Behind the reservoir in McElhattan, two waterfalls face each other, each from separate creeks, but both emptying into the same glen.
In September of 2024, we hiked in on a new to us path - clearly marked, and making the falls VERY easily accessible. It's a beautiful half mile hike along the creek, and then a scramble down the hill to stand at the bottom of thee falls. On this trip, McElhattan falls were barely trickle - but I've seen them running full in the past, it all depends on how much rain we have had. Of course, waterfalls always tend to be fuller in the spring.
Parking Coords - 41.074162, -77.328501
Right at the intersection of Spruce Run Rd, and Nittany Ridge Road, you will see a yellow gate, a sign saying falls, and a private drive. We parked near [without blocking] the yellow gate.
Then a few feet behind our far was the sign saying "To Falls", and a trail, along the creek.
It's that simple - follow the trail beside the creek, to the falls.
It's rocky, there are tree roots, and parts were a little muddy even in September.. but overall it's a fairly simple, flat [as in not much uphill] walk in the woods.
In roughly half a mile, you'll be standing at the top of Rosencrans Falls - looking across to McElhattan Falls [merely a trickle in Sept 2024, but I've seen it quite full on other visits].
Rosencrans Falls Sept 2024
Rosencrans on an earlier trip, when the water was running
You can walk along the trail further for a better view - or for the best view, scramble down the hill.
View from the base of the falls, September 2024 [low water]
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The Other Way In
Our Original Attempts To Access The Falls
This is a geocache that plagued us for literally years. We made the drive, parked as told, hiked as directed - and walked right up to brand new No Trespassing Signs, and cameras.
Came home, talked to others, learned of a trail in from the other side.
Drove back, made the (longer, but very easy) hike back - it poured down rain. I mean, torrential downpour, the entire time we were near the falls. It did not rain on our walk there, nor on our walk back.
Made the trip a third time... and I was so excited to see the waterfalls that I walked right past the brand new No Trespassing sign. I saw the sign on the way out. The sign is RIGHT at the falls, so you can walk up and see the falls, just not get to them. I do not know where the property line is. It all looks like reservoir property, but obviously it is not.
I know it's disappointing, and even annoying, to have Waterfalls off limits on private property. But if you have been here and seen all the graffiti.. it's hard to blame the property owners for wanting to keep people out.
So this is how we got there. I don't know at what point we may have been trespassing. Pay attention, and be prepared to be unable to access the area.
Parking Coords - 41.0701133,-77.3079232
Parking is pretty clearly marked here - park on the left side of the driveway. Do not block the gate, nor the lane off to the right. To start your hike, walk through the gate shown here, and follow the road to the lake. (Amusingly, this is clearly marked "No Motor traffic". This apparently does not prohibit horse and buggies, This is a popular amish fishing spot, and we've seen horses and buggies tied along the woods by the lake.)
It's roughly a mile walk on a wide access road, from the parking area to the back of the reservoir lake. Walk down the hill behind the reservoir, and enter the woods at any good spot. The trees here were planted by the CCC, so once you enter, they are nice even rows of pine trees, with wide paths to walk between them.
There's no marked trail here, although there's a well worn trail in spots, The creek is to the left, close by, just follow the water...
The path will narrow a bit, no more wide straight rows of trees.
And before long, you will see the falls!
There are two waterfalls here, facing each other. I did not climb down far enough to take a photo of how close they are, because my husband had noticed the No Trespassing sign before I got the chance to climb down. (the signs on this side are new - the other side has been marked for awhile)
This is McElhatten Falls - it's the Falls on your left, you will walk in right beside it.
Rosencrans Falls are the falls you will likely see first when you walk in - they are the falls on the right, further from the reservoir.
UPDATE - From the World Waterfall Database -
Immediately above the falls is a private residence, whom have apparently experienced an increased amount of trespassing by those seeking out the waterfall as of late. It should be made abundantly clear that if you wish to visit this waterfall, you must do so from downstream of the waterfalls via public land. Do not make any attempt to visit from upstream or near McElhattan Reservoir. Stay on the north side of the tributary stream at all times in order to avoid trespassing, and please be courteous and respectful of the adjacent landowners and don't be a nuisance (and of course, please pack out anything you pack in).
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