Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls, New Florence PA.

Today was a nice sunny day, so we headed to New Florence to see Buttermilk Falls. This is really a truly stupendous waterfall! The park has a delightful history. It used to be the site of a summer cottage that Fred Rodgers visited as a kid, because it was owned by his grandfather. I highly recommend going, with some precautions specific to our current virus outbreak.

Basically it was too nice of a day, and it's too small of a park. Despite being really in the middle of nowhere, it was crowded. The stairs are very social-distancing friendly. Every 6 feet or so are platforms. So people on the way down to see the waterfall could wait their turn off the stairs, making it easy for people on their way up to safely walk by. The walkway actually goes behind the waterfall itself. It's a powerful 45-foot waterfall, and it's genuinely thrilling to walk behind!

I had a couple of issues. First of all, signs that were erected prior to the virus advise folks to be sure to use the handrails because the trail to the stairs is steep (and muddy). That is obviously problematic. Without the handrails, our descent on the trail was a little trickier. 

Also, not everyone was being careful. There were a few large groups that did not look like nuclear family units. This is definitely no time for social gatherings of any sort. We are endangering everyone when we endanger ourselves, people! On our way down, groups were using the platforms to keep off the stairs so the people going up could pass by safely. But on our way up, one large group was kind of oblivious. I had to tell a teen that I did not want to squeeze by her, before anyone thought to make room for her so she could move aside. 

I realized afterwards that although I believe we were able to observe necessary precautions, I was nervous the whole time and it nearly ruined the experience for me. I am seeking out lovely natural areas as a remedy for all the stress this chaotic time is bringing, not to add to it. I will definitely want to return, but probably not until this is all over. This is one waterfall I believe is still notable throughout the year. 

Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is located at 570 Valley Brook Rd. in New Florence. If you go during this outbreak,  I recommend being very careful. Plan your trip when it's not likely to be a peak time for visitors, such as a weekday,  right when it opens (8AM) or when it's not great weather. It's a very short walk from the parking area to the waterfall, and rain never spoiled a waterfall. Also, have a Plan B. While there is a short loop trail opposite the waterfall area, we opted not to take it. Another hike either nearby or on the way can serve to either add to your day or replace this stop altogether if you were to arrive and find it overcrowded (or closed altogether as a consequence!). State Game Lands 42 and State Game Lands 276 are nearby (always check if it's hunting season before hiking on game lands). If you are coming from Pittsburgh on Route 22, you will also pass very close to Keystone State Park  and Duff Park in Murrysville. Both parks are large, so even full parking lots should not be a definite indication of an unsafely crowded park, and Duff Park is a notable place for spring wildflowers.

The view from behind the falls.