We heard lore of a singular cascade existing in Centre County, Pennsylvania, so when we visited the area, during a week straight of heavy summer rain showers, we were determined to chase it. The route is non-existent on AllTrails, and it seemed that every piece of online literature surrounding it had been written in the style that an old man posted up in the parking lot of a Rutter’s gas station would give directions to a tourist. Think: “Just go down the trail a ways until you come to a forked tree with a pile of moss under it and then turn right. You can’t miss it!” sort of thing. Between reading those blogs, talking to local friends who hiked the trail a decade ago, and doing some serious satellite map scouring ourselves, we were confident we could piece together the route to Yost Run Falls.
So on a misty June morning, we set our alarms for sunrise, plugged Sproul State Forest into our GPS, and set off from our campsite at Black Moshannon State Park in search of Centre County’s elusive waterfall. SPOILER ALERT: We found it, and it was absolutely raging!
In addition to the parking coordinates and addresses found in this blog, we created the Google map above with pins to show exactly where we parked and encountered each landmark.
How to Prepare for Hiking to Yost Run Falls
Coming in at just under three miles round-trip, this may be a short hike, but it’s rugged, remote, and can get muddy fast, especially after a stretch of rain. If you’re planning a trip to this off-the-beaten-path waterfall, here’s what we recommend wearing (and packing) to stay comfortable and safe:
- Small daypack or drybag for snacks, water, trash storage (Leave No Trace, always!), and the 10 Essentials.
- Bug Spray + Sunscreen: While most of the trail is shaded, you’ll still want protection from both UV rays and biting bugs (like ticks and mosquitoes), especially in late spring through early fall.
- Waterproof Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes: The trail is uneven and often slick, especially near the creek. If you’re looking for a pair of affordable waterproof boots, Aleah loves these, but actually opted to hike this one in her Chacos. I donned my trail runners, and we were both happy that we opted out of completely soaking our traditional boots.
- Hiking poles for stability, especially when crossing Yost Run to reach Kyler Fork Falls.
- You also won’t have cell service, so be sure to download an offline map ahead of time.
Where to Park for Yost Run Falls
The easiest access point is on the edge of Sproul State Forest, at the intersection of Ridge Road and Bloom Draft Trail. Parking in this lot affords you a short hike down into the hollow and right onto the banks of Yost Run. Use these coordinates to park:
📍 41.1755818, -77.8790552
💡 Tip: If you’re using Google Maps, plug in 258 Bloomdraft Trail, Karthaus, PA 16845 to get directions to the general area, but do NOT attempt to drive all the way in. There’s a gate quite a bit farther up Bloomdraft Trail that only the cabin owners can access. So be sure to park at the GPS coordinates listed above.
How to Get to Yost Run Falls
From the parking lot, you’ll see the trail sign pictured above. You’ll want to follow Yost Run Trail Loop (aka Bloom Draft Trail), which is a single-lane camp road that leads to two rustic hunting camps. Hike about 0.5 miles to reach the first camp and keep going; another 0.25 miles down the trail/road is the second camp, which marks the end of your journey on the road. At this point, you’ve arrived at Yost Run, and your only option is to continue along the creek-side trail that you’ll see to your right.
Once you make the turn, you’re now on the Chuck Keiper Trail. From there, follow the red blazes and continue for about 800 more feet, keeping Yost Run on your left, and you will hit the falls.
Bonus Waterfall: Kyler Fork Falls
Even after you’ve had your fill of Yost Run Falls, it’s not time to head back just yet! Continue a few more steps down the trail and you’ll find another cascade! Technically, this waterfall is just outside of Centre County, which is why Yost Run Falls holds the title as the only waterfall in the county. But hey, why not visit both while you’re here?
Kyler Fork Falls drops into Yost Run from the left in a perpendicular fashion, so to reach it, you’ll have to cross the stream. Keep a lookout for a trail marker placed in a tree at the best place to cross. Take your time, and know your limits. Don’t make the cross if the water seems too high or is moving too quickly.
Although we turned around here, we heard that there is a third fall a bit further down the trail if you’d like to continue on and earn yourself a waterfall hat trick. And if you want to make a longer hike or even a multi-day backpacking trip out of it, you can continue down the Chuck Keiper Trail, which is a 53-mile double loop trail that spans both Centre and Clinton counties.
Leave No Trace & Trail Etiquette
This remote section of Sproul State Forest is wild, beautiful, and fragile. Please be respectful of the land, wildlife, and local camps. Practice Leave No Trace by packing out everything you bring in (including organics like apple peels and orange cores), staying on trail, and leaving natural features, like the Mountain Laurel that line the trail, undisturbed. Together we can keep Pennsylvania, and all of our natural spaces beautiful for generations to come. If you’re looking to learn more about LNT Practices, this LNT 101 Course is a great place to start!
Yost Run Falls is one of the most rewarding, albeit lesser-known, outdoor adventures near State College. This off-the-map gem is well worth the effort you’ll put in to reach it, but if you still have some energy left afterwards, we have so many more recommendations for exploring Happy Valley, from hiking and biking trails to farms and breweries!
