Grant City Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Grant City Falls
Grant City Falls is a quiet, lesser-known cascade tucked into Pennsylvania's wooded hills, offering a peaceful reward for hikers who seek a more solitary nature experience. The falls can be seasonal and are most impressive after periods of steady rain, when runoff swells the tiers and accentuates the mossy rock outcrops. Because it receives fewer visitors than more famous Pennsylvania waterfalls, Grant City Falls is a great spot for photographers and anyone looking to enjoy a reflective stretch of forest and water. Expect a moderately challenging hike rather than a casual stroll—pack sturdy shoes and water, and plan for slower footing near the waterfall itself, where roots and rocks can be slick when wet.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Official surface, grade, and any U.S. Forest Service trail classification are not available for this route. The trail traverses natural forest tread with uneven footing—roots, rocks, and occasional muddy sections are likely, especially after rain. Hikers should be prepared with supportive footwear, basic navigation awareness, and caution on steeper or wet sections near the falls.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a quiet, natural setting with a small waterfall surrounded by forest. The area may be overgrown or difficult to access, depending on the season.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Grant City Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Grant City Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall may have more water flow during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail may be unmarked and overgrown. Visitors should exercise caution, wear appropriate footwear, and avoid visiting during inclement weather. Cell phone service may be limited.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Muddy Creek, 2.7 miles away, not on Grant City Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
6 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 57 years of record
1.43 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Muddy Creek near Portersville, PA (4 km away).
Today
Strong
6 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Strong
6 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
6 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
7 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
8 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
7 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
8 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid December to mid January, 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 Lake Arthur Estates hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Grant City Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Grant City Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 40°F to 35°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 6 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 109 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,107 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 91 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 80 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and 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
- 1,107 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 109 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- 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 northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Grant City Falls is located near the small community of Grant City in Pennsylvania. Access details are not well-documented, so visitors should research local maps or consult with nearby residents for directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear. Visitors may need to park along nearby roads or find a suitable spot near the trailhead.
Elevation
1,106 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.978396° N, -80.176449° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the trail may not be clearly marked. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the waterfall may be more impressive after rainfall.
Where to Stay
Quality Inn & Suites New Castle
Wingate by Wyndham Grove City
Holiday Inn Express Grove City - Premium Outlet Mall by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Sharon-Hermitage by IHG
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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Nearby Campground
Shenango Lake Clark Picnic Shelter
24.8 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Situated within the suburban Shenango Valley, Shenango Lake provides an attractive setting where visitors can spend the day picnicking, camping, fishing, boating, or enjoying nature's beauty at one of the lake's many recreation areas. The Clark Recreation Day Use Area is located just off of Route 18 on Route 258 in Clark, PA, and provides one covered group picnic shelter (Clark Shelter) with electric as well as access to the lake to go fishing and boating. Recreation Come explore and enj
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
The surrounding area may have other small waterfalls or hiking opportunities. Research local attractions for more options.
Wildlife
The area is likely home to typical Pennsylvania wildlife, such as deer, birds, and small mammals.
Cities near Grant City Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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