Steve and Pam,
Directions...
When leaving Pine Grove you want to head west on 233. It's probably only a 5-10 min drive from Pine Grove depending on how fast you take the winding roads. Look for a sign on the right side that says 'Adams County'. The pull off for the hike is right before this sign on the right side of the road and is just a small stone surfaced bulb right off 233. You'll see some large rocks that 1/2 circle the parking area that holds only 6-7 cars.
The Hike...
The trail from the parking area heads downhill towards the right and leads you down to Mountain Creek. When you get to the creek you'll see a small tributary run that hits it at a right angle.
DO NOT TAKE THE LIGHT BLUE BLAZE TRAIL after getting down to the creek.
You'll want to cross over the creek and stay to the right of the tributary. There's a wide well beaten sandy path to the right of the tributary that you'll follow for 2-3 mins until you see small trails heading off to the left. These trails will bring you back to the bank of the water run. Once you get over to the water you'll start a small ascent, the trails splits constantly and it's your choice as to which path to take (you can hike this 100 times and never take the exact same path), just make sure to keep the water nearby.
As you gain elevation you'll see the water open up and widen, and even disappear undeground from time to time. Again, there is no clear cut or marked trail. After follow the water up for a bit you'll come across what I call the 'holding pool' at the bottom of the falls, this is the start of the steep ascent up the falls.
From here you're able to climb straight up the waterfall... literally. Otherwise there's a rocky climb directly to the right or left of the falls. Be aware that going up this way can be pretty slippery and you're basically 'bouldering' to the top of the falls. If you want to stay further right there's a more managable rocky trail that runs straight up to the lookout. If you decide to take the falls climb, when you get to the top, head perpendicular right of the falls run to get up to the lookout rocks. You'll want the 1st tall set of rock croppings for the lookout back down to the valley where 233 runs. You'll know them when you see them... basically a gigantic rock pile, and they're accessible both from the front and backside, depending on whether you climbed up the hard way or took the trail to the right straight up to the rocks.
That's it in a nutshell... enjoy.
A few things of note...
:arrow: it is a very strenuous hike. I take water, a fresh dry shirt and socks, and a dish towel to dry off at the top.
:arrow: the more rain/snow we've had, the more beautiful the falls are... and more slippery and dangerous
:arrow: if you follow the water past the top of the waterfall you'll end up at the hunting cabin. The land is privately owned by a local group of 'well off' individuals, Drs, lawyers, etc and the cabin is sometimes used by its members. They've maintained being gracious enough to allow the public to use their land for this beautiful hike. I'd suggest limiting your hike up to the lookout and back down to 233. With that, I'd also not suggest taking the hike at all during deer season unless you have a full suit of blaze orange hiking gear. :wink:
Sorry for being so long winded but this is my favorite place on Earth and where I want my ashes spread... come the day. I've spent a lot of time up there. 8)
Here's a few links or you can google 'Tumbling Run Game Preserve'
http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=2&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=4291
http://www.satc-hike.org/ofh29.pdf
Kitty,
I mapped the trek and it looks like an hour and a half from your town, probably closer if you wanted to go to Caledonia which is a very similar State Park to Pine Grove and close enough drive down to Pine Grove to enjoy both areas. If you're wanting full hook ups and amenities, check out Mountain Creek Campground. Be aware for this private CG... they stack em in tight!
Take care,
Jason
This was their first RV, and they had toured the plant before it closed. They are well pleased with their unit and I encouraged them to check out the club and register their Sunline, especially since it had the numbers still written on the right front of the frame. They were happy to hear there is a club dedicated to Sunlines.
