Cole Run Falls
Pennsylvania • 15 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.1 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Cole Run Falls
Cole Run Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Forbes State Forest in Pennsylvania. It is known for its serene setting and easy accessibility, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The Setting
Cole Run Falls sits at 2,192 feet within Forbes State Forest, in the hills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 15 feet.
Height: 15 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Cole Run Falls is very short and easy, making it accessible for most visitors. It is a well-maintained path that leads directly to the waterfall, with minimal elevation gain.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 15 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cole Run Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Cole Run Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest due to seasonal rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a chance to see the falls frozen in a stunning display.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The rocks around the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Exercise caution when walking near the edge. Cell phone service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Casselman River, 8.3 miles away, not on Cole Run Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
124 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 104 years of record
1.06 ft
Water depth at gauge
44°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is moderate.
Water Quality
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Casselman River at Markleton, PA (13 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
124 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
144 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
170 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
166 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
163 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
153 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
168 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Seven Springs hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Cole Run Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Cole Run Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 124 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Pennsylvania.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
The bare-earth surface loses about 124 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The falls are listed at 15 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,195 feet above sea level.
Above the falls the ground is nearly level, then it breaks away and keeps dropping about 119 feet over the next 500 feet downstream. The falls face southwest and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,195 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 124 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Cole Run Falls is located near Rockwood, Pennsylvania, within the Forbes State Forest. It can be accessed via Cole Run Road, which is a short drive from Route 653.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the falls along Cole Run Road. Parking is free but limited, so it may fill up during peak seasons.
Hours
Elevation
2,192 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.971742° N, -79.283922° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the area around the falls can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Donegal by IHG
Comfort Inn Connellsville Riverview
Comfort Inn Somerset
Ski-InandSki-Out Seven Springs Mtn Suite with Shuttle!
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
OUTFLOW CAMPING
12.3 miles away · 96 sites
Overview The Outflow Camping Area is located on Youghiogheny River Lake in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. The lake spans the Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Clean waters, forested mountains and steep-sided valleys provide an unsurpassed setting for recreational opportunities.Recreation Camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, biking, picnicking and sightseeing are the area's most popular activities. Boaters consider Youghiogheny River Lake, with its 16-mile length
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Laurel Hill State Park, the Great Allegheny Passage trail, and other waterfalls within Forbes State Forest.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see wildflowers and other native plants.
Cities near Cole Run Falls
Writing about Cole Run Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.