The trail to the falls is short — just a couple hundred yards — but you immediately feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The gorge you walk through used to be part of the Homewood Quarry, which supplied Homewood Sandstone for big construction projects all over Pittsburgh. Some of that stone even ended up in bridges, church foundations, and old prison buildings.

You can still spot reminders of the quarry days as you make your way down the trail: large blocks of sandstone, rugged cliffs, and boulders that have been softened by moss and vines over the years. It’s wild to think about all the workers who once labored here, cutting stone and loading railcars — now it’s a peaceful nature escape.

And then there’s the name. Local stories say that back in the 1870s, a group of Civil War soldiers and their families picnicked here. They raised glasses of buttermilk in a toast to the waterfall — and the name stuck. I love when places keep their little bits of folklore alive.

One of the most exciting parts of this visit was discovering that you can actually walk behind the waterfall. There’s a natural overhang in the sandstone that lets you duck under and stand behind the curtain of water. It’s a bit slippery back there, especially after the rain, but it was worth every cautious step. The view and sound from behind the falls is something I won’t forget — it’s a full sensory experience.

While I didn’t go  behind the falls, a train rumbled across the bridge overhead. The combination of nature and industrial sound created a surreal backdrop, like a little slice of Pennsylvania storytelling in real time.

If you want to see Buttermilk Falls from a different angle, you can actually get a beautiful view from the top of the hill near the Homewood United Methodist Church. There’s a small picnic area up there where you can look right down over the falls and see how the water plunges into the gorge below. It’s a peaceful spot to rest and take in the scenery, but be careful — especially if it’s been raining like when I went. The ground up there can get just as slippery as the rocks behind the falls, so watch your step and take your time. It’s worth it for the unique perspective!

• Best Time to Go: If you can, visit after a few days of rain — the waterfall really comes alive then.

• Trail Conditions: The path is short and easy, but it does get muddy and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes.

• Parking: There’s a small gravel lot right off Route 18. If you want to see the falls from above, you can park near the Homewood United Methodist Church and follow the trail down.

• Bring a Camera: This spot is photogenic year-round, but especially when the water’s high.

• Respect the Area: This is a natural spot that locals work hard to keep clean — please pack out whatever you bring in.

If you’re looking to make a full day of it, there’s more to see around Beaver Falls. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Brady’s Run Park, which has more trails, picnic areas, and a beautiful lake. You can also swing through downtown Beaver for local shops and cafes — the town has that charming small-town vibe that makes it perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll.

If you want to see what Buttermilk Falls looks like when it’s really roaring, I filmed my whole visit so you can experience it for yourself. In my video, you’ll see the gorge, the quarry remnants, the trail, and of course, what it’s like to stand behind that powerful sheet of water.
 I hope it inspires you to plan your own day trip to Beaver County!

                Final Thoughts

My visit to Buttermilk Falls reminded me why I love discovering these small, overlooked spots close to home. There’s something magical about standing next to a waterfall that’s been carving its place through the stone for thousands of years — and knowing that it’s seen everything from ancient glaciers to sandstone quarrying to train whistles echoing overhead.

So if you’re ever near Beaver Falls, take a little side trip to Buttermilk Falls — you might find yourself standing behind a curtain of water, listening to the creek roar, and imagining what stories these stones would tell if they could talk.

And don’t forget to check out my video before you go — it’s the next best thing to being there in person!  Until Next Time! 

If you’re like me and love discovering hidden waterfalls, be sure to head over to my Chasing Waterfalls page — you’ll find plenty more of my adventures, tips, and must-see spots all across Pennsylvania and beyond!