Tallest falls on Dutters Run, off trail

Parking: At ranger station 41.420704, -76.704171

Length: About 12 miles, varies depending on route taken.

Trail blazes: Mostly yellow, Loyalsock Trail (LT) is yellow/red.

Trail conditions: Pretty good. There are brushy areas, and an off trail section. Expect wet areas and mud.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult. Off trail hike along Dutters Run is challenging, you can avoid by taking Dutters Trail or the LT.

Issues: Do not attempt in high water, there are many creek crossings on Dutters Run and one on Dry Run.

Highlights: High Knob Overlook, many waterfalls, gorges, cascades, rock outcrops, mountain top pond.

Direction of description: Counter clockwise from

Description: Dry Run Gorge is a gem in the Loyalsock State Forest. It has many waterfalls, cascades, and scenic creeks. There is also a network of trails you can follow to make a loop around the gorge. I think it is one of the most scenic in the Loyalsock and is rarely hiked. The east end of the loop has several loop options. Plus, if you don’t mind off trail hiking, there are other scenic spots to check out. This can also be a great overnight backpacking loop.

From the ranger station, hike the road toward PA 87, pass the cabin, and turn left onto the Old House Trail. Cross Dry Run without a bridge and enter a scenic pine forest. Watch for Stony Run Trail on the right, it is yellow. This trail is well blazed, but the treadway can be faint. Enter a gorge of small Stony Run and climb on an old grade. It’s a nice trail that needs more hikers. Enter an area of pine, hemlock, and laurel. The trail tunnels through the laurel, which had been cut back. The forest opens with ferns. Descend to the red bridle trail and turn right. Reach Dutters Trail on the left. Here you have three options on the east end of the loop: You can hike Dutters and Old Bark Trail, or follow the LT only, or follow the LT and then go off trail along Dutters Run to Dry Run Road and then follow Old Bark Trail. We took the final option as I think it’s the most scenic, and the most difficult. Choose whatever is best for you.

Turn left onto the LT and descend to scenic Dutters Run. It’s a winding, wooded gorge with several falls and cascades, and many creek crossings. The tallest falls is about 12 feet tall. Where the LT climbed away from Dutters Run, we just went off trail downstream. The terrain is rugged, and there are four more waterfalls. It is very beautiful. Be careful. There wasn’t much stinging nettle. The tallest falls might be 25 feet. There are ledges and cliffs. It gets steep getting around the bottom falls. Of course, it is best to climb up creeks, but this is just the way we went. Reach Dry Run Road, turn left and see beautiful Dry Run Falls. Take Old Bark Trail; just off trail is the very unique Old Bark Falls in a rock grotto. The Old Bark Trail gets wet towards the top and turn left onto the LT. Climb to High Knob Road, turn left and hike to High Knob Overlook. Descend steeply on the High Knob Trail and hike through beautiful woodlands. Turn right at Jackson Trail to see a sublime mountain top pond in a deep pine and hemlock forest, a favorite spot. Return to High Knob Trail and descend back to your car.

If you like to venture off trail, there are other things to see. Above Old Bark Run are huge rock shelters. High Knob Falls is surprisingly tall, maybe 25 feet over several steps, and if flowing well is an impressive sight. There are giant rocks and a view above Stony Run, as well as above High Knob Trail, near the pond. Andrea Falls is just off the road and is a great falls when flowing.

This loop is described in Hiking the Endless Mountains. Get out there!

Other places to see in and around Dry Run Gorge:

Waterfalls of Dry Run Gorge

Stony Run Rocks and View

Dry Run Gorge Vista

Purple highlight is what I think is the most scenic route; choose your own route. Black dots are giant rocks, ledges, overhangs. Blue dots are falls and cascades. Red/yellow trail is the LT. Red trails is the bridle trail. Locations are approximate.

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