Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Directions to Hector's Falls, Ludlow, PA

Our hosts at the Whispering Winds cg in Sheffield suggested we'd like the walk to a local secret:  Hector's Falls, in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest.  The short hike will take you to  a little jewel, and a geological curiosity.  There are several websites that talk about the curious rock formation.  There are no signs, and without instructions, you'll never find it.  Here are the instructions to find it!

Get to Ludlow.  From either Warren or from Sheffield, you'll be on US route 6.  In Ludlow, turn off the main road onto either Hillside Drive (there is a brown sign pointing you towards Tionesta), or at the sort-of "Y" intersection at Water Street.  Turn onto Scenic drive, and cross the railroad track.  You're less than one mile off Rt. 6.  The pavement ends just beyond the railroad track, and you're now on Forest Road 133.  Drive 1 mile from the railroad track on the dirt/gravel road.  Turn right onto Forest Road 258, another dirt road.  Drive 2.2 miles to Forest Road 258 H, on the left.  Here you'll find room for about 4 vehicles to park; don't block the road.  Walk about one-half mile on Forest Road 258 H, take the left fork going downhill slightly.  At the grassy area around the blue gas company pump, veer right to find the trail through the forest.  You'll hear the falls!  The round trip is less than 2 miles.  Lovely, curious, peaceful.

 Thanks, Ann and Wayne!