Deep in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Pine Creek region, Chimney Hollow Falls (also marked on maps as Owassee Slide Run) creates a refreshing option for ice climbers searching for dependable conditions late into the winter. Thanks to its protected hollow and shaded walls, this little canyon often clings to its ice even when southern areas are already melting, offering up slick lines after others have turned to slush.

You’ll begin your adventure by parking at the bridge where Owassee Slide Run cascades into Pine Creek. The air here is fresh and chilled, and the sound of the creek keeps you company as you shoulder your pack. The journey upstream is about a ten-minute hike—just enough to warm your legs, but not so taxing as to sap your strength before the ice even comes into view. The path follows the rumbling water, winding through a corridor of trees that keeps sun exposure to a minimum. Look for the short WI2 ice step—it's an eight-foot curtain that marks the entrance to Chimney Hollow’s main flow. You can easily skirt around this, but reaching it always feels like you’re passing through a gateway into a secret frozen domain.

Once at the falls, you’re greeted with a dramatic amphitheater of shimmering ice, reliably formed even as other routes in central PA turn bare. Climbers have etched a handful of established lines here, with enough variety to challenge both cautious intermediates and those ready for steeper flows. The 'Left Side Mixed' (WI3) presents an appealing hybrid of rock and reliable ice, ideal for those wanting to mix tool placements and creative footwork, while the 'Main Flow (R. Side Variation)' (WI4) invites you onto its cleaner lines for sustained steeper ice—expect pumpy tool swings and a satisfying finish when frost is prime. The area’s compact nature and the intimate scale of the amphitheater make for a social vibe on busy days; climbers often cheer each other on as blue-white spindrift tumbles off tools and screws.

What stands out about Chimney Hollow Falls is its blend of accessibility and wildness. The approach is short, but the dense forest and sharp winter air give it a wilder feel than roadside crags. At an elevation of 1,273 feet, the hollow controls its climate, serving up solid ice when other classic PA falls are just trickling.

This isn't a big-wall circus, but rather a spot where you can hone your early-season skills, fine-tune screws and stances, or even introduce a strong friend to real waterfall ice. The variety here—WI2 to WI4—means you can start easy, find your rhythm, and then step up to something more committing before heading out. All the lines are single pitch, making logistics straightforward and the day’s objectives manageable. Most flows reach up to 40 feet, so ropework is simple and you’re never far from your anchor.

While the falls get their best ice between January and March, microclimates in this shaded gorge often deliver climbable routes even when the rest of the state is thawing. That sense of pursuing the last hope of winter is part of the allure—Chimney Hollow Falls rewards the persistent.

If you’re looking for a place where the adventure is close at hand but still feels backcountry, Chimney Hollow Falls edges ahead. It’s an excellent winter testpiece for Pine Creek regulars and a fantastic getaway for those driving up from warmer valleys. The real reward is the atmosphere: cold air, good company, and a handful of climbs that keep you returning for one more lap before spring truly sweeps the gorge.