Located in Venango County, Pennsylvania, Freedom Falls is a gorgeous waterfall accessible via a very short downhill hike. It is truly “off the beaten path” because there is no official trail, just a beaten path that leads you to these gorgeous waterfalls. 100 yards past the Falls are the ruins of the Rockland Furnace. These ruins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and have been deemed “the most intact iron furnace in Western Pennsylvania”.
This would be the perfect area for a Level 1 adventure! Here’s a simple and super fun activity to do with your kids when you explore the area. These are our favorite items to pack in a day pack, though this hike is about 5 minutes long, it’s a great place to begin building your child’s independence and confidence in a wild setting!
During dry months, the falls on Shull Run reduce to a trickle, but it is a great place to sit on a rock, dip your toes in the icy creek and enjoy the stillness of Pennsylvania woods. The area directly under the falls typically stays at least a few feet deep, so more often than not, there will be other people enjoying the cool waters on a hot day.
You do have to drive on a well maintained dirt road to get to the parking area (GPS: 41.237032, -79.747971). There is a huge (graffiti covered) boulder on the left hand side of the road and the parking and paths are on either side of that boulder.
There are not any signs or trail markers, but it is easy to follow the well-worn path. While it is possible to walk down the hill in flip-flops, it’s best to wear closed toe footwear since you will be going down/up a fairly steep hill and walking over rocks and roots.
Many people come just for the falls, but if you walk another 100 yards downstream, you come upon the ruins of an iron ore wheel pit, race and furnace stack. These ruins are so neat to explore.
Since the site is wild, there are trees and moss growing throughout the ruins. This adds to the awe of the ruins, but will eventually crumble the stones.
According to the National Registry, the Rockland Furnace is a “representative example of the westward expansion of the Pennsylvania iron industry.” This furnace was built in 1832 by Andrew McCaslin. Interestingly, the registry refers to a newspaper article describing how McCaslin and his wife drowned when a barge of pig iron capsized several miles down the Allegheny River past their furnace. The furnace operated under different management until 1854.
It always amazes how on one hand, that was SO long ago and their story, the signs of their thriving town and the railroads made with that iron ore have all but vanished. Yet, on the other hand, that is very recent history. How have we changed and forgotten so much!?
During this season of Covid staycations, this local gem has been a favorite short adventure destination! If your travels take you on I-80, between Barkeyville and Emlenton, this is a perfect 60-min+ scenic detour!
Here are the official records from the National Register of Historic Places for the Rockland Furnace. Here is a book, written in 1919, on the Pioneers of Venango County. And here is an inexpensive history of Venango County for a Kindle.
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