Hike to Helayna Falls and the Big Slide-Loyalsock State Forest

Helayna Falls

Length: About 2 miles, one way.

Parking: 41.439585, -76.625267 Parking area is small, do not block gate.

Difficulty: Moderate. It is rocky on the off-trail hike down to Helayna Falls.

Trail conditions: Trails are well blazed and established, but there are two off-trail sections along creeks. Areas are muddy and you will need to cross creeks without bridges.

Highlights: Waterfalls and cascades.

Issues: Hike when there is enough water to see the falls, but avoid in high water. There is a stream crossing on Ketchum Run that does not have a bridge.

Description: This enjoyable hike visits cascades and falls most hikers overlook. From the parking area, follow the Ketchum Run Trail under hemlocks and along a creek. After about a quarter mile, look for the Fern Rock Nature Trail, blazed yellow with a blue fern, turn left on it. Hike along Ketchum Run with a falls and cascades, it is scenic. The nature trail moves away from the creek. Here, go off trail and follow Ketchum Run downstream where you will see the Big Slide and other cascades. The slide is impressive. Reach the red bridle trail and turn left, crossing Ketchum Run. Veer right onto the Ketchum Run Trail, which is along an old grade. Pass a log cut like a toilet seat. Reach the Loyalsock Trail (LT) and veer left.

You will soon reach Point A. Follow an old red/orange blazed trail to the right of the LT. Hike down to an unnamed creek. Now turn right and go off trail, hiking down the creek. This creek is seasonal so make sure you hike when it is flowing. As you descend, the gorge narrows with boulders and cascades. Reach Helayna Falls in a beautiful hemlock grotto. The top two drops are less than 15 feet tall, but the following series of cascades make the falls over 40 feet tall. There are large mossy boulders. You can see Ketchum Run down in the valley. After enjoying this scenic, serene spot, retrace your steps.

Point A. LT is yellow. Veer right on an old red/orange blazed trail down to an unnamed creek. Dark brown is old trail blazed red/orange. Big Slide and Helayna Falls are off trail. Purple dots are my route, but trail is not marked that way.

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