With the snow from this past winter melting and entering the creeks as fast as a toddler can remove their socks, it is a great time to head for a local waterfall. There is one particular waterfall which is not terribly difficult to find, however it is off the beaten path and not extremely well know. Freedom Falls is located at 227 Rockland Station Rd Kennerdell, Pa 16374 for those who are using a GPS system. For those who are not, take Route 322 through Franklin to Cranberry and at the light (and Sheetz) turn right onto the Cranberry/Rockland Rd. This is where it gets a little tricky- you will pass a sign for the Kennerdell Lookout located on Kennerdell Rd and this is well worth the quick side trip if you have never seen it (however it is far more impressive in the fall once the leaves have changed color). After the Kennerdell Rd the Cranberry/Rockland Rd changes names and becomes the Pittsville Rd. Just continue straight and you will see a sign that simply states “Pavement Ends”. Yes, I did tell you that it was off the beaten path. You will see a road to the right, this is Rockland Station Rd. Continue approximately 1 mile and you will see a turn off on the left hand side of the road. Park and as soon as you open the door you will hear the sounds of the falls. Be careful as you make your way there as the slope is steep, I have found it much easier to go from the lower side and make my way upstream.
Also located from the lower side of the falls is the remains of the Rockland Iron Furnace built in 1832 and was used for smelting what was known as pig iron. It took a crew of 40 men to operate when it was in production. The 25 foot tall structure was built by Andrew McCaslin. One day he and his wife, along with a load of the pig iron were on a barge headed for Pittsburgh, when somewhere downstream the barge capsized drowning both of them. The furnace then changed ownership several times and was subsequently shut down in 1857.
Once you have had your fun exploring the furnace sight and checking out the falls, I would continue just a bit father down the Rockland Station Rd to the trailhead for the Kennerdell Tunnel. This tunnel is part of the Allegheny River Bike path and is 3,350 feet long. You do not necessarily need a flashlight to enter the tunnel, but it does get a bit dark near the center and can be a bit unnerving to walk in the near pitch black. Do not worry though because the light at the proverbial end of the tunnel in this case is not a train. The tunnel was built in the early 1900’s for Conrail as a freight line and has long since been a recreational use tunnel for bikes and pedestrians. Once you have entered the tunnel you will notice a pretty drastic change in the temperature, so if it is a nice spring day you may want to grab a jacket as well as a flashlight.
While the trip in the spring affords a great view of the Freedom Falls in all its glory, a trip back in the fall is well worth the effort for the fall foliage, so you may want to plan two trips and get the most of this small little corner of the world that is not very well known. For those who are really adventurous and want an all day biking trip, you can pick up the Allegheny River Trail just outside of Franklin and cycle the approximately 15 miles to the tunnel, from there you can take the short hike up the road to see the falls and the furnace.
Whichever way you chose to visit, I hope you enjoy yourself and remember in the words of the great JRR Tolkien “Not all those who wander are lost” As Seen in Meadville Tribune
