Freedom Falls seems to be a very overlooked, undermaintained waterfall between the towns of Wood Hill and Rockland, PA. As far as I could tell, Rockland Station Rd is the only way to access the falls by car. There are no visible markers telling you where the hiking trail begins to the falls, but there is a large boulder riddled in graffiti and a very small gravel parking area. The trail begins very steep, but eventually levels out. As you follow it you will notice through the trees it is a straight shot to the waterfall. The trail is less than a quarter of a mile walk and will take you less than 5 or 6 minutes to reach the falls.
Getting to the base of the waterfall will be a tricky climb down a steep embankment using exposed tree roots, or you can follow the trail to the right for a slightly less acrobatic adventure. The waterfall itself is approximately 20 feet tall with a crest spanning nearly 60 feet wide. The water source is Shull Run, a tributary to the Allegheny River just a mile downstream. A large pool of water at the base of the fall awaits summertime visitors who want to cool off! It appears to be about 4 feet deep based on pics I've seen on other websites of people enjoying a dip in the cool waters.
MORE THAT JUST A WATERFALL
Another feature located near the falls is an old stone furnace built in 1832 that was used to process iron. Near it are the wheel pit and mill race. Further down Rockland road is another larger parking area. Here you can visit an old abandoned railroad tunnel built in 1915 that is about a half mile long. It's not a straight tunnel, but instead has a slight curve, which makes it impossible to see natural light at the other end until you are DEEP into the tunnel. It was too spooky for us so we only walked as far in as the light could penetrate! Very cool that you can see the original bricks used to line the tunnel as well as an occasional bat screech. A local told me that bats in the tunnel are an urban legend, but we heard a bat screech with our own ears. Maybe he wasn't a local at all, but Dracula himself trying to keep us out of his lair!
Along the walls you will see arched niches that are said to be safety alcoves for anyone who found themselves trapped in the tunnel as a train approached. Today it is paved as part of the Allegheny River Bike Trail.
FINAL THOUGHTS
A hidden treasure for sure! Overall, I love the falls, the old blast furnace, and the spooky abandoned railroad tunnel, but dislike the lack of access and directional signage to the falls & furnace. Note that Rockland Road becomes a private road just past the parking area near the tunnel. Signage is clear that you are NOT WELCOME to enter beyond that point.
2016/76 read more