Best attractions and places to see around Sutersville, Pennsylvania, center around its natural surroundings and connection to the Great Allegheny Passage. This borough in Westmoreland County borders the Youghiogheny River, offering scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities. The area is known for its multi-use trails and local historical points, providing a tranquil environment for exploration.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
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This is a good place to take a break on a hot day, as the waterfall produces cold wind. DO NOT DRINK this water, It is from an acid mine and the red-orange color comes from iron and rust.
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S THE WATERFALL Demonstrating acid mnine drainage The water here is acid and iron-rich, coming up to the surface from underground mines, stairung the-rocks ruspred. Acid mine drainage (AMID) is a major source of water pollution. Cause of extensive stream environmental damage. The Ocean Coal Company, a subsidiaries of Bevind- White Coal Company Philadelphia, PA, esaiblished several mines in this region including, in 1900, Ocean No. 2. It is purported that drainage from ocean No. 2 is the chief cause of the Red Waterfall Why is it acidic and full of iron? Hundreds of millions of years ago, the massive Pittsburgh Coal Seam formed underneath parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohiờ from ancient swamp plants. Sand, silts, shells, and other -matter were deposited and made a rock seal over the carbon-rich vegetation, This rock contained the mineral "pyrite," made of iron and sulfur Coal mining exposes pyrite to oxygen and ground water causing the formation of sulfuric acid and a number of red, orange, and yellow compound s. AMD occurs when this mine water seeps, or in this-case, bursts out into Streams. The yellow sulfur can be seen in the shale near coal seams. GRESCHIN DASSAGE SPONSORED BY: Southwestern PA Heritage Breservation- Commission Allegheny Trail Alliances Regional Trail Corpofation For moterinformation. www.gaptrail.org
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its just a cemetery. i was riding for distance. and needed this place to keep the route on the GAP trail.
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The Red Waterfall is one of the main highlights on the GAP between West Newton and McKeesport. The falls gets its name from the water that has been colored red by nearby underground coal mines, which has made the water acidic and iron-rich water.
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The West Newton Visitor Center is set in a replica of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad’s 1910 train station that used to found the town. It is open Monday through Friday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and has maps, bathrooms, and a lot of interesting information about the GAP.
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Beautiful cemetery any time of year. The grounds are well maintained and the landscaping is immaculate and the staff is very helpful and friendly.
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This section of the Great Allegheny Passage is also known as the Yough River Trail, that is named after the river that the trail follows. It leads from Sutersville to Buena Vista. Along the multi-use trail, you can find several small waterfalls right next to the trail.
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Dravo Cemetery is a quiet, leafy cemetery. Very beautiful.
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The primary outdoor attraction is the Great Allegheny Passage (Sutersville - Buena Vista), also known as the Yough River Trail. This multi-use path follows the Youghiogheny River and is excellent for walking and biking, featuring scenic riverside views and several small waterfalls along its route.
Yes, you can visit the Red Waterfall, located directly along the Great Allegheny Passage. This waterfall is notable for its distinct red-orange color, caused by iron and rust from an acid mine. While visually striking, the water is not safe for drinking.
The Dravo Cemetery is a quiet and well-maintained historical site, dating back to 1824 as a Methodist Church cemetery. Additionally, the West Newton Visitor Center, a replica of a 1910 train station, offers historical context about the Great Allegheny Passage and the local area.
Sutersville is a great base for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking. For detailed routes and guides, explore the Hiking around Sutersville, Road Cycling Routes around Sutersville, and Gravel biking around Sutersville guides.
Absolutely. Many of the attractions, including the Great Allegheny Passage (Sutersville - Buena Vista), Red Waterfall, and Dravo Cemetery, are considered family-friendly. The multi-use trails are suitable for various ages and activity levels.
The Sutersville Trailhead, an entry point to the Youghiogheny River Trail section of the Great Allegheny Passage, offers convenient parking facilities.
The best time to visit Sutersville for outdoor activities is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months. These seasons offer pleasant weather for hiking, biking, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Youghiogheny River and the Great Allegheny Passage.
Yes, the GAP Trail Campground provides a convenient and well-regarded option for those looking to stay close to the Great Allegheny Passage. It offers clean facilities and amenities.
The section of the Great Allegheny Passage from Sutersville to Buena Vista, also known as the Yough River Trail, is particularly special for its continuous scenic views along the Youghiogheny River and the presence of several small waterfalls directly adjacent to the trail, including the unique Red Waterfall.
Yes, the West Newton Visitor Center, located nearby, is a crucial point of interest for trail users. It provides maps, restrooms, and valuable information about the Great Allegheny Passage, housed in a replica of a historic train station.
While the Great Allegheny Passage itself is generally moderate, you can find more challenging routes in the surrounding area. For instance, some road cycling routes like the 'Point State Park – Homestead Pump House loop from Glassport' are rated as difficult. Check the specific route guides for details on difficulty and elevation.
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquil environment and the excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, particularly along the Great Allegheny Passage. The scenic riverside views, the unique Red Waterfall, and the well-maintained trails are often highlighted as favorite aspects.


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