Buttermilk Falls - Homewood
Swimming hole in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Waterfall
Buttermilk Falls - Homewood is a falls swimming hole. It is near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Access is free. Best season: Late spring to early autumn offers optimal conditions for.
Typical season: Late spring to early autumn offers optimal conditions for
About Buttermilk Falls - Homewood
Buttermilk Falls - Homewood is a Falls swimming destination near Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. The setting stays informal and low-key.
It's an unofficial spot, raw and unhurried, and that's precisely what makes it worth the trip.
Clark Run carves its way through a forested ravine before tumbling down a tiered waterfall that photographers and hikers have quietly celebrated for years. The falls themselves drop in stages, each ledge catching the light differently depending on the season. Dappled and golden in summer, blazing with amber and crimson come October, ghostly and sculptural under a winter frost. Birdsong fills the canopy above, and if you're still and patient, you may catch a flash of a kingfisher or the rustle of deer moving through the underbrush. The biodiversity here is genuine and unhurried. There are no pavilions, no restrooms, no snack bars. Just the waterfall, the forest, and the sound of water moving over stone.
Swim at your own risk at Buttermilk Falls - Homewood. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Falls
- Water body
- Clark Run
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Pittsburgh
- State
- Pennsylvania
- Coordinates
- 40.81417, -80.32833
- Best season
- Late spring to early autumn offers optimal conditions for . Fall brings stunning foliage, while summer provides cool water and shade.
- Access difficulty
- Easy to moderate hike; the trail is well-marked but may include rocky or slippery terrain near the falls.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Activities
- Swimming
- Facilities
- No facilities are present; you should bring their own supplies, including water, snacks, and swim gear.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Late spring to early autumn offers optimal conditions for . Fall brings stunning foliage, while summer provides cool water and shade.
- Access Easy to moderate hike; the trail is well-marked but may include rocky or slippery terrain near the falls.
- Facilities No facilities are present; you should bring their own supplies, including water, snacks, and swim gear.
Highlights & features
- Cool, clear water fed by Clark Run
- Tiered waterfall ideal for photography
- Accessible hiking trail from parking lot
- Rich biodiversity including birds and mammals
- Seasonal beauty with vibrant foliage and icy winter views
- Unspoiled natural beauty with no facilities
- Dynamic seasonal variations
- Proximity to Pittsburgh and surrounding towns
How to get there
Buttermilk Falls - Homewood lies in Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, Youngstown (Oh), and Beaver Falls. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Starting from I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike)
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Take Exit 13, labeled as the "Beaver Falls" exit.
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Head South on Route 18
After exiting, merge onto Route 18 South. You will pass under the I-76 overpass shortly after getting onto Route 18. Look for the wild spot Sign: Keep an eye out for a sign indicating the wild spot on your right-hand side. This will guide you to the parking area for Buttermilk Falls.
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Parking Information
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Turn into the designated parking area, which lies near the trailhead. Parking is free and typically has ample space, but it may fill up during weekends or peak times.
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Trail to the Falls
From the parking area, follow the short, well-marked trail that leads directly to Buttermilk Falls. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for most visitors, but sturdy footwear is recommended as the path may be uneven in some areas.
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Additional Notes
The falls are a popular spot, so plan your visit early in the day to avoid crowds. Bring water and any essentials you may need, as there are no facilities on-site. Be cautious near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Have a safe visit to Buttermilk Falls!
Plan your visit
Buttermilk Falls - Homewood works well as a day trip from Pittsburgh or Youngstown (Oh). Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Nearby options include Little Sewickley Creek and Quakertown Falls. For the full list in Pennsylvania, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial natural area with no facilities (restrooms, changing areas). Parking is available in a designated lot. Swimming is a primary activity, but there are no lifeguards. The area is near Pittsburgh, Youngstown (OH), and Beaver Falls.
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What to pack for Buttermilk Falls - Homewood
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Buttermilk Falls - Homewood?
Yes. Buttermilk Falls - Homewood near Pittsburgh, Youngstown (Oh), and Beaver Falls in PA has waterfall / cascade pools on Clark Run used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.
Is Buttermilk Falls - Homewood free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “No”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Buttermilk Falls - Homewood?
Buttermilk Falls - Homewood is in PA within day-trip range of Pittsburgh, Youngstown (Oh), and Beaver Falls. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Located near Pittsburgh and Beaver Falls, Buttermilk Falls contributes to Pennsylvania’s rich tradition of outdoor recreation and natural preservation.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.