Girard, US

7:05 pm, Dec 17, 2025

35°F

scattered clouds

83 %

1021 hPa

6 mph

Wind Gust: 0 mph

Clouds: 40%

Visibility: 6 mi

Sunrise: 7:43 am

Sunset: 4:51 pm

Howard Falls

Falls Run cascades 50 feet over Howard Falls and heads toward its confluence with Elk Creek, two miles to the north.

As it cuts down through the Devonian shale below the falls, an ecologically important deep gorge is formed, designated the Falls Run Gorge Natural Heritage Area of PA.

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“On an insignificant stream in Franklin Township, close to the Howard Stone Quarry, the water of the stream drops over a rocky ledge of 50 feet into the bed of the stream below; making, when a goodly volume of water is present, a most beautiful waterfall” –
John Elmer Reed, History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, Vol 1, 1925

our story

Welcome to Howard Falls

The Howard Falls area of Franklin Township, Erie County, PA, has been home to the Howard family for over 180 years. Throughout those years, seven generations of the family have benefited from the use and enjoyment of this property.

January 2025 Update: Howard Falls is located on private property, with no safe, public route to the base of the Falls. The Falls can be viewed from the public road, Falls Road.

The Howard Family, in collaboration with Buildner, is thrilled to announce the Howard Waterfall Retreat Competition—an international design challenge inviting architects and designers to create a visionary family retreat near the breathtaking 12-meter-high Howard Falls in Northwestern Pennsylvania, USA. This unique competition calls for innovative architectural solutions that blend modern functionality, sustainability, and historical preservation, with a focus on integrating the original 1900s summer cottage into a timeless design.

The competition offers a total prize fund of €10,000, including awards for the top three submissions. Final registration closes on July 24, with design submissions due by September 8, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 21, 2025, and the winning designs will have the potential to inspire the future realization of this remarkable project.

For more information and to download competition materials, visit https://architecturecompetitions.com/howardretreat

Check out our Blog – Journey to the Falls

Working Girl

One fateful day in the mid-1930s, Edith Lucy Hogan hurried up Peach Street. She was headed to a popular restaurant her friends had been talking about. On her lunch hour, she soon arrived at Howard’s Dinor at 11th and Peach for a quick meal. In her early 20s and single, Edith was a clerk in…

by Howard Falls May 31, 2025June 1, 2025

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At Howard Falls, the summer solstice lines up perfectly with Francis Road, casting golden light down the lane as if it were always meant to be. A reminder that some alignments, like this place and its history, are timeless.

We love, no matter how the water flows. 🌈

Water’s rushing, leaves are lushin’. 🍃🌱💧

Falls Featured Artists

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Discover Our Conservation Efforts

The Howard Falls Trust was created in 1992 by the Howard family to conserve and maintain the Howard Falls region. The Trust has acquired significant property surrounding the Falls, and manages the general area with the long-term intent to preserve the rural character and limit development.

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On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse traced a narrow path of totality across 13 U.S. states, including Howard Falls. The next eclipse at Howard Falls is October 26, 2144.

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Total Solar Eclipse at Howard Falls

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