Buttermilk Falls - Homewood

Tucked into the wooded hollows of western Pennsylvania, Buttermilk Falls is the kind of place that locals keep half to themselves — a cascading gem on Clark Run where cold, clear water spills over mossy ledges and the forest closes in around you like a green cathedral. It's an unofficial spot, raw and unhurried, and that's precisely what makes it worth the trip.

The Setting and Landscape

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 concession stands — just the waterfall, the forest, and the sound of water moving over stone.

Swimming in Clark Run

The water at Buttermilk Falls is cool and clear, fed by Clark Run's natural flow and shaded by a dense tree canopy that keeps temperatures refreshingly low even on the hottest July afternoons. The tiered structure of the falls creates natural pools where you can wade in and feel the current slide past your ankles, then push deeper into the chill of the main basin. The clarity is one of its quiet pleasures — you can watch the streambed below your feet, smooth stones shifting and glinting. Because this is an unofficial swimming spot with no lifeguards or staff on site, visitors should exercise their own judgment about water levels and conditions, especially after heavy rain when currents can strengthen and rocks become more slippery. Late spring through early autumn is the sweet spot for swimming, when flows are manageable and the surrounding forest is at its most alive.

Practical

Directions to Buttermilk Falls - Homewood (PA): Starting from I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike): Take Exit 13, labeled as the "Beaver Falls" exit. 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 Natural Area Sign: Keep an eye out for a sign indicating the natural area on your right-hand side. This will guide you to the parking area for Buttermilk Falls. Parking Information: Turn into the designated parking area, which is located near the trailhead. Parking is free and typically has ample space, but it may fill up during weekends or peak times. 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. 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. Enjoy your visit to Buttermilk Falls!

Buttermilk Falls sits within easy reach of several western Pennsylvania and Ohio communities, making it a natural day-trip destination. Pittsburgh is the closest major city to the south, offering a full range of lodging, dining, and urban attractions before or after your swim. Beaver Falls and Homewood provide smaller-town character and convenient stopping points along the way, while Youngstown, Ohio sits within reasonable driving distance to the west for visitors coming from across the state line. Come in summer for cool-water relief, or time your visit for fall foliage season when the ravine erupts in color and the falls are framed by fiery canopy.

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.

Located near Pittsburgh and Beaver Falls, Buttermilk Falls contributes to Pennsylvania’s rich tradition of outdoor recreation and natural preservation.

Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash, stay on designated trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.