Round Island Run Falls

This is a short, remote-feeling waterfall walk in north-central Pennsylvania’s Sproul State Forest, ending at Round Island Run Falls (often called “Three Falls” for its stacked drops). Even though the hiking distance is only about 3–3.6 km (1.9–2.2 mi) round trip with roughly 100–133 m (330–436 ft) of total ascent, the outing takes planning because the access roads are long, narrow, and can be rough after storms.

Getting to the trailhead (car + public transport reality check)

By car: The most reliable approach is via the Quehanna Highway and forest roads that are typically passable in fair weather, but can be muddy, rutted, or seasonally unmaintained. A commonly used parking spot is a wide pull-off under large powerlines on Round Island Ridge Road in Sproul State Forest. One set of published coordinates for this pull-off is 41.268438, -77.998122. (uncoveringpa.com)
- Nearest “known place” to aim for on your drive: Karthaus, Pennsylvania (a small community along PA-879/Quehanna Highway). From there, you’re heading into the Quehanna Wild Area / Sproul State Forest road network. (uncoveringpa.com)
- Important: some GPS routes may try to send you in via Three Runs Road, which is frequently described as severely rutted and not suitable for standard cars. (uncoveringpa.com)

By public transport: There isn’t practical public transit to the powerline pull-off—this is deep state-forest backroad country. The closest towns are small and spread out, and you’d still be many miles from the start on unshouldered forest roads. Plan on driving (or arranging a drop-off) and having offline navigation ready in HiiKER.

What the hike is like underfoot

From the powerline clearing, you’ll start on an obvious utility/ATV-style track that skirts the woods. Early on, expect wet spots and mud, especially after rain—this area holds water and can soak boots quickly. (uncoveringpa.com)

At roughly 0.6 km (0.4 mi) in, the character changes: you reach the top of a steep, rocky pitch. This is the crux of the “Medium” rating—short, but it demands careful foot placement on loose rock and slick leaves. You’ll drop down to meet Round Island Run, then turn to follow the stream corridor. (uncoveringpa.com)

Once you’re alongside the water, the walking generally becomes more straightforward: a wider, easier path through a shaded forest, with the sound of the run guiding you downstream.

Landmarks and the waterfall approach

After you’ve followed the stream for about 0.8 km (0.5 mi), you’ll start to hear the falls. The final approach is easy to miss if you’re chatting—look for a narrow side path that breaks off toward the sound of water and drops down toward the base area. (uncoveringpa.com)

Round Island Run Falls is a compact but dramatic cascade with three distinct drops, totaling roughly 6–8 m (20–25 ft) in height. (uncoveringpa.com) Water flow is best after rain and during spring melt; in dry spells it can thin out, but the gorge-like setting still feels tucked away.

Wildlife, plants, and what to watch for

Sproul State Forest is well-known habitat for black bear, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey, and it’s also part of the broader region where Pennsylvania’s elk are sometimes reported near the Quehanna area. (en.wikipedia.org)
Practical cautions: - Rattlesnakes: This part of Pennsylvania can have timber rattlesnakes. Stay on