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Miners Run Falls Loop

The Hike along Miners Run in McIntyre Wild Area near Ralston, Pennsylvania is a moderate 0.8 mile loop hike that leads along a boulder-strewn run with several cascades and waterfalls.

Parking

There is a small parking lot next to the bridge along Miners Run.  The lot is large enough for about four vehicles. (I was the fourth vehicle, but did not see any others hiking the run, it is also used for people fishing Rock Run.)

Hiking MIners Run

The first waterfall is visible from the bridge and can be photographed from both sides of the run using the bridge to gain access either side. The hike otherwise starts following the run going up the left side of the run and works its way up the side of the lower falls and around a large boulder. As you move past the boulder, you will work your way up the run and into a rocky gorge and to the second falls. 
At this point, continuing the hike upstream looks daunting with no good way to proceed, however, if you look up and to the left of the run, you will see a small cave like opening and if you work your way up to this mini-cave, the path around the second waterfall becomes evident. It's a narrow path with a steep drop off, so proceed with caution. 

The third waterfall is just upstream and just beyond an interesting section with several boulders and depending on the water level, small cascades working its way around the boulders in various places. It can be a little tricky working your way around and through the boulders and running water, I zigged zagged my way to the left in front of the boulders and then back right in-between the boulders and to the right side of the run with a great view of the third waterfall.  

I continued on the right side of the run up past the waterfall and to a precariously balanced  boulder on top of a much smaller rock. Continue heading upstream and you will again be encountered with large boulders directly in the stream with Miners Run working it's way through and around wherever possible. 

As you find your way around these boulders, the fourth waterfall will come into view and is likely the largest waterfall on the run.  On previous hikers I have scrambled up the left side of the run, but on this most recent hike I found a scramble to the right which then gave me a great view of both the fourth and fifth falls.   

The final waterfall, the sixth, depending on what you count as waterfalls is a little past the fifth.  There are a series of small cascades leading up to the small final waterfall.  The path back to Rock Run road and the parking can be found on the right side of the stream and is easy to follow, but does have a short section that go through thickening mountain laurel.

Pets

Dogs are technically allowed and should be leashed, but it may be difficult to explore and traverse with a dog on this off-trail hike.

Warning

Timber rattlesnakes: This area is home to the Timber Rattlesnake which can be found roaming the forest floor between the months of April and October each year. Be on the lookout and give any rattlers you find plenty of space.

Falling rocks: There are some rock ledges that line the run, mostly comprised of shale which is known to flake and fall randomly. Be mindful of this when traversing the run near any rock ledges.
Explore 170 trails near Ralston, PA

Know Before You Go

  • Miners Run Falls Loop is a short (0.8 miles) but moderate hike in Ralston, PA, featuring multiple waterfalls and cascades within a rocky gorge.
  • The trail requires some scrambling and careful navigation around boulders and steep drop-offs, with a potentially challenging path around the second waterfall that involves finding a small cave-like opening.
  • Hikers should be aware of potential hazards including timber rattlesnakes (April-October) and falling rocks, and consider the difficulty of navigating the terrain with dogs.
Interactive topographic map for Miners Run Falls Loop located in Ralston, PA. Click the "View Map" button to load GPS coordinates and trail markers.
Get directions
Distance
0.8 mi
Difficulty
Moderate
Type
Loop
Est. Time
24 min
Elev. Gain
294'
Rating
5.0
Added
April 21, 2025
Updated
June 11, 2025

Weather Forecast

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Total Change
285'
Ascent
294'
Descent
294'
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Features

Dogs
Waterfalls
PA Wilds logo PA Wilds

Points of interest

  1. Parking

    41.515889, -76.916667
  2. Main Trailhead

    41.515995, -76.916678
  3. Third Falls

    41.518, -76.9182
    Third Falls
  4. Second Falls

    41.51747, -76.91799
    Second Falls

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Hazards

Snakes (Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, others)
Poison Ivy or Poison Oak
Rockfalls, Ledges, or Scrambles

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

Trip Reports (Reviews)

Rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 1 rating.

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1.2 miles / 1.9 km
October 14, 2022
Still one of my favorite waterfall hikes - 3rd time doing & Fall easily the best to the beautiful colors of the trees to go along with the 5-6 awesome waterfalls! Off-trail fun rock scrambling with some steep parts, then easy old grade to take back down. Previously hiked with my daughter when she was 5 & did awesome, then the most challenging was doing in complete snow/ice (before I had micro-spikes which make winter hikes so much safer & easier)! Always combine with Rock Run's Middle & Upper Falls when visiting here - truly 1 of my favorite places in PA to explore!
Hiking

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