North Central Pennsylvania is home to many treasures. Yes. We live in an area with such incredible beauty. I do my best to take full advantage as I try to “commune with nature” quite often. I prefer to fish, but hiking has always been a passion. One of my favorite treks is a little known secret just outside of town.

Jacoby Falls is a short and peaceful hike in the Loyalsock State Forest only 20 minutes northeast of Williamsport. The trailhead is along Wallis Run Road some four miles north of State Route 973. This hike is for the entire family and can be completed in just three hours. The 1.6-mile journey covers a moderate landscape engulfed by endless oaks, maples, and magnificent conifers. The trail is well marked with yellow rectangular blazes and follows the tranquil waters of Jacoby Hollow Run. The final reward is a 29-foot drop of a narrow stream crashing onto its rocks below. Do not expect to see anything like Niagara, but Jacoby Falls is well worth an afternoon venture.

Jacoby Falls trail can be enjoyed any time of the year. The waterfall is exceptionally brilliant in the early spring when the waters are abundant and spectacular wildflowers, and mosses are taking shape. Some prefer the cool mountain shade on those dreadfully days of summer. My ten-year-old son enjoys a quick shower underneath the falls. The setting is also alive and full of color during those autumn months. Jensen’s favorite time of year to hike Jacoby is in the winter. The frozen cascades of blue ice are an impressive sight.

Jacoby is considered an easy trek, but you should proceed with caution. Always wear proper footwear when hiking boys and girls. No flip-flops. There are a few slippery slopes, and the climb to the falls is somewhat challenging. Depending on the season, you may encounter some water and lots and lots of mud. With kids, encourage them to pack their own gear to keep things fun. Jensen always brings a trusty toy ax because you never know when a pack of wild Orcs might show up.

I made a solo trek to Jacoby last week. I had a day off and needed to get away. Jensen and Teach had school, so I was without a companion. I didn’t have any service, so I decided to leave the phone in the car. The route to Jacoby was quite different as the entire Wallis Run area is still recovering from the ravishing floods a few years prior. Many roadways and bridges are up and running, but several homes and cabins are sadly now gone.

I was the only crazy in the parking lot on that 32-degree morning. I wanted to take my time and appreciate my views. Like many other small creeks in the area — Jacoby Hallow was just devastated by the floods. The once playful mountain stream banks are now a washed out mess. The poor gal never stood a chance.

After a quick climb, I found myself in a familiar surrounding. I’ve probably been to Jacoby a dozen or so times. The falls were especially breathtaking that day, and this trip made up for the many stresses I have recently encountered. I spent a few moments listening to the fall’s innocence and solitude. It was exactly what I needed. No. I didn’t get a chance to take any pictures, but here is one from Mark Rockwell who is another fan of the great outdoors. Cheers.