Check back on July 21, 2022 when this blog will be updated! Whether framed by lush summer foliage or the flaming colors of fall, waterfalls in the Pocono Mountains are an inspiring sight at any time of year. You'll find some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful and storied cascades in our region, including the famed "Niagara of Pennsylvania" as well as the state's tallest and second tallest waterfalls.
Misty falls hidden in our forests make the region's already-stunning hiking trails even more magical. Keep reading to discover seven waterfall spots you've got to visit during your stay in the Poconos.
Bushkill Falls
Why settle for one waterfall when you could can visit eight all in one area? Bushkill Falls is known as "The Niagara of Pennsylvania" thanks to the magnificent size and impressive number of natural waterfalls inside these privately-owned 300 acres.
Located just outside Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, visitors pay a fee to gain access to the park, which first opened in 1904 and is home to exhibits and fun activities for kids and families as well as two miles of sprawling hiking trails. A fifteen-minute walk along the picturesque Green Trail (involving some steps) leads to the 100-foot drop of the Main Falls. For a longer adventure and to see more of the falls, plan a trek along the Yellow, Blue or Red Trails.
Bushkill Falls
Embark on an unforgettable waterfall adventure. Bushkill Falls, "The Niagara of Pennsylvania,"…
Lehigh Gorge State Park Waterfalls
You'll find two beautiful waterfalls that are quick and easy to access along the D&L Trail running through Lehigh Gorge State Park. Start from the Rockport Access Area outside Jim Thorpe and head .3 miles upstream to find Buttermilk Falls, which drops 50 feet over several levels of rocky ledges. Head back to the parking lot and continue another .3 miles downstream to discover tranquil Luke's Falls. Because of the dense summer greenery surrounding it, this cascade is easier to see in spring and fall.
Lehigh Gorge State Park
Rocky cliffside streams surge into waterfalls in the Lehigh Gorge State Park. The park's 33 miles of…
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Waterfalls
Topping the list of Pennsylvania waterfall heights are Raymondskill Falls at number one and Dingmans Falls at number two. Both can be found within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA). Spanning three impressive drops, Raymondskill Falls just outside of Milford can be accessed via a steep, .3-mile trail with two viewing areas, one in the middle of the falls and one at the top.
Dingmans Falls also has two visitor viewpoints offering different perspectives of the 130-foot falls. A boardwalk trail leads to the handicap-accessible viewing platform, while a staircase winds up .1 mile for a bird’s-eye view. As you make your way to Dingmans Falls, be sure to stop to admire 80-foot Silverthread Falls at the park’s entrance.
Shohola Falls
Magnificently draped over the stair stepping rocks just below Shohola Lake, the lovely Shohola Falls is located within State Game Lands along Route 6 between Hawley and Milford. A .6 mile loop trail leads to the sprawling series of cascades, which offer a different vignette from every angle, so take the time to explore and soak in the serenity. "Shohola" is a Lenni Lenape word meaning "place of peace."
Shohola Falls
Along Shohola Creek there are numerous cascades, deep holes and steep ledges where water rushes over…
Hawk Falls
Inside Hickory Run State Park, follow a winding, .6-mile forest path downhill, across a scenic footbridge and through a tunnel of rhododendron to reach beautiful Hawk Falls. The water descends 25 feet as it cascades over the rocks from Hawk Run down to Mud Run. Trail parking is available along Route 534 for this out-and-back route. Be sure to take the time to visit the newly-renovated Hickory Run State Park Visitors Center just down the road and explore more of the park's wonders, including Boulder Field, during your visit.
Hawk Falls
Hickory Run Sate Park's Hawk Falls is a 25-foot, natural waterfall accessible via scenic hike…
Tumbling Waters
The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) located within DWGNRA offers six trail loops free of charge to visitors, including the Tumbling Waters Trail, which was designated Pennsylvania’s best trail in 2019 by Outside Magazine. The hike is moderate in difficulty, but the three miles are worth the trek to reach the beautiful waterfall draping down into a peaceful woodland pool. You'll also find an overlook of the Kittatinny Mountains and old stone farm structures as well as an abundance of local flora and fauna.
Tumbling Waters Trail
The Tumbling Waters Trail at PEEC was designated Pennsylvania’s best trail in 2019 by Outside…
Paupack Falls
Want to enjoy a private waterfall view right outside your hotel room window or just beyond your dining table? One-of-a-kind Ledges Hotel in Hawley is perched at the base of beautiful Paupack Falls. The historic building was originally built in 1890 to house the John S. O’Connor Glass Factory, which was powered by the stunning natural cascade. Today, the waterfall and hotel are a stylish river gorge retreat, offering accommodations as well as fine dining on the deck and indoors at Glass - Wine.Bar. Kitchen.
Ledges Hotel
Ledges' accommodations include contemporary rooms, one-bedroom deluxe suites and two-bedroom, fully…
There are dozens of waterfalls to discover throughout the Pocono Mountains! Watch the video below to get a glimpse of a few of our falls, and see how many you can check off your list as you explore the national, state and local parks in our area.
Remember to help us Pick Up the Poconos and leave no trace so that local waterfalls remain a source of pristine natural beauty for generations of visitors to come.
Hit the Trails
Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area - Hiking
Explore the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area! Located just off Route 115 near Blakeslee, the Austin…
Beltzville State Park - Hiking
Get out and explore the hiking trails at Beltzville State Park. Beltzville State Park features 15…
Browns Hill Preserve - Hiking
Browns Hill Preserve is an easy trail on old woods road. The preserve sits high on the ridge that…
Bushkill Falls - Hiking
Discover your next adventure! As you hike the trails or walk the grounds of Bushkill Falls, you'll…
Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Hiking
Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in December 2008 for the conservation of…
Cliff Trail
The Cliff Trail offers some of the most spectacular overlook views in the recreation area. See the…
Cresco Heights - Hiking
Take a hike toward a new point of view! The trail is out and back, about three miles. It is…
D&L Trail - Hiking
Stop and stroll through the scenic Lehigh Gorge as you travel along the Delaware & Lehigh National…
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area - Hiking
Updated: Limited services available. Visit responsibly - Most park trails are open, but some…
Edge of the Woods Outfitters - Hiking
Providing guests of all ability levels with outdoor adventures they will remember forever…
ForEvergreen Nature Preserve - Hiking
ForEvergreen Nature Preserves one-mile loop trail is smooth gravel with very slight inclines. Mowed…
Hickory Run State Park - Hiking
Hickory Run Sate Park encompasses 44 miles of scenic hiking trails. Trails range in distance and…
Ice Lake - Hiking
Ice Lake is a little jewel of a preserve in Barrett Township. The trail is centered around Ice Lake…
Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center - Hiking
Explore the trails open daily from dawn to dusk. A hike at the Kettle Creek Environmental Education…
Kidder Hike & Bike Trail - Hiking
The Kidder Hike & Bike Trail is open for exploration! Opened in the fall of 2019, the Kidder Hike &…
Kurmes Paradise Creek Nature Preserve - Hiking
The Kurmes Preserve is a 400-acre property in Cresco, PA that is divided into two sections, each…
Lacawac Sanctuary - Hiking
Hike and reconnect to nature! Lacawac Sanctuary is a 550-acre nature and environmental education…
Lehigh Gap Nature Center
The Lehigh Gap Wildlife Refuge consists of over 750 acres of varied habitat. The trail system…
Lehigh Gorge State Park - Hiking
Take a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike through the Lehigh Gorge State Park! The park features…
Mauch Chunk Lake Park - Hiking
Located on the outskirts of historic Jim Thorpe, this county park is ideal for adventure seekers…
Milford Knob Trail
The Milford Knob Trail is a steep climb, but you are rewarded with a charming view of historic…
Mount Minsi - Appalachian Trail - Hiking
Hike a portion of the famed and historic Appalachian Trail in the Pocono Mountains! Head to the town…
Paradise-Price Preserve - Hiking
Paradise-Price Preserve located in Monroe County, straddles Paradise and Price townships. There are…
Pocono Environmental Education Center
Learn Naturally! The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) is a perfect place for hiking and…
Pocono Whitewater Adventures - Hiking
Get out on a guided hike and explore the Lehigh Gorge. Pocono Biking is open for trail exploration…
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