1. Bushkill Falls
Nicknamed the "The Niagara of Pennsylvania," Bushkill Falls is a group of eight natural waterfalls inside a 300-acre, privately owned park neighboring the DWGNRA. Pay an entrance fee to explore the park’s two scenic miles of trails, boardwalks, and bridges. Follow the trails to the Main Falls, which cascade down 100 feet into a gorge below surrounded by ferns, moss, and wildflowers. Bushkill Falls' trails are welcoming to families, but the walks require some stair climbs due to the 300-foot drop from the first falls to the lower gorge.
2. Buttermilk Falls
See two waterfalls on this easy walk along the Lehigh Gorge Trail in the Lehigh Gorge State Park—just upstream from the Rockport Access Area in Jim Thorpe. First up is Buttermilk Falls, a 50-footer that cascades down a rocky ledge surrounded by lush vegetation. Park in the small lot and follow a .3-mile path across a bridge to get a wide-open view of the falls.
3. Luke’s Falls
After checking out Buttermilk Falls, continue back downstream past the parking area for .3 miles to Luke's Falls. Stop on the bridge for a great view of this 50-foot fall descending a series of drops. Because of the thick vegetation, this cascade can be tougher to see in the summer, but you’ll find excellent views in winter and early spring. For those averse to long hikes, Buttermilk Falls and Luke's Falls offer quick access from easy-to-navigate trails.
4. Shohola Falls
Thundering down the State Game Lands off Route 6 you’ll find this stunning, roaring waterfall along Shohola Creek below Shohola Lake. To get there, follow a lesser-visited 0.8-mile loop trail through the marshlands to one of the Poconos’ most impressive and underrated waterfalls. The sheer volume of water flowing from this lake-fed fall is impressive year-round, and the dam above it seems to play little role in how fast and fierce it’s flowing. The best views are found from a ledge in front of the falls, but you can also see it safely from both sides of the creek and at stone observation areas on the west side.
5. Hawk Falls
The western Poconos’ Hickory Run State Park is home to the rushing waters of 25-foot Hawk Falls. To get there, park in the lot on Route 534 and take the 0.6-mile Hawk Falls Trail. This forested route was once used by wagons traveling from the town of Jim Thorpe and is thick with rhododendrons in summer. As you near the falls, cross a wooden bridge over Hickory Run. Continue downhill to a rocky area off the trail to see Hawk Falls. Hike to the bottom for another view, or to take a dip in the cool, refreshing water.
6. Tumbling Waters
Find Tumbling Waters Trail in Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in the DWGNRA. This was designated Pennsylvania’s best trail in 2019 by Outside Magazine. Tumbling Waters is a moderately difficult, three-mile trail; a series of switchbacks leads to the impressive waterfall. The Delaware Valley/Kittatinny Mountains overlook, hemlock ravine, pine plantation and pond are other points of interest on this trail.
7. Paupack Falls
An architectural gem in the Pocono Mountains, the Ledges Hotel overlooks a series of natural waterfalls; Paupack Falls. Its multiple decks provide superior vantage points, but it's important to note they're for guests only. Why not book a room with a view, or check out the onsite restaurant?
Written by Jenny Willden for Matcha.
Find more falls in the Pocono Mountains! Explore National, State and Local Parks in our area. As always, Leave No Trace when visiting our beloved parks and trail systems.
For safety reasons, the Glen Onoko Falls Trail in the Lehigh Gorge State Park is closed to hikers as of May 1, 2019.
Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area…
Located just off Route 115 near Blakeslee, the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area is a 130-acre preserve frequently visited for hiking, fishing, waterfall viewing and picnicking. In addition to its…
Beltzville State Park - Hiking
Beltzville State Park features 15 miles of scenic hiking trails that vary in distance and difficulty. Trails follow wooded paths, old roads, and grassy walkways through forests, valleys, and fields.…
Browns Hill Preserve - Hiking
Browns Hill Preserve is an easy trail on old woods road. The preserve sits high on the ridge that separates Brodhead Creek and Cranberry Creek in a neighborhood of tidy homes. There are no established…
Bushkill Falls - Hiking
As you hike the trails or walk the grounds of Bushkill Falls, you'll have a first-hand opportunity to see the wonders of nature close at hand. Trails vary in distance and difficulty. It's a short…
Cherry Valley National Wildlife…
Once a golf course, Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge near Stroudsburg is now a haven for birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators. The 193-acre preserve has kept the former cart-paths to…
Cresco Heights - Hiking
The trail is out and back, about three miles. It is moderately difficult with long uphill stretches and often rocky underfoot. Take in a 180-degree view of the scenic Delaware River, a sliver of New…
D&L Trail - Hiking
The Delaware & Lehigh (D&L) National Heritage Corridor extends through the breathtaking Lehigh Gorge. Explorers can walk over 24 miles of uninterrupted rail-trail through Lehigh Gorge State Park on…
Delaware Water Gap National…
Updated: Limited services available. Visit responsibly - Most park trails and boat launches are open, but some restrooms are closed and services are limited. Law enforcement is on duty. All park…
Edge of the Woods Outfitters -…
Located in Delaware Water Gap, just two blocks from the Appalachian Trail and only minutes from the Delaware River and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The retail store provides free…
ForEvergreen Nature Preserve -…
One-mile loop trail is smooth gravel with very slight inclines. Mowed, grassy trails crisscross the central meadow. Walk among tall white pines and along the bank of the creek and connect with nature.…
Hickory Run State Park - Hiking
Hickory Run Sate Park encompasses 44 miles of scenic hiking trails. Trails range in distance and terrain, leading through areas rich in historic and visual interest. Thick foliage, waterfalls, rocky…
Ice Lake - Hiking
The trail is centered around Ice Lake, which was originally built for ice making. Like general stores throughout the Poconos, the nearby Seguine store made ice for its own use and for sale to local…
Kettle Creek Environmental…
Enjoy a hike at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center which provides hands-on and interpretive hikes and programs. Both public and private and tours are available. Over 2.5 miles of…
Kidder Hike & Bike Trail - Hiking
Opened in the fall of 2019, the Kidder Hike & Bike Trail runs along Lake Harmony Road from Big Boulder Drive to downtown Lake Harmony, providing a safe and scenic way to travel to the shopping area.…
Kurmes Paradise Creek Nature…
The northern section, features Devils Hole Road a 1.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail that features hemlock, rhododendron, mountain laurel and vernal pools. This hike is good for all skill levels.…
Lacawac Sanctuary - Hiking
Lacawac Sanctuary is a 550-acre nature and environmental education center located on the shore of Lake Wallenpaupack offering over nine miles of trails for hiking from easy to difficult. Enjoy a rich…
Lehigh Gorge State Park - Hiking
The Lehigh Gorge State Park encompasses 33 miles of scenic hiking trails. Trails vary in scenery, length and terrain. The 26-mile Lehigh Gorge Trail offers easy hiking along the Lehigh River, with…
Mauch Chunk Lake Park - Hiking
Mauch Chunk Lake Park is home to hiking trails like the Switchback Trail, Shoreline Trail, Fireline Trail and Woods Trail, which vary in length and terrain. Forests, wetlands and lake views are just…
Mount Minsi - Appalachian Trail -…
Head to the town of Delaware Water Gap to hop on the Appalachian Trail towards Mount Minsi. Choose from two routes for this challenging adventure - go rocky and wooded or take the fire road up. When…
Paradise-Price Preserve - Hiking
Paradise-Price Preserve located in Monroe County, straddles Paradise and Price townships. There are two entrances, about six miles apart. The preserve provides a very easy, wide and grassy stroll that…
Pocono Environmental Education…
There are no fees to hike the six trails at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC). All trails vary in distance and difficulty and are loops which begin and end on the PEEC campus. Trails…
Pocono Whitewater Adventures -…
Pocono Biking is open for trail exploration April through October. Guided hikes are tailored to your group's unique needs. A popular trip is the BIG DAY OUT, which includes hiking, biking and rafting.…
Promised Land State Park - Hiking
Hike Bruce Lake Road to a natural glacial lake, see the waterfalls along Little Falls Trail, or walk a loop around Conservation Island. Splendid opportunities exist for nature study, relaxation and…
Wallenpaupack Lake Trail - Hiking
The Wallenpaupack Lake Trail is a gentle, three-mile trip along the Big Lake. The packed gravel path is an out-and-back route that heads over the dike and past the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center.…
Irving Cliff - Hiking
Irving Cliff is a one-mile, moderately trafficked, out-and-back trail located near Honesdale, Pennsylvania. The trail is used for hiking and trail running. Enjoy the beautiful wildflowers and views of…
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