Glen Leigh Gorge Descent
Steep, rocky descent through Glen Leigh Gorge past 10 spectacular waterfalls.
Trail Segment Overview
This is where the real adventure begins. The Glen Leigh descent is one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of trail in Pennsylvania. You'll navigate steep stone steps, scramble over boulders, and carefully pick your way down through the gorge while being treated to an almost continuous display of waterfalls. Each turn reveals another cascade, making this section a photographer's paradise despite the challenging terrain.
Highlights & Features
✨Trail Highlights
- 10 named waterfalls in 1.5 miles
- 60-foot Ozone Falls - Glen Leigh's crown jewel
- Historic stone steps and bridges
- Dramatic gorge ecosystem
- Crystal-clear mountain pools
- Continuous waterfall views
📸Best Photo Spots
- Ozone Falls from the stone bridge above
- Harrison Wright Falls reflection pool
- R.B. Ricketts Falls through the hemlock frame
- Oneida Falls swimming hole
- Tuscarora Falls at the bottom approach
Waterfalls in This Segment
Sheldon Reynolds Falls
36ftNamed after a park naturalist, this 36-foot waterfall features a unique rock formation that splits t...
Harrison Wright Falls
27ftA 27-foot waterfall that cascades over a series of rock ledges. Harrison Wright Falls is known for i...
Ozone Falls
60ftAt 60 feet tall, Ozone Falls is the second-highest waterfall in the park. The name comes from the fr...
B. Reynolds Falls
27ftAnother waterfall in the Reynolds family, B. Reynolds Falls drops 27 feet over a broad rock face. Th...
Oneida Falls
13ftA smaller but charming waterfall, Oneida Falls drops 13 feet over a series of rock ledges. Despite i...
Conestoga Falls
18ftStanding 18 feet tall, Conestoga Falls creates a dramatic plunge into a deep pool. The waterfall is ...
Tuscarora Falls
16ftA 16-foot waterfall that marks the transition deeper into Glen Leigh Gorge. Tuscarora Falls flows ov...
Safety & Navigation
⚠️Safety Warnings
- Extremely steep and slippery when wet
- No turning back once you start descent
- Can take 2+ hours if photographing each fall
- Several stream crossings on slippery rocks
- Emergency evacuation extremely difficult
🧭Navigation Tips
- Stay on main trail - side paths can be dangerous
- Take your time on wet rocks
- Use handholds on steep sections
- Cross streams at designated crossing points only
- Count waterfalls to track your progress
Trail Segment Location
Interactive Trail Map
Click any point for GPS coordinates and details
Quick Legend
Map Legend
Point Types
Trail Difficulty
How to Use This Map
Click any point to get GPS coordinates and elevation data. The trail path shows the recommended 7.2-mile loop starting from Beach Lake Parking.
Start Point GPS
41.3325, -76.2845
End Point GPS
41.3298, -76.2798
Preparation & Gear
🎒Essential Gear
- Hiking boots with excellent ankle support
- Trekking poles essential for balance
- Camera with wrist strap
- Extra batteries (cold drains them faster)
- First aid kit
- Emergency whistle
🥾Trail Conditions
Extremely challenging terrain with steep stone steps, wet rocks, and stream crossings. Trail can be treacherous in wet conditions.
🌿Seasonal Info
Spring offers maximum water flow but more dangerous conditions. Fall provides stunning colors. Summer has lower water but stable footing. Winter closure typically November-April.