Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls

Less than a ten-minute walk off of Pennsylvania State Route 18 in Beaver County is a remarkably beautiful and secluded waterfall that, while currently part of Raccoon Creek State Park, was the focal point of the Frankfort House Hotel and Resort, which enjoyed a heyday from the mid-1800s until it burned down in 1920. The falls, its grotto, and ruins from the hotel are all highlights of a one-mile loop hike.

The water here is enriched with iron, leaving unique orange streaks on the walls of the grottos. On a hot, humid July day, there was little water coming from the spring and over the falls, but the trickle of a stream confirmed we found the right location and as we emerged from our hike the most pronounced ruins were evident. Some have even constructed cairns from the stone of the ruined foundations. While Raccoon Creek State Park boasts many great things to do and see, this one isn’t to be missed.