Jul 8, 2026 - Things to Do
Best waterfalls around Pittsburgh
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Beautiful Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State Park. Photo: Courtesy of Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
It's the season to chase some waterfalls.
The intrigue: Pittsburgh is overrun with streams, creeks and rivers, and several of them drain into waterfalls you can visit with relative ease.
Zoom in: The region isn't famous for any falls like Niagara, but our cascades are still a great way to cool off in the summer heat.
Here are our favorite waterfalls around Pittsburgh.
Cucumber Falls
- Probably the region's most beautiful waterfall, but it's also the farthest from the city. Water descends from a 36-foot drop in a bridal veil pattern. It's a short ⅓-mile walk from the parking area in Ohiopyle State Park.
- 124 Main St., Ohiopyle.
Fall Run Park waterfall
- The most accessible, and also the most crowded, of the area waterfalls. Get there early before parking spots fill up, and enjoy the impressive white water sliding gracefully onto inclined stone. It's about a half-mile walk on an easy trail.
- 187 Fall Run Road, Shaler.
Buttermilk Falls
- Just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike, this 40-foot cascade descends into a picturesque sandstone pool. It's also easy to hike behind for cool photos.
- Park across from the church at 130 1st Ave., Beaver Falls.
Settlers Cabin waterfall
- A small but serene waterfall tucked away in a hemlock ravine in a quiet part of the park. It's a moderate, hilly half-mile hike from the trailhead at the end of Tee Pee Drive.
- 608 Ridge Road, Robinson.
Boyce Mayview Park waterfall
- A modest fall that is best after some rainstorms. It's also a great spot to flip over rocks and look for salamanders. The easiest access is from the Morton Fields parking lot, then take the Ravine Trail. When you get down and across the small bridge, follow the sign to the falls.
- 2420 Morton Road in Upper St. Clair Township.