Laurel Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Laurel Falls
Laurel Falls is a quiet, scenic waterfall in Pennsylvania that rewards a short hike with peaceful forest views and a refreshing cascade. The trail follows wooded terrain and ends at a pleasant waterfall setting that’s popular with photographers and day hikers looking for a calm escape. Plan for a moderately paced hike and wear sturdy shoes: the trail can become muddy and slippery after rain. If you’re turning this into a longer trip, the nearest developed camping is at Youghiogheny Recreation Area, roughly 20.6 km away, but Laurel Falls itself is best enjoyed as a day hike.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Rated moderate difficulty. The route follows forested terrain with varying grades—gentle in places and steeper on short sections—so expect a steady but manageable climb. The trail can be muddy or slick after rain; good traction and cautious footing are recommended. Suitable for most hikers comfortable with moderate, uneven footing.
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 Laurel Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Laurel Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Laurel Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the falls with potential ice formations.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The trail may be slippery after rain, and visitors should exercise caution near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Casselman River, 6.1 miles away, not on Laurel Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
120 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 104 years of record
1.04 ft
Water depth at gauge
48°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 48 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 (10 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
130 cfs
3/10Tomorrow
Low
152 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
149 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
146 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
137 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
151 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
147 cfs
5/10Best window: Mon — 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 Meyersdale hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Laurel Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Laurel Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 58°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
- 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 60 feet of drop through Laurel Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 2,412 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 41 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 55 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast 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
- 2,412 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 60 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- 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 southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Laurel Falls is located within the Forbes State Forest in Pennsylvania. Access is typically via hiking trails that start from nearby parking areas.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at designated trailheads within Forbes State Forest. Availability may vary depending on the season and visitor volume.
Elevation
2,411 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.818969° N, -79.126417° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy. Bring water and snacks, and pack out all trash to preserve the natural environment.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn Somerset
Holiday Inn Express Somerset by IHG
Quality Inn Bedford
Sleep Inn & Suites Cumberland
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
Youghiogheny Recreation Area
12.8 miles away · 1 sites
Overview The Klondike Pavilion Shelter is located on the 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-mi
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Cumberland, Pennsylvania on SoakingSprings.
Explore Pennsylvania springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include other trails within Forbes State Forest, as well as scenic overlooks and picnic areas.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious and avoid feeding or approaching animals.
Cities near Laurel Falls
Other waterfalls named Laurel Falls
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