallen leaves, there was a faintly visible footpath leading to the top of the waterfall. After enjoying the views from the precipice, we ventured further upstream in search of more waterfalls. We found what we dubbed “Surprise Falls” at 41.53898, -76.89794. This is an interesting waterfall in that it slides through a narrow gap then drops in a veil about ten feet. But the drop is behind the large boulder (on which we stood to take the photo below). The boulder screens the waterfall then reveals it like a treasure chest opening as you approach.

Although Surprise Falls is only about a tenth of a mile upstream from Hounds Run Falls, it is a difficult slog. There are old grades that run higher up the ravine, but the terrain along the stream consists largely of mossy boulders and steep slopes. We pressed on past Surprise Falls in search of more wilderness treasures to the confluence of two tributaries. We bushwacked up the steeper of the tributaries until we were within sight of the McIntyre Mountain plateau. Although there was a myriad of cascades, we found no more waterfalls. Satisfied with getting to the bottom (rather the top) of Hounds Run, we traveled back along several old grades running high up on the ravine. Then we bushwacked down to the water before the slopes turned to cliffs in the neighborhood of Hounds Run Falls.

The out-and-back roundtrip between the trailhead and Hounds Run Falls was 0.6 miles.
Surprise Falls is approximately 0.1 miles upstream of Hounds Run Falls.

After Rock Run, Hounds Run Falls is the most easily accessible waterfall in the McIntyre Wild Area. The hike is only a 0.6 mile round trip and the incline is gradual. Rock hopping is required in the area of Stepladder Falls, but the crossings are relatively easy. We encountered a number of families with elementary aged children who managed just fine. The view from the top of Hounds Run Falls is worth the trip. The hike to Surprise Falls is a rough and fun challenge but is not for everyone.

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