A must-visit family-friendly hike near Pittsburgh with waterfalls, history, and scenic beauty.
Finding a family-friendly hike to a waterfall near Pittsburgh has been on our bucket list for some time now, and we finally made that happen with a visit to Freedom Falls in Kennerdell, PA after being inspired from this blog post on Uncovering PA. Freedom Falls is in Crawford County, and it took us about an hour and 40 minutes to get there from the South Hills of Pittsburgh. The kids and their friends all gave it a unanimous 10/10 on the fun scale, so I think it was well worth the trip (or a great halfway point to stop if you're heading to Erie). If you'd like to add this waterfall to your bucket list, we've put together some tips for you!
The drive for us was pretty straightforward, I-79 North to I-80 East towards Clarion, to PA-8 towards Oil City, and then a short drive through Kennerdell, PA. Our first tip is the Speedway getting off the I-79 is your best, last stop to use a bathroom before you get to the falls (because no one wants to go in the woods). We stopped at the Kennerdell Scenic Overlook to stretch our legs, where we learned how the view of Kennerdell Tract of the Clear Creek State Forest didn't always look so lush and green when the area was used for oil drilling in the mid-1800s.
|  Kennerdell Scenic Overlook of the Allegheny River
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If you type Freedom Falls in your GPS, it will take you to Rockland Station Road, but that's as far as it goes. You will want to pull over on the side of the road once you spot this large rock on the left side of the street. From there, you can find the path that will take you on a hike down to the falls.
|  This landmark rock is the only indication of where the path is to hike to Freedom Falls |
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The walk to the top of the falls is clear, but steep and challenging. Hands and feet were used to climb down to the lower part. Good hiking shoes are a must (most of us brought separate shoes for water play and hiking and were so glad we did). Crocs did not fare well as a solo shoe and resulted in more slipping than I cared for.
|  The girls came prepared with sneakers and a backpack filled with a change of clothes and water. |
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|  Crocs resulted in lots of slipping, and I think Sammy J. was following suit, even though his traction in his boots were great! |
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|  Freedom Falls from the bottom |
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The distance between Freedom Falls and Rockland Furnace is about 100 yards (Rockland Furnace will be on the left if the falls are to your back). If you can’t see the falls anymore, you went too far (says the family who passed it).
|  My son exploring Rockland Furnace. He went in one end and out the other! |
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Rockland Tunnel sits at the end of the road (about .2 miles past the landmark rock) and is a mile long. Bring real flashlights to explore (your phone light won’t do squat) and see if you can make it all the way to the other end!
|  The kids were eager to explore Rockland Tunnel but didn't make it very far without flashlights! |
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|  Finding the beauty in the broken |
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|  Making memories with my kiddos at Rockland Falls |
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|  Catching creepy crawlies in the creek |
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Wrapping Up Our Freedom Falls Adventure
Our trip to Freedom Falls was everything we hoped it would be—an adventure filled with natural beauty, a bit of history, and lots of fun for the whole family. Whether you're hiking down to the falls, exploring the remnants of Rockland Furnace, or daring to venture into Rockland Tunnel, there's something here for everyone. It's a fantastic way to unplug, soak in the great outdoors, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. So, if you're looking for a family-friendly day trip near Pittsburgh, add Freedom Falls to your bucket list.
Before you head out, don’t forget:
- Bring proper footwear: Hiking shoes are essential, and a second pair for water play will save you some slips.
- Pack a picnic: There’s nothing like enjoying a meal surrounded by nature.
- Fish for fun: Bring a fishing rod or a net for some catch and release fishing in the creek.
- Flashlights are a must: Especially if you plan on exploring Rockland Tunnel.
- Plan for extra time: With so much to see and do, you might want to stay longer than planned. We spent 2 hours here but could have easily spent 2 more!
We’re already planning our next visit—maybe we’ll catch some fish next time!
Interested in exploring more local outdoor adventures? Check out 6 Creeks in Pittsburgh West for Kids to Splash In or one of these Pittsburgh West parks.
