Dutchman Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Dutchman Falls
Dutchman Falls is a picturesque cascade tucked along Loyalsock Creek inside the Loyalsock State Forest. The falls sit on lands owned by SDNR and in a Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), offering a tranquil, wooded setting that draws hikers following the Loyalsock Trail. The pool and rock-lined chute make for classic Pennsylvania forest scenery, perfect for photography or a quiet rest beside running water. Accessing the falls is a pleasant half-day outing: the approach is a 2.4-mile out-and-back that climbs roughly 350 feet and is generally rated moderate. The route stays forested and well-marked, making it a popular stop for day hikers exploring this section of the state forest. Note that the land unit’s manager is listed as UNK in available records, so check local notices before you go for any seasonal advisories.
The Setting
Dutchman Falls sits at 1,483 feet within Loyalsock State Forest, fed by the Muncy Creek, in the foothills of Pennsylvania.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Lewis Falls (25 ft) lies 8.9 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Oneida Falls (13 ft, 12.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Trail to Dutchman Falls: 2.4 miles round-trip (out-and-back) with about 350 feet of elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. The path follows a well-marked forested corridor off the Loyalsock Trail and is suitable for most steady hikers. Expect natural tread that can become muddy and slippery after rain; trail surface, grade, and formal class data are not provided in the available records, so wear footwear with good traction and allow extra time in wet conditions.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Dutchman Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Dutchman Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Dutchman Falls, as the water flow is typically stronger during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as the rocks can be slippery. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and carry a map or GPS device.
Current Water Conditions
13 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 86 years of record
1.75 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
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 Muncy Creek near Sonestown, PA (13 km away).
Today
Strong
13 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
12 cfs
10/10Wed
Roaring
15 cfs
6/10Thu
Strong
14 cfs
10/10Fri
Roaring
15 cfs
6/10Sat
Strong
15 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
16 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, partly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early May, peaking in April.
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 Dushore hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 66 feet of drop through Dutchman Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,484 feet above sea level.
Most of the action is upstream: the ground drops about 94 feet in the 500 feet above the pin and flattens beneath the falls. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,484 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 66 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Dutchman Falls is located near the Loyalsock Trail in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. The trailhead can be accessed from the parking area near Route 220, close to the town of Dushore.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the Loyalsock Trailhead off Route 220. The parking area is small and may fill up during peak times.
Elevation
1,483 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.450077° N, -76.450500° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear, especially after rain, as the trail can be muddy. Arrive early to secure parking, and bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Tunkhannock
Crystal Springs Inn and Suites
Quality Inn & Suites Towanda
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Towanda Wysox
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Loyalsock Trail, Worlds End State Park, and High Knob Overlook are nearby attractions worth exploring.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Dutchman Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
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