Spend The Day Exploring Pennsylvania's Tallest Falls On This Wonderful Waterfall Road Trip
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on February 03, 2023(Originally published January 30, 2023)
×
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.
Who’s up for an epic waterfall road trip in Pennsylvania that will take you to some of the tallest falls in the state? We’ve got quite a few gorgeous waterfalls all over Pennsylvania, but on this road trip, we’ll seek out some of the tallest with a few short ones added in for good measure. You’ll likely want to spread this road trip out over two days, maybe longer if you have the time.
Here are the Google Map directions, which you can easily customize to meet your timeline and your interests.
Our first stop takes us to the gorgeous Rickett's Glen State Park, which is home to one of Pennsylvania's tallest falls (but definitely not the tallest). Ganoga Falls, which sits along Falls Trail, cascades down 94 feet, promising absolutely breathtaking views. Falls Trail, which is quite challenging, features 21 named waterfalls. If you decide to do the entire trail and don't feel like driving afterward, plan to camp out in the park. Even if you don't have enough time to go on a road trip, you can't go wrong with a visit to Ricketts Glen State Park. Read more about this waterfall hike in Pennsylvania.
Here's the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park.
Get a unique view of Ganoga Falls, as captured by GMC Films. Click play below.
You can probably spend half a day at our next destination. Bushkill Falls is home to Main Falls, which tumbles down 100 feet. However, the distance from the top of Main Falls to the bottom of the park's lower gorge is 300 spellbinding feet. Bushkill Falls is a private park, requiring admission, but it also features a total of eight waterfalls. You can see them all if you're up for hiking the two miles of trails. Bushkill Falls is a seasonal destination, so keep that in mind when planning your road trip. Read more about this waterfall wonderland in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Find more information on the official website of Bushkill Falls.
Our next stop takes us to Dingman Falls, the second-tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, cascading down 130 feet. The short stroll to the waterfall, which is less than a half-mile, is accessible. You'll follow a wooden boardwalk that will lead right to the waterfall. For a different view of the waterfall, you can climb wooden stairs. Even if you don't, you'll have the best views from the base. While you can visit Dingman Falls all year round, the visitor center is only open seasonally, from the end of May through the end of September. Read more about this majestic Pennsylvania waterfall in our previous article.
Stop by the official website of Delaware Water Gap.
You'll actually see Silverthread Falls on the trail before you arrive at Dingmans Falls. While it's a bit shorter at 80 feet, Silverthread Falls is just as beautiful. It's well worth a stop to snap photos and admire the cascade.
We finally arrive at the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. You'll reach Raymondskill Falls, which tumbles down 150 feet, after following a short trail. Unlike the trail to Dingmans Falls, this trail does have some rough terrain and stairs. Chances are you'll hear the waterfall before you see it. Here's an interesting tidbit: if you measure all three tiers of Raymondskill Falls, it is just slightly shorter than Niagara Falls. While the waterfall is open year-round, make sure you wear sturdy shoes, especially if you're hiking after it snows or rains or when it's icy. The path can get quite slippery. Read more about the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania in our previous article.
Here's more information on Raymondskill Falls.
We've already visited some of the tallest waterfalls, so you could end your road trip here. However, if you're up for a delicious meal and another waterfall, make your way to Ledges Hotel in Hawley. (It's also the perfect spot for an overnight.) The hotel features a charming restaurant - Glass. Wine. Bar. - that overlooks the beautiful Paupack Falls. You can dine indoors or - for the best views - snag a seat outside on the deck. Greenhouses make it so you can even dine outside during winter. Take a peek at the sheer beauty of this waterfall in Pennsylvania when it's frozen.
Find more information on Paupack Falls.
Let's visit one more waterfall as a bonus and since we're nearby. Tucked in Nay Aug Park in Scranton, Nay Aug Falls is a short but sweet waterfall that falls just 30 feet. The trail to the waterfall, however, is brimming with natural beauty, including a treehouse. Read more about this picturesque waterfall trail in Pennsylvania.
Have you been on a waterfall road trip in Pennsylvania? What Pennsylvania waterfalls did you visit? On another note, what do you think is the best waterfall in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! For another unforgettable road trip, follow this road trip to the best waterfalls and caves in Pennsylvania.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Waterfalls in Pennsylvania
Beth Price-Williams|February 03, 2023
What are some other waterfalls in Pennsylvania?
Did you know there are more than 300 waterfalls in Pennsylvania? Many are easy to access; some require a hike, and all deserve a spot on your bucket list, including these Pennsylvania waterfalls:
If you’re up for a scenic hike that tallies nearly seven miles, follow the Sand Run Falls Trail in Wellsboro, which leads to a waterfall of the same name.