Angel Falls

This is a moderate hike that does involve some uphill hiking to reach the top of the plateau and some downhill hiking to reach the base of the waterfall. Angel Falls is relatively easy to find though, with the Loyalsock Trail leading to a clear side trail that takes you straight to the top of the falls.

Start from the clearly marked parking area along Ogdonia Road (if coming from Route 42, it will be about 4.5 miles along Brunnerdale Road (passing Hunters Lake) which becomes Ogdonia Road. Both are dirt roads. Parking area GPS coordinates: 41.385096, -76.668229

From the parking area, take the Loyalsock Trail as it travels along Ogdonia Creek. This area is scenic and you will have to cross the stream a few times before reaching an obvious old logging grade. Soon you will begin climbing up from the grade to reach the top of the plateau. The climb is relatively short, only about .25 miles but it is steep at times.

At the top of the plateau, a little over a mile from the parking area, you will reach a blue blazed side trail with a sign for Angel Falls. Take this trail. You will have to cross Ogdonia Run again and climb a little further uphill before the trail reaches the top of Angel Falls about .3 miles from where you left the Loyalsock Trail. There is a nice view from the top of the falls that looks down the valley of the creek.

From the top of the falls, take the steep path on the right side of the falls (if you were looking down at them from the top). This path will take you to the bottom and the best angle for taking pictures. Be careful descending and at the base of the falls, where the rocks are quite slippery.

Retrace your steps back to your car. (Though it is possible to form a loop by heading along the LT to Kettle Creek and back down the Ridge Trail). The out and back version of this hike that just goes to the falls is about 3 miles.

We did this hike in January, and the road in was icy, but passable in a four wheel drive car. I suspect that once a really heavy snow hits the area, the road might be closed and the hike would be much more difficult. We hit snow at the top of the plateau, but it wasn't bad on the uphill to get there.

Be mindful of rattlesnakes during the warm months, as they seem to frequent the area around the top of the falls. Seems as if even our cold blooded friends enjoy a good view.