Jonathan Run Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (2)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
3.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 ft
About Jonathan Run Falls
Jonathan Run Falls is a picturesque waterfall located within Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania. It is part of the Jonathan Run Trail, which features lush forest scenery and additional smaller cascades along the way.
The Setting
Jonathan Run Falls sits at 1,175 feet within Ohiopyle State Park, in the foothills of Pennsylvania.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Cucumber Falls (30 ft) lies 2.8 miles to the south. Also nearby: Sugar Run Falls (20 ft, 0.3 mi) and Ohiopyle Falls (20 ft, 2.4 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 3.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 200 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Jonathan Run Falls is a relatively easy hike through a forested area with minimal elevation gain. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the sounds of Jonathan Run Creek and may encounter smaller cascades before reaching the main waterfall.
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 Jonathan Run Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Jonathan Run Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall tends to have higher 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 slippery after rain, so exercise caution. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or damaging the environment.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Youghiogheny River, 2.5 miles away, not on Jonathan Run Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1,330 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 18 years of record
2.32 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle, PA (4 km away).
Today
Strong
1436 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
1395 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
1445 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
1537 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
1465 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
1479 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
1433 cfs
9/10Best window: Tue — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid March, peaking in February.
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 Ohiopyle hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Jonathan Run Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded big river, rarely freezes solid
Jonathan Run Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 41°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
- 1330 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 125 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,171 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 47 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 17 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing northeast, 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
- 1,171 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 125 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- 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 northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Jonathan Run Falls is accessed via the Jonathan Run Trail, which begins at a trailhead off Holland Hill Road in Ohiopyle State Park. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the trailhead on Holland Hill Road. Spaces may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,175 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.902297° N, -79.491705° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenic views. Arrive early during weekends to secure parking.
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This easy 3.0 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Stay In Ohiopyle near everything including the trail, Ohiopyle PA
Comfort Inn Connellsville Riverview
Lodge at Chalk Hill
Comfort Suites Uniontown
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
OUTFLOW CAMPING
9.4 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
Other attractions in Ohiopyle State Park include Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle Falls, and the Youghiogheny River for whitewater rafting.
Wildlife
The area is home to deer, birds, and other small forest animals. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail.
Cities near Jonathan Run Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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