LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Winding Staircase Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
We found no public trail or access information for Winding Staircase Falls, and it is not on mapped public land. Get landowner permission before visiting.
About Winding Staircase Falls
Winding Staircase Falls is a waterfall named on USGS maps in Stonycreek Township, Cambria County, on the east side of Johnstown and less than 2 miles north of Geistown, near the Johnstown Expressway. We found no published trail, access or land ownership information for it, so confirm access locally before visiting.
Trail & Hike Details
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to uneven terrain and elevation changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Winding Staircase Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Winding Staircase Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on the trail, especially near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and carry a first aid kit.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Stonycreek River, 3.5 miles away, not on Winding Staircase Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
244 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 86 years of record
2.80 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 Stonycreek River at Ferndale, PA (6 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
244 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
282 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
304 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
350 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
371 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
347 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
347 cfs
4/10Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly 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.
Is Winding Staircase Falls Frozen?
Updated about 2 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Winding Staircase Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 56°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 248 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 ground through the falls loses about 166 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,643 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 167 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 86 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
- 1,643 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 166 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
Hours
Elevation
1,654 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.315000° N, -78.866667° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the trail can become slippery after rain. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Johnstown - Richland Town Center
Hampton Inn Johnstown
Quality Inn Johnstown
Sleep Inn Johnstown - Richland Town Center
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 Hot Springs
Hot springs near East Conemaugh, Pennsylvania
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near East Conemaugh, Pennsylvania on SoakingSprings.
Explore Pennsylvania springsAdditional Information
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Winding Staircase Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Winding Staircase Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.