7 Gorgeous Poconos Waterfalls You Need to See

Why settle for one waterfall when you could can visit eight Poconos waterfalls all in one afternoon? Located 22 miles from Tannersville PA, Bushkill Falls is known as "The Niagara of Pennsylvania" thanks to the magnificent size and impressive number of natural waterfalls near Stroudsburg PA 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.

Lehigh Gorge State Park is home to two beautiful waterfalls near Jim Thorpe PA that are quick and easy to access along the D&L Trail. Start from the Rockport Access Area 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.

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.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls near Hawley PA, magnificently draped over the stair stepping rocks just below Shohola Lake, the lovely Shohola Falls is located within State Game Lands along Route 6. 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."

Head to Hickory Run State Park and follow a winding, .6-mile forest path downhill, across a scenic footbridge and through a tunnel of rhododendron to reach beautiful Hawk Falls, located in Albrightsville PA just six miles away from Lake Harmony PA. 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 exhibits in the beautifully-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.

Looking for waterfalls near Honesdale PA and waterfalls near Lake Wallenpaupack PA? Discover the Little Falls cascades along a branch of Wallenpaupack Creek on the western side of Promised Land State Park, just 10 miles from Lake Wallenpaupack's southern shores. The loop trail starts near the Lower Lake dam and includes several charming creek waterfalls along the way.

Want to enjoy a private waterfall near Hawley PA right outside your hotel room window or just beyond your dining table? One-of-a-kind Ledges Hotel 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.

There are dozens of waterfalls to discover throughout the Pocono Mountains! Check out the gallery below to get a glimpse of even more of the region's cascades through the eyes of fellow visitors. See how many you can check off your list as you explore the national, state and local parks in our area.

Beautiful Waterfalls in the #PoconoMtns

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. Find more things to do during your visit, and take advantage of special offers, including day deals and savings on places to stay.