Henry Run Falls: A Local’s Guide to Cook Forest’s Only Waterfall

August 18, 2026 | Hemlock Haven Retreats | Area Guide | No Comments

Most people who visit Cook Forest State Park never realize it has a waterfall. That is because Henry Run Falls does not show up on the official park map, and it sits deep in the quiet western corner of the park, far from the picnic areas and the swinging bridge crowd.

We are Michael and Amanda, and after eight years of hosting guests here at Hemlock Haven Retreats, we still send people out to this waterfall almost every week. It is our favorite kind of Cook Forest hike, short enough for a lazy morning, quiet enough that you often have the falls to yourself, and pretty in every season.

This is our local’s guide to Henry Run Falls, the small but stunning waterfall that most guidebooks skip. We will walk you through what it is, how to get there, when to go, and how to turn it into a full day in the forest.

What Henry Run Falls Actually Is

Henry Run Falls, sometimes called Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls, is a roughly 10 to 12 foot waterfall on Henry Run, a small stream that flows into the Clarion River. It is the only true waterfall in Cook Forest State Park.

The falls are actually spilling over an old logging dam. Cook Forest has deep roots in the Pennsylvania lumber industry, and this sawmill dam was built to move logs down the creek over a century ago. Nature has slowly reclaimed the site, and today the stonework is covered in moss and framed by hemlocks and mountain laurel. It feels wild, but you are standing on a piece of local history.

The falls sit in a narrow ravine near where Henry Run meets the Clarion River. The drop is not tall, but the setting is beautiful, and the sound of the water carrying through the hemlocks makes it feel much bigger than it is.

Local tip: Because Henry Run is a small stream, the falls look very different depending on recent rain. Right after a big storm or during spring snowmelt, the water pours across the whole width of the dam. In August during a dry stretch, it can be a thin ribbon. Both are lovely in their own way, just plan your expectations.

See Henry Run Sawmill Dam on Google Maps

Rating: 4.3 stars (43 reviews)
Address: Along the North Country National Scenic Trail, Leeper, PA 16233
Open: 24 hours (trail access only)
GPS: 41.3212, -79.2268

How to Get to Henry Run Falls: Three Trailheads

There is no road to the falls. You have to hike in, and there are three main ways to do it. We usually send guests on the Gravel Lick Road route because it is the shortest and easiest to find. The other two are for people who want a longer day in the woods.

Route 1: Gravel Lick Road (Our Favorite)

This is the route we recommend to almost every guest. It is short, well marked, and the payoff comes fast.

Park in the small gravel pull off on the west side of Gravel Lick Road. It only fits 2 or 3 cars, so arrive early on weekends.
Trailhead GPS: 41.3206, -79.2458
Cross the road and follow the blue blazes of the North Country Trail east.
After a short climb through mountain laurel, you reach Scurry Overlook, a rocky viewpoint over the Clarion River valley. This is worth a stop.
From there, the trail descends through hemlock forest to a footbridge over Henry Run. A short side path leads downstream to the dam.
Total distance: about 3 to 3.5 miles round trip
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours with time at the falls
Difficulty: moderate

💡 Local tip: The Google Maps driving directions to the falls itself will try to send you down a private lane. Ignore it. Set your GPS to the Gravel Lick Road pull off, or use the “North Country Trail Gravel Lick” marker.

Route 2: Fire Tower and Seneca Point Loop

If you want a bigger day and you love a good view, start at the Fire Tower parking area. This route strings together most of Cook Forest’s best scenery.

Park near the Cook Forest Fire Tower area (GPS: 41.3218, -79.2120).
Pick up the Baker Trail and North Country Trail heading west.
You will pass Seneca Point, then Scurry Overlook, and finally drop down to Henry Run Falls.
Total distance: about 6 miles round trip
Time: half day
Difficulty: moderate, with more elevation than Route 1

This is our pick for cooler weather when you have all day. You get old fire tower history, sweeping overlooks, and the falls, all in one loop.

Route 3: Mohawk Trail (For Serious Hikers)

The Mohawk Trail approach is the longest and least traveled way in. It ties into the North Country Trail and eventually leads to the falls. Expect around 5 miles out and back, with rugged footing and very few other hikers. Save this one for a day when solitude matters more than efficiency.

The Best Time to Visit Henry Run Falls

We honestly think Henry Run Falls is a year round hike, but each season gives you something different. Here is how we would rank them from our own experience.

Spring (Late March to May): Peak Water

If you want to see the falls at their most impressive, come in spring. Snowmelt and April rains push Henry Run to its highest levels, and the water rolls across the whole dam. The forest floor is also alive with early wildflowers, and the leaves have not fully closed the canopy, so you get more light on the trail.

Trails can be muddy, so wear waterproof boots. Aim for a hike 24 to 72 hours after a good rain and you will not be disappointed.

Fall (Mid to Late October): Best Overall

Fall is our personal favorite. Mid to late October is peak color in Cook Forest, and the mix of yellow hardwoods against dark green hemlocks around the ravine is unreal. Temperatures usually sit in the 50s and 60s, which is perfect for hiking. Water flow is usually decent too, especially after fall storms.

If you want the classic “waterfall plus foliage” photo, this is your window.

Summer (June to August): Easy Access

Summer is when most guests visit the falls, and it is a great time if you are looking for a shady, cool break from the heat. Water flow is lower unless you have had a summer thunderstorm, but the trail is dry and stable. You will also catch mountain laurel blooms in mid June and rhododendron in July along the approach.

Winter (December to February): Ice and Solitude

If you have some experience with winter hiking, come in January or February. When Henry Run freezes, the dam turns into a wall of ice curtains. It is one of the most striking scenes in the park, and you will almost certainly have it to yourself.

Gravel Lick Road can be snow covered, so check conditions before you go, and bring microspikes for the icy trail sections.

What to Bring and How to Stay Safe

We have hiked to Henry Run Falls in every season, and the same short list of gear covers most of the trip:

Waterproof hiking boots with real tread
Trekking poles if you have them, especially after rain
A paper map or a downloaded GPX track. Cell signal in this part of Cook Forest is spotty.
Water and a snack
Layers, since the ravine stays cooler than the ridge

A few safety notes we always share with guests:

Do not climb on the dam or wade near the lip. The masonry is old, mossy, and slick, and the water can be moving faster than it looks.
In winter and early spring, treat every wet rock as ice.
Start longer routes like the Fire Tower loop before noon, since daylight fades fast in the ravine.
Leash your dog. This is a state park rule and it protects wildlife.
Pack out everything you bring in, and please do not build rock cairns in the creek.

Where to Stay Near Henry Run Falls

You will get the most out of Henry Run Falls if you stay close enough to start the hike early, before the small parking pull off fills up. We built Hemlock Haven Retreats to be exactly that kind of quiet, in the woods base camp. Our luxury treehouses and cabins near Cook Forest are minutes from the park and set on peaceful, private land where you can hear the frogs at night.

We are Michael and Amanda, we live nearby with our two kids, two cats, a dog, ducks, and chickens. When you check in, we can point you to the exact Gravel Lick Road pull off, share the current trail conditions, and tell you where the water is running best that week.

Plan Your Trip With Us

Henry Run Falls is one of those places that reminds us why we love hosting out here. It is quiet, a little bit hidden, and full of quiet history. If this guide has you thinking about a trip, we would love to help you plan it. Come stay with us at Hemlock Haven Retreats, and we will make sure your Cook Forest days feel just as relaxing as the falls themselves.

Spending your days surrounded by nature is no longer a fantasy. It is a quick drive away, and we will save you a spot in the trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Henry Run Falls the only waterfall in Cook Forest State Park?
Yes. Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls is the only true waterfall inside Cook Forest State Park. It does not appear on the official park map, which is part of the reason so many visitors miss it.

How long is the hike to Henry Run Falls?
From the Gravel Lick Road pull off, the hike is about 3 to 3.5 miles round trip on the North Country Trail. Most hikers take 1.5 to 2 hours including time at the falls.

Can you swim at Henry Run Falls?
No. The pool at the base of the dam is small, the old masonry can be sharp and slippery, and the water depth is unpredictable. If you want to swim, stick to the Clarion River access points inside the park.

Are dogs allowed on the trail to Henry Run Falls?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on Cook Forest State Park trails, including the North Country Trail approach to Henry Run Falls. They must stay on a leash no longer than six feet.

When is the water flow highest at Henry Run Falls?
The strongest flow is in early spring, usually late March through May, from snowmelt and spring rain. You will also see good flow 24 to 72 hours after any big rain event in other seasons.

Is Henry Run Falls suitable for kids?
The Gravel Lick Road route is doable for kids who are used to walking about 3 miles on uneven ground. There are roots, mud, and a short climb to Scurry Overlook. We would not push a stroller on it, but hikers around 6 and up usually do fine.