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A “Soft Life” Guide for 2026: Living Well Without Burning Out

Prioritize well-being without abandoning discipline, growth, or meaningful work.

The SO and I recently visited the Loyalsock State Forest in PA – more specifically, hiked from the Loyalsock Trailhead to Dutchman Falls, and then followed the old railroad trail to the Haystacks, a quartz-rich sedimentary rock formation in Loyalsock Creek.

Loyalsock Trailhead to Dutchman Falls & the Haystacks – Dushore, PA hiking vlog on YouTube

Loyalsock Trail info sign Dushore PA hiking
Loyalsock Trail info sign

The Haystacks info sign loyalsock state forest Dushore PA hiking trails
The Haystacks info sign

Dutchman Falls in Dushore, PA
Dutchman Falls in Dushore, PA

Dutchman Falls in Dushore, PA relaxing waterfall ASMR on YouTube

I love the sound of the water so much.

Hoof fungus growing on a tree near the base of Dutchman Falls

From Google:

Hoof fungus, scientifically known as Fomes fomentarius, is a large, woody polypore fungus that grows on trees, particularly hardwoods like birch and beech. It is called “hoof fungus” due to its hoof-like shape and is also known as “tinder fungus” because its dried, flammable flesh was historically used as tinder for starting fires. This parasitic fungus enters trees through damaged bark, causing decay, and plays a role in decomposition after the tree dies.”

Hiking trail through the Loyalsock State Forest to the Haystacks in Dushore, PA
The trail to the Haystacks was longer than I had expected, but definitely a pleasant walk.

Moss with spores growing at Loyalsock State Forest in Dushore, PA
The Loyalsock State Forest is mineral-rich, meaning it has thick, healthy moss, lush patches of ferns, etc growing everywhere. It’s so green!

Kae Audhild sitting on the Haystacks rock formation, taking in the view. - Pennsylvania hiking trails, travel bloggers, nature enthusiasts
Yours truly sitting on the Haystacks rock formation, taking in the view.

View looking upstream at the Haystacks geological rock formation in Dushore, Pennsylvania
Looking upstream

The Haystacks rapids are more like a small waterfall with a swimming area in late summer / early autumn.
The rapids are more like a small waterfall with a swimming area in late summer / early autumn.

The Haystacks in Dushore, PA relaxing water ASMR on YouTube

Common Watersnake / Northern Watersnake at the Haystacks in Dushore, PA vlog on YouTube

View of the Haystacks looking downstream, the afternoon sun reflected on the water. Hiking Dushore PA
View looking downstream, the afternoon sun reflected on the water.

I loved this hike so much! Definitely check it out if you’re in northeast Pennsylvania. Truly stunning. 

20 responses to “Loyalsock Trail to Dutchman Falls and the Haystacks – Dushore, PA”

  1. screed64 Avatar

    Utterly beautiful State Forest and waterfalls. Wow.

  2. Ed Kohout Avatar

    Excellent photography once again.

  3. Brad Tuttle Avatar

    A great reminder of just how beautiful the earth is. Thanks.

  4. West Coast Roots Avatar

    What a lovely area!

  5. blessed4greatness77 Avatar

    This is beautiful 😍

  6. shoreacres Avatar

    When I saw you’d stopped by my blog this morning, and then saw your screen name, of course I smiled. Then, I had to come by to see where you were, and what your interests are. I was more than pleased; I have a friend who’s recently moved to Pennsylvania, and who enjoys nature. I’ll be sharing your blog with her, as a way of helping her learn about her new environs.

  7. Tony Maden Avatar

    Thank you for liking my post. I just dropped on my friend Becca making monkey bread. I really appreciate it sister. What a beautiful part of the country you went for a walk in. I am excited to visit. I’m not very far away in Indiana anyway beautiful photography very inviting. I’d love to go see. I’m sure Indiana has some beautiful countryside too. I just haven’t been here long enough to explore it all, but thank you for liking my post and introducing me to your site. Have a great day.

  8. MrsWayfarer Avatar

    I love the sound of water too.

  9. Robin Ward Avatar

    Kae, that must have been such an immersive hike — rugged terrain, the calming sound of the stream, and one sunbathing snake flicking its whip-like tongue. Nature at its finest!

  10. Helen Hagemann Avatar

    Amazing, beautiful country 😎

  11. AJ Avatar

    Really cool views! It reminds me of a trail I hiked earlier this year in Decorah Iowa, called Dunning Springs.

  12. Tracy Avatar

    Gorgeous spot to sit and just be.

  13. themagnoliatreeblog Avatar

    Lovely video, it’s very much like some of the walks we have in Scotland

  14. gofortunat Avatar

    Beautiful place and great pictures.

  15. EarthOutside Avatar

    Thanks for sharing this beautiful destination

  16. The Lost Sheep Is Now Zen Avatar

    Wow amazing pictures you shared! I love nature so much too. 💖

  17. […] the Haystacks rock formation in Dushore, […]

  18. yumikobarcelona Avatar

    Hi Kae, very impressive your blog, especially the photos and videos you take.  I like your point of view for seeing the nature. The planet we live on is beautiful, isn’t it?

  19. MeghanH Avatar

    Beautiful trail! Thanks for sharing!

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Oh,Kae.

Living slowly, adventuring often. ✨️

Contact: Kae@KaeAudhild.com

Hi, I’m Kae. This blog is about living well without burning out — through intentional routines, time in nature, and exploring Upstate New York at a slower pace. I share reflections, walks, and places that support a steadier life.

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