Are there fees or permits required for White Tail Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit White Tail Falls.

Is swimming allowed at White Tail Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at White Tail Falls.

Nearby gauge (Stonycreek River) · 407 ft³/s · Higher than usual

White Tail Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at White Tail Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at White Tail Falls.

Pennsylvania

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (2)

James St. John CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

About White Tail Falls

White Tail Falls is a named waterfall in Stonycreek Township, Cambria County, on the southeast side of Johnstown. Winding Staircase Falls is about 100 yards away. We could not find a published trail, trailhead or land owner for it.

Trail & Hike Details

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at White Tail Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at White Tail Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique frozen waterfall view.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or icy conditions. Always stay on marked trails.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Stonycreek River, 3.4 miles away, not on White Tail Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

407 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

25 70 300 901

Based on 86 years of record

3.14 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

Stonycreek River at Ferndale, PA

USGS 03040000

3.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 451 sq mi

Altitude: 1,184 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Stonycreek River at Ferndale, PA (6 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

407 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

407 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

410 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

475 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

462 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

510 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

499 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

475 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early May, 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 Geistown 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.

The bare-earth surface loses about 134 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,606 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 69 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 57 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around White Tail Falls near Geistown, Pennsylvania, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around White Tail Falls near Geistown, Pennsylvania, showing about 134 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,606 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 134 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Hours

Elevation

1,614 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.314444° N, -78.867500° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes due to uneven terrain. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail may become slippery after rain.