Best attractions and places to see around Herminie are primarily shaped by its natural landscape and historical significance. This census-designated place in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, offers natural features like waterfalls and sections of the Great Allegheny Passage. Herminie also holds cultural importance due to its origins as a coal mining community. Visitors can explore a mix of natural landmarks and historical sites within the area.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
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Popular around Herminie
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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Herminie offers several natural attractions, including the unique Red Waterfall, known for its distinctive red-orange color due to acid mine drainage. A significant portion of the Great Allegheny Passage (Sutersville - Buena Vista) also runs through the area, following the Youghiogheny River and featuring several small waterfalls along its path.
You can visit Dravo Cemetery, a quiet and beautiful historical site dating back to 1824, offering a glimpse into the area's past. Herminie itself has a rich history as a coal mining community, founded in 1893 by the Ocean Coal Company.
Yes, several attractions are considered family-friendly. The Great Allegheny Passage (Sutersville - Buena Vista) is a multi-use trail suitable for families to walk or cycle. The Red Waterfall is also a unique natural monument that can be an interesting stop for families. Additionally, Dravo Cemetery provides a peaceful, historical setting for a family visit.
The primary trail for outdoor activities is the Great Allegheny Passage (Sutersville - Buena Vista), also known as the Yough River Trail. This multi-use trail is excellent for hiking and cycling, offering a relatively flat terrain suitable for various fitness levels. You can find more details on specific routes in the Cycling around Herminie guide.
Absolutely. The Great Allegheny Passage (Sutersville - Buena Vista) is a popular route for cycling. For those interested in gravel biking, there are several routes available, such as those detailed in the Gravel biking around Herminie guide, which includes routes like the 'Roundbottom Trekker Campground loop from West Newton'.
The best time to visit Herminie for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling on the Great Allegheny Passage is typically during the spring, summer, and fall months. The Red Waterfall is noted as a good spot for a break on a hot day due to the cool wind it produces, suggesting summer can also be enjoyable.
Along the Great Allegheny Passage, you can find facilities such as the West Newton Visitor Center, which offers maps, bathrooms, and information. For overnight stays, the GAP Trail Campground near Herminie provides clean facilities and amenities for cyclists and hikers.
Visitors particularly enjoy the natural beauty and historical insights. The Red Waterfall is appreciated for its unique appearance and cooling effect. The Dravo Cemetery is noted for its quiet, leafy, and well-maintained grounds. The Great Allegheny Passage is valued for its scenic river views and the small waterfalls found along the trail.
The most unique natural landmark is the Red Waterfall, which stands out due to its distinct red-orange coloration from iron and rust. While specific dedicated viewpoints aren't highlighted, the entire stretch of the Great Allegheny Passage (Sutersville - Buena Vista) offers scenic views as it follows the Youghiogheny River.
Herminie was founded in 1893 as a coal mining community, named after Herminie Berwind, whose husband was president of the Ocean Coal Company. The 'Ocean No. 1 Mine' opened here in 1893, establishing the town's deep roots in the coal industry. Evidence of this past, such as the source of the Red Waterfall's color from acid mine drainage, reflects this heritage.
Yes, the Great Allegheny Passage (Sutersville - Buena Vista) offers a relatively flat and easy terrain, making it suitable for leisurely hikes. This multi-use trail follows the Youghiogheny River, providing a pleasant experience for all skill levels. You can find easy cycling routes that are also suitable for walking in the Cycling around Herminie guide.


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