Spend The Day Exploring 8 Waterfalls In Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on January 23, 2023(Originally published January 18, 2023)
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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.
Pennsylvanians are certainly no strangers to waterfalls. After all, we’ve got several hundred of them in all corners of the state – from Raymondskill Falls, the tallest, to the 21 cascades that dot the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park. A few hours chasing waterfalls is time well spent. Next time you’re in the Poconos, spend an epic day exploring these eight waterfalls in Pennsylvania – they’re all located in the same park and easily viewable along a single trail. Don’t forget your camera on this adventure in Pennsylvania.
Chasing waterfalls has taken on a whole new meaning at Bushkill Falls, home to eight glorious waterfalls that you can view in just a few hours of hiking.
Bushkill Falls is widely known as "The Niagara of Pennsylvania," and it's home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Pennsylvania. It's a must add to any Pennsylvanian's bucket list.
However, there’s a catch. A private park that spans 300 acres, Bushkill Falls is only open seasonally, so you’ll have to visit during one of the warmer months.
Bushkill Falls generally opens for the season in April, although operating hours depend on the weather during the opening weeks. You'll have plenty of time to visit this waterfall wonderland in Pennsylvania, which is typically open through mid-November.
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You will have to pay an admission fee, which contributes to the upkeep of the park. Weekday rates are slightly lower than weekend fees.
While you can purchase tickets when you arrive at the park, your best bet is to buy them online ahead of time. Doing so allows you to avoid long lines, so you can start having fun and exploring right away.
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Wear a pair of comfy hiking boots or walking shoes because, if you want to see all eight waterfalls, you'll probably want to follow the Red Trail. It tallies two miles and usually takes around two hours to complete.
The Red Trail is straightforward, although it can be a bit of a challenge if you're a beginner hiker. You will have to climb up some stairs along the picturesque path.
The park also features three other trails – Green, Yellow, and Blue – you might want to explore, too. Drink in striking views of the Main Falls, for example, along the Green Trail.
The Green Trail takes only around 15 minutes and is easy; however, you will have to deal with some stairs. If you have a bit more time, consider following the Yellow Trail, which usually takes around 45 minutes while the Blue Trail is a bit longer at an hour and 15 minutes.
Familiarize yourself with trail rules – such as no food along the trails and no feeding the wildlife – before you set off to ensure a safe adventure for you and other hikers.
All of the trails are popular for bird watching. You might catch sight of ducks, turkey, eagles, and hawks. Wildlife - deer, rabbits, and squirrels - is also abundant in the area.
While the waterfalls are certainly the masterpiece of Bushkill Falls, the park also offers a full menu of family-friendly fun. You can’t eat along the trails, but you can snag a picnic table and eat there.
Bushkill Falls also offers gem mining, fishing, a playground, and a maze. You can also grab a bite to eat or a drink at the snack bar and stock up on souvenirs at the gift shop.
You'll find a little bit of everything at the snack bar. From burgers and pizza to pulled pork sandwiches, there's something for every taste. If you're craving something sweet, visit the Fudge Kitchen for fudge, a sundae, or an ice cream soda.
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View days, hours, and admission prices on the official website of Bushkill Falls. Or visit its Facebook page.
What are your favorite waterfalls in Pennsylvania? Have you been to Bushkill Falls? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! There’s really no bad time to chase waterfalls, is there? However, these seven Pennsylvania waterfalls are the most powerful during the springtime.
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More to Explore
Waterfalls In Pennsylvania
Beth Price-Williams|January 23, 2023
Are there any more clustered waterfalls in Pennsylvania?
If you want to see a bunch of waterfalls in Pennsylvania all clustered in one area, you’re in luck. You can, of course, visit Bushkill Falls. However, if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, make your way to Ricketts Glen State Park. It is home to the Falls Trail, an epic 7.2-mile trail that leads to 21 named waterfalls. The tallest, and perhaps most majestic, is the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. Like Bushkill Falls, Falls Trail is closed during the winter. However, you can see most of the waterfalls along the less-strenuous 3.2-mile Highland Loop Trail.
