Spillway Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
About Spillway Falls
Spillway Falls is a small but picturesque waterfall located in Pennsylvania. It is known for its serene surroundings and is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The falls are part of a stream that flows through a wooded area, offering a peaceful retreat.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail leading to Spillway Falls may be unmarked or minimally maintained. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and bring appropriate footwear. Specific details about the trail are not well-documented.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a tranquil natural setting with a small waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The falls may be more prominent during wetter seasons, such as spring or after heavy rainfall.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The trail may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Spillway Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Spillway Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are typically the best times to visit, as the water flow is stronger and the surrounding foliage is vibrant.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on potentially slippery or uneven terrain. Be aware of weather conditions and avoid visiting during heavy rain or storms.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Muddy Creek, 2.1 miles away, not on Spillway Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
5 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 57 years of record
1.40 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 (3 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
5 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
6 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
6 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
6 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
6 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
6 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 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 Spillway Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Spillway Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 64°F to 37°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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 151 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,080 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 71 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 123 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,080 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 151 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Spillway Falls is located within a natural area in Pennsylvania. Access details may vary depending on the specific location, so it is recommended to consult local maps or trail guides for precise directions.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is not well-documented. Visitors should check local resources or contact nearby park services for guidance.
Elevation
1,079 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.959229° N, -80.169227° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy footwear and a map or GPS device, as trail markings may be limited. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the area may become slippery or muddy after rain.
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other natural areas or parks in Pennsylvania. Visitors should research the region for additional points of interest.
Wildlife
The area may host a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should respect the natural habitat.
Cities near Spillway Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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