Rattlesnake Falls
Pennsylvania · 13-foot drop · Montage Mountain Tract (Pennsylvania State Forest) · Last verified 2026-05-23
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Rattlesnake Falls is a short two-drop cascade on Spring Brook in southern Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. The hike is an easy half-mile along an old forest road from Route 502. The surrounding land was bought by the state and added to the Montage Mountain Tract in recent years, so this is now public access — earlier it was a contested private trail.
The trail
0.5 miles each way, rated easy with 50 feet of elevation gain. Roadside along PA-502, just south of the bridge over Spring Brook near Nesbitt Reservoir. No fee.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rattlesnake Falls (this page) | — | 13 ft | easy · 0.5 mi | Y | Free |
| Nay Aug Falls | 6 mi | 20 ft | — | — | — |
| Salvatore Falls | 7 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Choke Creek Falls | 10 mi | — | — | — | Free |
| Whirlpool Canyon Falls | 11 mi | — | — | — | Free |
| Buttermilk Falls | 12 mi | 60 ft | — | — | — |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~13 ft)
- Awanita Falls13 ft
- Brice Creek Falls13 ft
- Cascade Falls13 ft
- Charley Creek Falls13 ft
- Charley Creek Falls13 ft
Same best season in Pennsylvania
- Freedom Falls20 ft
Questions visitors ask about Rattlesnake Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is Rattlesnake Falls?
Rattlesnake Falls is 13 feet (4 m) tall. Height is sourced from UncoveringPA.
Is Rattlesnake Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — Rattlesnake Falls is inside Montage Mountain Tract (Pennsylvania State Forest). See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to Rattlesnake Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Montage Mountain Tract (Pennsylvania State Forest) permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
When is the best time to visit Rattlesnake Falls?
Peak flow is typically March, April, May, October, November. Season-wise: spring, fall. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit Rattlesnake Falls?
No entrance fee. Montage Mountain Tract (Pennsylvania State Forest) is free to access. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is Rattlesnake Falls from a major city?
Rattlesnake Falls is 5 miles from Moosic (about 6 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in Pennsylvania
Where it is
41.3156, -75.6362
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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