7 Waterfalls In Pennsylvania That Are Most Powerful And Best Visited In The Spring
By Beth Price-Williams|Published March 10, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Spring’s a welcomed visitor, especially after the often gray days of winter. Most of us spend as much time as we can outdoors, soaking up the warmth of the sun, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the birds’ melodies. Spring is also the best season to chase waterfalls, and we certainly have no shortage of them across the state. However, these seven waterfalls in Pennsylvania are particularly pretty and powerful during the spring.
1. Rainbow Falls – Trough Creek State Park
Trough Creek State Park, 16362 Little Valley Rd, James Creek, PA 16657, USA
A perfect springtime destination, Trough Creek State Park boasts an abundance of natural beauty, including Rainbow Falls. Although it cascades down just 12 feet, the breathtaking waterfall tumbles down over several ledges and is most powerful during the spring and the fall. Follow the moderately-difficult Balanced Rock Trail, which tallies under a quarter of a mile, to reach the waterfall. You’ll also cross a suspension bridge and pass the natural wonder Balanced Rock. Stop by the official website of Trough Creek State Park for more information.
2. Hawk Falls – Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park, 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661, USA
Hickory Run State Park may be best known for its boulder field, a must-visit for visitors of all ages. However, it’s also home to Hawk Falls, a majestic waterfall that tumbles down 25 feet. To reach Hawk Falls, set off on the .06-mile Hawk Falls Trail, which earns a moderate rating. Here’s the official website of Hickory Run State Park.
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3. Raymondskill Falls – Milford
Raymondskill Falls, Dingman Township, PA 18337, USA
Cascading down three tiers over 150 feet, Raymondskill Falls earns props as Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall. You can easily reach the falls via a trail of the same name, which tallies just over a half of a mile roundtrip. Be prepared for some steep terrain along the moderately-rated trail. Once you reach the waterfall, you can view it from the upper and the lower platforms. Learn more about Raymondksill Falls.
Tumbling down 94 feet, Ganoga Falls is the tallest of the 22 named waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park. If you're a fan of chasing waterfalls, you won't find better than the 22 dotted along the Falls Trail. Ganoga Falls is, arguably, the highlight of the waterfall-filled trail. Stop by the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park to learn more.
5. Cucumber Falls – Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Cucumber Falls is perhaps the easiest waterfall to reach. Keep an eye out for the sign alerting you that you've arrived at the falls, and pull into its small parking lot. Walk a few steps to the overlook, where you can get a bird's eye view of the cascade that drops 30 feet. Stroll down the staircase for views of the waterfall from the base. (You can also walk behind the waterfall for an even more unique experience.) Visit the official website of Ohiopyle State Park for more information.
6. Hell’s Hollow Falls – McConnells Mill State Park
McConnells Mill State Park, 1761 McConnells Mill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA
Although it tumbles down just 15 feet, Hells Hollow Falls is absolutely breathtaking, especially during spring and fall when it's at its most powerful. To reach the cascade, follow the easy half-mile Hells Hollow Trail. Just be careful walking when you reach the waterfall, as it can get a bit slippery. Head over to the official website of McConnells Mill State Park to learn more.
A picturesque, easy boardwalk trail leads you straight to the gorgeous Dingmans Falls. The second tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, Dingmans Falls cascades down 130 feet. Except for the final .01-mile of the path, Dingmans Falls Trail is handicap-accessible and offers all visitors stunning views of the waterfall from its base. If you're up for a bit of a climb, go up the stairs (which span about .01 of mile) for more stellar views of the waterfall. Find more on the official website of Dingmans Falls.