Ketchum Run Falls, Pennsylvania
Total Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,082 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
The Hike: Hikers on this lightly traveled trail will be treated to 4 separate waterfalls as well as a picturesque gorge hidden in Pennsylvania’s “Endless Mountains”. The area is marked by a dense covering of green trees and beautiful mossy rocks that sit alongside the water. After a little over a mile on the trail, hiker’s will intersect and travel along a portion of the Loyalsock Trail that traverses through Lycoming County, and along it’s namesake creek, for over 60-miles. The section you will be covering in this hike is among the most scenic sections of the trail.
As with most Pennsylvania waterfalls, it is recommended to plan your visit for the spring and early summer, as the abundance of rain makes these falls really start roaring. Although beautiful year-round, you risk the water being more of a trickle the later in the summer you go.
The Details: Begin by parking at the Ketchum Run Trailhead (41.439538, -76.625294.) along High Knob Road. Follow the Ketchum Run Trail as it starts gradually walking downhill. The first section of this hike can be difficult to navigate as there are multiple trail intersections without descriptions. Always make sure that the trail you are on is following alongside Ketchum Run. The correct trail never crosses the stream. You will be staying on the right side of the water when traveling downhill, and on the left side of the stream on the way up.
After hiking for .7 miles, you will arrive at your first waterfall: Right Angle Falls. Following the trail for another 150 yards, you will approach your second waterfall: Ketchum Run Falls. After enjoying both falls, continue down the trail another quarter mile until you intersect the well marked Loyalsock Trail. Follow this trail along the stream and into a picturesque gorge until you find your third waterfall: Lee’s Falls. Continue following the Loyalsock Trail until you reach your fourth and final waterfall: Rode Falls. This waterfall is marked with an iconic ladder that assists hikers in and out of the mini rock amphitheater.
Once finished at Rode Falls, simply backtrack along the Loyalsock and Ketchum Run Trails back to your car at High Knob Road.
Gear: For this hike, we recommend bringing along either the Winter or Summer Day Hike Essentials, depending on the season. Micro-spikes are strongly advised in the winter.
*The information in this article is for planning purposes only. Actual trail conditions may vary depending on environmental factors. It is always advised to get the latest trail information from a park office or ranger before you begin your hike.