Linn Run State Park: Adams Falls, Flat Rock & Laurel Highlands Hiking

Quick Facts

• Location: Westmoreland County (Rector, PA)
• Size: 612 acres (bordered by 50,000-acre Forbes State Forest)
• Terrain: Stream valley in the Laurel Highlands
• Top Trails: Adams Falls Loop (1 mile), Flat Rock Trail (0.5 miles), Grove Run Trail (4 miles)
• Unique: 15-foot waterfall, natural waterslide, historic CCC cabins, stocked trout stream

Linn Run State Park is proof that size isn’t everything. At just 612 acres, it is a speck compared to the massive 50,000-acre Forbes State Forest that surrounds it. But this narrow stream valley punches well above its weight.

It packs in one of the most photogenic waterfalls in the Laurel Highlands, a natural sandstone waterslide that has entertained generations of kids, and a collection of historic cabins that feel frozen in time. It is the perfect basecamp for exploring the region without the crowds of Ohiopyle.

Why Hike Linn Run?

The park is defined by Linn Run, a pristine mountain stream that carved this valley. The main draw is Adams Falls, a 15-foot waterfall that is incredibly easy to access. But the real secret here is Flat Rock, a massive, smooth sheet of bedrock in the stream that functions as nature’s own water park.

History buffs will appreciate the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) legacy. The Rustic Cabin District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving the craftsmanship of the 1930s.

Anglers know Linn Run as a High Quality Coldwater Trout Stream, one of the best in Westmoreland County for brook and brown trout.

The Trails: Choose Your Linn Run Adventure

If You Want the Waterfall: Adams Falls Loop

Adams Falls Loop:

• Distance: 1.0 mile loop
• Elevation: 200 ft gain
• Time: 30-45 minutes
• Difficulty: Moderate (rocky, rooty terrain)
• Trailhead: Adams Falls Picnic Area parking (off Linn Run Road)
• Best Time: Spring (April-May) after rain or snowmelt, fall (September 25-October 10) for foliage
• The Draw: 15-foot Adams Falls. You can walk behind the waterfall into a cavernous space

This is the most popular trail in the park for a reason. Located just off the parking lot, the trail winds through massive rhododendrons before reaching the falls.

The unique feature here is the cavernous undercut behind the waterfall. Over thousands of years, the water has carved a space large enough to stand in, allowing you to experience the falls from behind the curtain of water.

Pro Tip: Go after a heavy rain or during spring snowmelt (mid-April). The falls transform from a trickle to a roaring cascade, and the mist fills the small canyon.

If You Want to Play: Flat Rock Trail

Flat Rock Trail:

• Distance: 0.5 miles out-and-back
• Elevation: Minimal (50 ft)
• Time: 20-30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy (flat, along the stream)
• Trailhead: Flat Rock parking area (off Linn Run Road)
• Best Time: Summer (June-August) for wading, early morning for fewer crowds
• The Draw: A massive, smooth rock in the stream bed perfect for sliding and wading

Generations of local families have spent their summers here. The stream flows over a large, flat section of sandstone, creating a natural waterslide. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic and a cool-down.

Bonus: Look for the ruins of the McGinnis Rod and Gun Club (built in 1922, destroyed by fire in the 1940s) along the trail. Only the stone foundations remain, but they’re a fascinating glimpse into the area’s recreational history.

Safety Note: The rock can be slippery. Water shoes are essential, especially for kids.

If You Want a Workout: Grove Run Trail

Grove Run Trail:

• Distance: 4.0 miles loop
• Elevation: 600 ft gain
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous (steep climbs)
• Trailhead: Grove Run parking area
• Best Time: Fall (September-October) for cooler temps and foliage
• The Draw: A quiet loop that climbs away from the stream, offering solitude and a good workout

This trail starts gently but becomes progressively steeper as it climbs the hillside. It’s much less crowded than Adams Falls and Flat Rock, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.

If You Want More Miles: Forbes State Forest Connection

Linn Run is the gateway to Forbes State Forest. Several trails connect directly to this massive 50,000-acre wilderness, opening up endless miles of hiking.

Nearby Highlights:

• Wolf Rocks: Spectacular rock formations 30 minutes away in Forbes State Forest
• Beam Rocks: High vista overlook with panoramic views, also in Forbes
• Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail: 70-mile backpacking trail accessible from nearby trailheads

Strategy: Use Linn Run as your basecamp (stay in the cabins) and explore the massive Forbes network during the day.

Adams Falls: Walk Behind the Waterfall

Adams Falls isn’t the tallest waterfall in PA, but it has a cool trick: you can walk behind it. Over thousands of years, the water has carved a cavernous undercut in the rock face. Standing behind the curtain of water is a unique experience - the sound is amplified, and the light filtering through the water creates an otherworldly glow.

Best Photography: Shoot from below to emphasize height. A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) captures the cavernous space behind the falls. Visit after rain for maximum flow.

Flat Rock: Natural Waterslide

Flat Rock is more than just a geological feature - it’s a Laurel Highlands tradition. Families have been bringing their kids here since the park opened in the 1930s. The smooth sandstone creates a natural waterslide, and the shallow pools are perfect for wading on hot summer days.

The rock is approximately 30 feet wide and 50 feet long, with water flowing over it at varying depths depending on the season. In summer, it’s typically ankle to knee-deep, making it safe for young children (with supervision).

Photography Tips

Best Adams Falls Photography: Early morning (7:00-9:00 AM) for soft light and fewer crowds. Shoot from below with wide-angle lens to capture the cavernous space behind the falls. Spring (April-May) offers highest water flow.

Best Flat Rock Photography: Mid-morning or late afternoon for soft light on the water. Include families playing for scale and human interest. Slow shutter speed (1-2 seconds) creates silky water effect.

Best CCC Cabin Photography: Golden hour (sunset) for warm light on the rustic log construction. Shoot from low angle to emphasize the craftsmanship. Fall foliage provides colorful backdrop.

Best Stream Photography: Linn Run in early morning with mist rising off the water. Use polarizing filter to reduce glare and see through the surface.

Trout Fishing at Linn Run

Linn Run is a designated High Quality Coldwater Trout Stream by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. The cool, oxygen-rich water supports a healthy population of trout.

• Stocked: Brook and brown trout are stocked annually by the PA Fish and Boat Commission
• Wild: Native brook trout can be found in the smaller tributaries (Grove Run, Rock Run)
• Regulations: 5 trout over 7 inches (regular season), 3 trout (extended season)
• Season: Closed from late February until opening day of trout season (early April)
• Methods: Traditional methods allowed (bait, lures, flies)

Best Fishing Spots: The pools below Adams Falls and around Flat Rock hold fish year-round. The deeper runs near the cabin area are also productive.

For more information on fishing regulations and stocking schedules, visit Forbes Trout Unlimited.

Historic CCC Cabins

The Linn Run State Park Family Cabin District is a time capsule. Built in 1933 by the CCC boys during the Great Depression, these 9 rustic cabins are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Rustic Cabins (9 cabins)

• Built: 1933 by Civilian Conservation Corps
• Style: WPA Rustic (hand-hewn logs, stone chimneys)
• Amenities: No indoor plumbing, wood-burning stoves, electricity, refrigerator, oven, microwave
• Facilities: Outside water spigots, outhouses, central modern bathhouse
• Capacity: Sleep 5-8 people depending on cabin
• Pricing: $40-$60/night
• Rental: Weekly only in summer (Saturday to Saturday), nightly in off-season
• Booking: Reserve via PA State Parks reservations

Note: These are truly rustic. Bring your own linens, firewood, and water containers. The experience is authentic 1930s camping in a sturdy wooden shelter.

Modern Cabin (1 cabin)

• Amenities: Full kitchen and bathroom, heat, air conditioning
• Capacity: Sleeps 6
• Pricing: $70-$90/night
• Rental: Available year-round

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Nearby Hubs

• Ligonier: Historic town 15 minutes away (population ~1,500). Full services including gas, groceries, restaurants. Don’t miss Fort Ligonier (French and Indian War fort) or Idlewild Park (family amusement park).
• Rector: Tiny village at the park entrance. No services, but scenic.
• Stahlstown: 10 minutes north. Gas and convenience stores.

No Camping (But Forbes Has It)

Linn Run has cabins, but no tent camping. If you want to tent camp, you’ll need to head up into Forbes State Forest for dispersed primitive camping (free, no facilities).

The Logging Legacy

In the late 1800s, this area was clear-cut by the Byers and Allen Lumber Company. Sparks from logging trains ignited massive wildfires that burned the soil down to the rock. The lush forest you see today is a testament to nature’s recovery - and the state’s purchase of the land in 1909.

The CCC arrived in 1933 and transformed the barren landscape, planting trees, building trails, and constructing the cabins that still stand today.

Nearby Attractions

• Laurel Mountain State Park: Popular ski area in winter, 20 minutes away
• Idlewild Park: Historic amusement park in Ligonier (oldest in PA, opened 1878)
• Fort Ligonier: French and Indian War fort reconstruction with museum

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April-May): Adams Falls is at its best when water levels are high from snowmelt. Trout fishing season opens (early April). Wildflowers bloom along the trails. Best dates: April 10-May 15 for peak water flow.
• Summer (June-August): Flat Rock is the place to be. The cool stream is a relief from the humidity. Cabins book up months in advance. Best dates: June-July before peak heat.
• Fall (September-October): The Laurel Highlands are famous for foliage. The drive along Linn Run Road is spectacular. Less crowded than summer. Best dates: September 25-October 10 for peak color.
• Winter (December-March): The park is quiet and peaceful. Cross-country skiing is popular on the trails. The cabins are cozy (bring extra blankets and firewood!). Adams Falls freezes into ice formations.

FAQ

Is Adams Falls worth the hike?
Absolutely. It’s a short, rocky hike to a beautiful, intimate waterfall. The ability to stand behind the water makes it unique in Pennsylvania.

Can you swim at Flat Rock?
It’s more wading than swimming. The water is typically ankle to knee-deep in summer, but the smooth rock is perfect for sliding and playing.

Is there camping at Linn Run?
No tent camping. You can rent a rustic or modern cabin, but for tent camping, you need to go to Forbes State Forest nearby (dispersed primitive camping is free).

What’s the best hike for first-timers?
Start with Flat Rock Trail. It’s flat, easy, and leads to the park’s most fun feature. If you want a waterfall, do Adams Falls Loop (moderate difficulty).

Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. PA fishing license required for anyone 16 and older. Purchase at PA Fish and Boat Commission.

Explore More

Ready to explore the Laurel Highlands’ hidden stream sanctuary? Start with Adams Falls, cool off at Flat Rock, and stay in a historic CCC cabin.

• Compare this to Ohiopyle for more waterfalls and whitewater in the Laurel Highlands
• Check out the Laurel Highlands for the full regional guide including Wolf Rocks and Beam Rocks
• See the full PA State Parks list for more hiking adventures across the state