Cool Off at the Waterfalls and Swimming Holes in a Nearby State Forest

This column originally appeared in the July 2024 edition of Town&Gown magazine.

To be honest, I am not sure if I want to put this story out there. After all, a good swimming hole is something special, and, well, the only surefire way to ruin it is if there are too many people around.

But, over the past few summers I have found the most beautiful, crystal clear, waterfall fed swimming holes not too far from home, and I just cannot keep my mouth shut about them. Rock Run’s three swimming holes are just that wonderful.

After all, Backpacker Magazine labeled them as Pennsylvania’s best swimming holes back in 2009, so I guess the word is out. It is best to continue sharing the love. Plus, when something is this good, you have to share it.

So, pack up a picnic and your bathing suit, because this wonderful spot is just about an hour and a half drive from State College, perfect for a day trip adventure on a hot summer day.

Rock Run Falls are located near Ralston in Lycoming County on a beautiful and wild stream with many gorges and waterfalls as it flows through the McIntyre Wild Area of Loyalsock State Forest. Rock Run cuts through bedrock, providing scenic chutes, slides, and cascades that will give you something to write home about.

Ralston is a small, sleepy town north of Williamsport, and I had driven through it many times on my way to upstate New York before I realized there was a waterfall destination not far from town. If you follow U.S. Route 15 north from Williamsport and then veer off onto State Route 14 from there, you will soon come into Ralston. Take a right on Thompson Street, which will eventually turn into Rock Run Road.

From there any car (just drive slow) should be able to make the short trip up the gravel road where there is parking for the upper, middle, and lower falls areas, each with their own unique atmospheres worth exploring.

During a day trip last summer with my partner and our pup, Peggy, we were happy to explore all three falls and what they had to offer. On a hot weekend, the area had a bit of a party atmosphere, with families picnicking (someone even dragged a grill down to the falls area) and enjoying the water. Weekdays are more subdued, and you might even get the space to yourself. Either way, it is best to jump in and enjoy the vibe.

Of course, there are no lifeguards on duty. Swimming and exploring are at your own risk always, and sometimes that is what adventure is all about. But, it is best to use caution, and check water depth before jumping in.

Let’s take a look at the three different falls areas, starting from the top.

Upper Falls

After swiftly rolling over large flat rocks and boulders, Rock Run falls ten feet into a pool surrounded by cliffs, making this wonderful waterfall perfect for photos. It is the tallest of the three waterfalls we are exploring here.

Brave souls (raising my hand; sorry, no photos of that one) can be found cliff jumping into the deep pool below, but the trek in and out can be a little difficult.

Middle Falls

This is my favorite of the three falls and swimming areas, and it was certainly the busiest and most popular every time I have gone there. The seven- to eight-foot waterfall flows down a flume through the rocks, making for a spectacular sight. The crevice is fun to explore (carefully) and feel the cold water running fast past your body.

Beyond the flume, the water gathers in a large pool that is deep enough to jump into from the large rocks above. On the other side, a gravel and sand beach makes for an easy entry into the water.

Peggy liked this area the best, and loved playing fetch with some of the kids who were there last time we went. They would throw the stick and she would swim to fetch it. The game lasted for a long time.

There are many rocks and other areas where you can relax and take it all in, and it is not far from the road, so it is easy to bring down towels, chairs, and picnic stuff.

Lower Falls

The waterfall that is closest to the town of Ralston and farther downstream from the other two is a little more difficult to get to, so it tends to attract a smaller crowd. That seclusion might be worth it. I have not explored this area as much, because I am usually tired after exploring the other two areas, but it is still worth checking out.

My recommendation is to explore them all, and don’t be afraid to jump in (or at least get your feet wet). The water is nice. T&G

Vincent Corso loves exploring the outdoors in central Pennsylvania and beyond.