Here's The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Pennsylvania's Waterfalls
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Nature’s beauty paints the Pennsylvania landscape pretty much everywhere we go. However, nothing quite compares to the sheer beauty of a waterfall. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “where are the best waterfalls near me in Pennsylvania,” you’re about to find that answer. This waterfall weekend road trip will take you to some of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania.
Here are the Google directions for this weekend waterfall getaway.
Pack your bags, gas up your car, and get ready for a relaxing weekend getaway that will lead you to some of the most stunning waterfalls, true natural wonders in Pennsylvania. You'll have a relatively short distance to drive - just 172 miles over a total of nearly four hours - along your journey.
The following itinerary includes stops at several waterfalls and suggestions for hotels and restaurants along the way. Bon voyage!
The following itinerary includes stops at several waterfalls and suggestions for hotels and restaurants along the way. Bon voyage!
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Please note: The trail to Glen Onoko Falls was closed in May of 2019, due to injuries and unsafe conditions.
While you can't hike the trail to this stunning waterfall, you can get a glimpse of it, thanks to this YouTube video shot by Chelsea Peters.
Your magical weekend getaway begins at Glen Onoko Falls in the picturesque town of Jim Thorpe. Lace up your hiking boots or sturdy shoes for the nearly 7.5-mile hike along the Glen Onoko Falls Trail. Rated as challenging, the trail is one of the area's most popular with seasoned hikers, who recommend carrying a hiking stick, staying on the trail, and bringing plenty of water and snacks along.
The highlight of the trail - which includes the ideal opportunity for bird watching, fishing, and rock climbing - is, of course, Glenn Onoko Falls. Head over to the official website of Lehigh Gorge State Park for more information, including details on other hiking trails.
While you can't hike the trail to this stunning waterfall, you can get a glimpse of it, thanks to this YouTube video shot by Chelsea Peters.
Your magical weekend getaway begins at Glen Onoko Falls in the picturesque town of Jim Thorpe. Lace up your hiking boots or sturdy shoes for the nearly 7.5-mile hike along the Glen Onoko Falls Trail. Rated as challenging, the trail is one of the area's most popular with seasoned hikers, who recommend carrying a hiking stick, staying on the trail, and bringing plenty of water and snacks along.
The highlight of the trail - which includes the ideal opportunity for bird watching, fishing, and rock climbing - is, of course, Glenn Onoko Falls. Head over to the official website of Lehigh Gorge State Park for more information, including details on other hiking trails.
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Indulge in pure relaxation by checking in to the Inn at Jim Thorpe at 24 Broadway. The Victorian-style hotel features 45 rooms, breathtaking views from the front balcony, and a range of cozy accommodations. Reserve a traditional room, or splurge on a two-room suite. The inn offers a variety of amenities, including an onsite spa, a ping-pong table, and an elevator.
Kick back and relax, because tomorrow brings a journey to eight spectacular waterfalls at Bushkill Falls.
Learn more and make reservations on the official website of The Inn at Jim Thorpe.
Kick back and relax, because tomorrow brings a journey to eight spectacular waterfalls at Bushkill Falls.
Learn more and make reservations on the official website of The Inn at Jim Thorpe.
A little over an hour from Jim Thorpe, Bushkill Falls has won accolades as "The Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania." Unlike the other stops on your weekend adventure, you will have to pay an admission fee at Bushkill Falls, which is open from March through November.
Bushkill Falls features four hiking trails. The Blue and the Green Trails are the shortest at 15 minutes while the Yellow Trail takes approximately 45 minutes. If you want to see all eight of the park's waterfalls, embark on the two-mile Red Trail, which typically takes two hours to complete. Stop by the official website of Bushkill Falls for days, hours, and more information.
Bushkill Falls features four hiking trails. The Blue and the Green Trails are the shortest at 15 minutes while the Yellow Trail takes approximately 45 minutes. If you want to see all eight of the park's waterfalls, embark on the two-mile Red Trail, which typically takes two hours to complete. Stop by the official website of Bushkill Falls for days, hours, and more information.
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Next stop: Ledges Hotel in Hawley. The drive from Bushkill Falls to the Ledges Hotel takes about 45 minutes, but it's well worth the effort, even after a long day of hiking. Check into the Ledges Hotel, opting for a traditional room, a one or a two-bedroom suite, or a deluxe full-service suite. You'll enjoy a plethora of amenities, including free WiFi, yoga classes, and a great room that boasts breathtaking views of...get ready for it...
Paupack High Falls.
Glass Wine, Bar, Kitchen, the hotel's restaurant, welcomes guests to dine indoors or outdoors, where you'll be treated to incredible views of the waterfall all year around. Peruse the generous menu with such dishes as steak, fried chicken, salmon, stuffed clams, and shrimp tacos. Here's the official website of Ledges Hotel.
Paupack High Falls.
Glass Wine, Bar, Kitchen, the hotel's restaurant, welcomes guests to dine indoors or outdoors, where you'll be treated to incredible views of the waterfall all year around. Peruse the generous menu with such dishes as steak, fried chicken, salmon, stuffed clams, and shrimp tacos. Here's the official website of Ledges Hotel.
Arrive at Scranton's Nay Aug Park refreshed, after a luxurious night at the Ledges Hotel. Only 45 minutes from Hawley, Nay Aug Park boasts numerous amenities, including a swimming pool, a sprawling playground, a museum, and a treehouse. The masterpiece is, undoubtedly, the waterfall that sits in the middle of the park. Find more information on the official website of Nay Aug Park.
Get a bird's eye view of Nay Aug Falls as captured by Jamey Fountain on YouTube.
Get a bird's eye view of Nay Aug Falls as captured by Jamey Fountain on YouTube.
A weekend waterfall getaway wouldn't be complete without a stop at Ricketts Glen State Park - a true gem that boasts 22 spectacular waterfalls, the largest of which, Ganoga Falls, drops 94 feet. Wear hiking boots, because you'll have to hike to get to most of the waterfalls.
Falls Trail, the most challenging, will take you past most of the waterfalls, although you should be prepared for the 7.2-mile trail. However, if you prefer a shorter route, take the Highland Trail, a loop that runs 3.2 miles - along the Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh sides, which will take you past 21 of the waterfalls. Stop by the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park for more information.
Falls Trail, the most challenging, will take you past most of the waterfalls, although you should be prepared for the 7.2-mile trail. However, if you prefer a shorter route, take the Highland Trail, a loop that runs 3.2 miles - along the Ganoga Glen and Glen Leigh sides, which will take you past 21 of the waterfalls. Stop by the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park for more information.
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End your magical weekend getaway at Ricketts Glen Hotel, only two miles from Ricketts Glen State Park. Enjoy a relaxing meal in the restaurant, which features such entrees as homemade lasagna, cheese ravioli, and New York strip steak.
The self-described small country inn also offers cozy accommodations. Head over to the official website of Ricketts Glen Hotel for more information.
The self-described small country inn also offers cozy accommodations. Head over to the official website of Ricketts Glen Hotel for more information.
If someone was to ask you, “what are the best waterfalls near me in Pennsylvania,” what waterfalls would you recommend they see first? What are your favorite waterfalls in Pennsylvania? Join the conversation in the comments! If you don’t have the time for a weekend getaway just now, here are eight easy-to-find waterfalls in PA you can visit.
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More to Explore
Waterfalls Near Me In Pennsylvania
What are some of the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania?
While Falls Trail certainly reigns supreme when it comes to amazing waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania, the state also boasts plenty of other hikes that lead to gorgeous cascades.
- For a short but sweet waterfall hike, follow the .08-mile path that leads to Shohola Falls.
- Meadow Run Trail at Ohiopyle State Park takes you to two named waterfalls (Cucumber Falls and Jonathan Run Falls), a series of smaller waterfalls, and natural waterslides.
- If you visit Buttermilk Falls in Beaver Falls during the summer, you can wade in the cool waterfall into which the waterfall tumbles. You can even walk behind the waterfall for a unique view.
Can you find any natural wonders in Pennsylvania?
When you’re not sure what to do when you have free time, how about heading to one of the many natural wonders in Pennsylvania?
- Bring the whole family along – and a hammer – to Ringing Rocks Park in Bucks County. Tap the rocks in the field and…surprise! They make music.
- We’re all too familiar with potholes here in Pennsylvania, but you’ve never seen a pothole quite like the one at Archbald Pothole State Park, the largest in the world.
- Coudersport Ice Mine is the perfect summer destination. After all, when is the last time you’ve seen ice that forms during the summer and melts in the wintertime?
What are some of the most beautiful places in Pennsylvania?
We have an abundance of beautiful places in Pennsylvania, many of which deserve a coveted spot on our bucket list.
- If you’re a fan of stargazing, for example, make your way to Cherry Springs State Park. It boasts some of the darkest skies on the Eastern Seaboard.
- Allegheny National Forest, on the other hand, spans half of a million acres and offers something – hiking, biking, and camping – for everyone.
- For some of the most beautiful scenery in Pennsylvania, plan a visit to Hammersley Wild Area. The most remote place in the state offers pristine, unspoiled landscape, and views galore.
Featured Addresses
138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324
695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814
120 Falls Avenue, Hawley, PA 18428
500 Arthur Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510
221 PA-118, Benton, PA 17814
24 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229