Bent Run Falls Pennsylvania | A Short, Dog-Friendly Autumn Waterfall Hike

Hiking Bent Run Falls in Late October

Warren County, Pennsylvania

Some places don’t need a long hike or dramatic elevation gain to leave an impression — they simply ask you to slow down and pay attention.

Bent Run Falls, tucked into the quiet forests of Warren County, Pennsylvania, is one of those places.

I visited in late October, when autumn feels settled in rather than flashy. The leaves weren’t exploding with color anymore — instead, the woods were soft and earthy, scattered with golds, browns, and mossy greens. It was the kind of day where everything feels hushed but alive, and the sound of rushing water becomes the heartbeat of the trail.

A Short Hike with Big Rewards

The hike to Bent Run Falls is refreshingly short and approachable, making it perfect for families, kids, dogs, or anyone looking for a low-effort nature escape. The trail gently follows Bent Run Creek, and almost immediately you’re greeted by the sound of water weaving through the woods.

What makes this spot special isn’t just one waterfall — it’s the way the water moves through the landscape.

Instead of a single dramatic drop, Bent Run Falls is a collection of cascading falls that tumble around and between massive boulder rocks. Water rushes, slips, pools, and spills in all directions, creating countless little scenes worth stopping for. Every few steps reveals another angle, another cascade, another place where the creek has carved its way through stone.

In late October, fallen leaves cling to the rocks and drift along the water’s edge, adding texture and warmth to the scene. Moss covers the boulders like a soft blanket, and twisted roots wrap themselves around stone as if holding the landscape together.

A Place to Explore, Not Rush

This isn’t a hike you rush through.

Bent Run Falls invites wandering — stepping carefully across rocks, watching water funnel through narrow channels, pausing to listen. Kids will love hopping from stone to stone and discovering small pockets of rushing water. Dogs can splash at the creek’s edge, sniffing every fallen leaf along the way.

Because the trail is short and manageable, it’s easy to linger without feeling tired or pressed for time. It’s the kind of place where you can sit on a rock, breathe in the cool fall air, and let the sound of water do what it’s always done best — quiet the mind.

Why Late October Is Perfect

Visiting Bent Run Falls in late October felt especially peaceful. The crowds had thinned, the forest had settled into itself, and the cooler temperatures made the walk comfortable and energizing. The absence of summer greenery opened up views of the creek and rock formations, making the waterfalls feel more exposed and raw.

There’s something grounding about being here as the season shifts — a reminder that beauty doesn’t disappear when things slow down; it simply changes form.