10 Best Waterfall Hiking Locations in Pennsylvania (2026 Updated)
These 10 Pennsylvania waterfalls are reached on foot and rated highly by the people who hiked them, led by Dingmans Falls, Raymondskill Falls, and Dry Run Falls. The list spans the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap, Ricketts Glen and the North Branch, and Laurel Highlands.
How We Picked
We started with the 10 publicly accessible Pennsylvania waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Dingmans Falls
Birchwood Lakes, PA · Pike County · Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap
Why hike it
On the trail: "A hiking trail with boardwalks leads to a platform for views of this scenic waterfall in the woods." It is rated 4.8 stars by 619 Google reviewers. 5 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Silverthread Falls and Deer Leap Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 33 named falls in the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap region. The nearest town is Birchwood Lakes, about 2.2 miles to the northwest.
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2. Raymondskill Falls
Milford, PA · Pike County · Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap
Why hike it
On the trail: "Tall waterfall comprised of 3 roaring cascades, with 2 observation platforms & a trail to the top." It is rated 4.8 stars by 310 Google reviewers. 3 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Pinchot Falls and Silverthread Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. Pow Wow Hill, a summit 0.6 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 33 named falls in the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap region. The nearest town is Milford, about 3.1 miles to the northeast.
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3. Dry Run Falls
Laporte, PA · Sullivan County · Ricketts Glen and the North Branch
Why hike it
On the trail: "Tranquil waterfall comprised of 2 cascading streams, featuring a small, steep path to the bottom." It is rated 4.9 stars by 32 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Angel Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. High Knob, a summit 0.8 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 39 named falls in the Ricketts Glen and the North Branch region. The nearest town is Laporte, about 9.1 miles to the east.
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4. Silverthread Falls
Birchwood Lakes, PA · Pike County · Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap
Why hike it
On the trail: "This picturesque, 80-ft-tall waterfall can be viewed from a lookout reached via an accessible trail." It is rated 4.7 stars by 50 Google reviewers. 5 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Dingmans Falls and Deer Leap Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 33 named falls in the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap region. The nearest town is Birchwood Lakes, about 2.3 miles to the northwest.
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5. Hawk Falls
Towamensing Trails, PA · Carbon County · Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap
Why hike it
On the trail: "A 25-foot-high waterfall in a state park with a bridge accessed via a forest trail." It is rated 4.6 stars by 375 Google reviewers. Summer Mountain, a summit 0.9 mi away, rises above the area. It is one of 33 named falls in the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap region. The nearest town is Towamensing Trails, about 2.6 miles to the east.
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6. Cole Run Falls
Milford, PA · Somerset County · Laurel Highlands
Why hike it
On the trail: "Small, secluded waterfall in a natural setting with wooded hiking trails nearby." It is rated 4.6 stars by 64 Google reviewers. It is one of 10 named falls in the Laurel Highlands region. The nearest town is Milford, about 9.6 miles to the east.
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7. Fulmer Falls
Birchwood Lakes, PA · Pike County · Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap
Why hike it
On the trail: "Scenic waterfall accessible by hiking trail, the largest of 3 in the vicinity at 56 ft. high." It is rated 4.5 stars by 21 Google reviewers. 4 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Factory Falls and Deer Leap Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 33 named falls in the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap region. The nearest town is Birchwood Lakes, about 1.2 miles to the north.
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8. Nay Aug Falls
Dunmore, PA · Lackawanna County · Ricketts Glen and the North Branch
Why hike it
On the trail: "Reached via scenic trails, this gorge waterfall in Nay Aug Park features 2 observation decks." It is rated 4.5 stars by 57 Google reviewers. It is one of 39 named falls in the Ricketts Glen and the North Branch region. The nearest town is Dunmore, about 1.3 miles to the north.
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9. Bushkill Falls
Saw Creek, PA · Pike County · Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap
Why hike it
On the trail: "Forested, privately owned park with 8 waterfalls & 2 miles' worth of picturesque hiking trails." It is rated 4.5 stars by 1,478 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Winona Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 33 named falls in the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap region. The nearest town is Saw Creek, about 2.0 miles to the west.
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10. Deer Leap Falls
Birchwood Lakes, PA · Pike County · Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap
Why hike it
On the trail: "Downstream waterfall along a creek in a recreation spot & hiking area overlooked by a bridge." It is rated 3.7 stars by 19 Google reviewers. 4 more named waterfalls are within 5 miles (Factory Falls and Fulmer Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 33 named falls in the Poconos and the Delaware Water Gap region. The nearest town is Birchwood Lakes, about 1.4 miles to the north.
When to Visit Pennsylvania's Waterfalls
Spring is the strongest season across Pennsylvania, from roughly March through May, when snowmelt and rain fill the plateau streams. The glens of Ricketts Glen and the Pocono ravines run at their best then, and the falls can be spectacular after heavy rain at any time of year. Summer flows often decline, though shaded glens remain cool, and July and August bring the heaviest crowds to the Poconos and Ohiopyle. October offers colorful hardwood forests and fewer visitors on weekdays. Winter can freeze the falls into ice formations, but the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen becomes hazardous and its use in icy conditions is restricted.
Before You Go
Most of Pennsylvania's falls are on public land, including state parks, state forests, state game lands and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, though Bushkill Falls is a private attraction with an admission charge. State parks such as Ricketts Glen and Ohiopyle draw large crowds on summer weekends, and parking fills early. The most common hazards are wet rock and steep, uneven trails: the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen involves many slippery stone steps and is strenuous in any conditions. On the Youghiogheny and Slippery Rock Creek, strong currents and undercut rocks make wading and swimming near falls dangerous. Some smaller falls sit on private property, so look for posted signs.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out. Hiking with children? Read waterfall hikes with kids.
Explore More Pennsylvania Waterfalls
See all 95 waterfalls in the Pennsylvania waterfall guide, or browse by town: Birchwood Lakes, Milford, Laporte, Towamensing Trails, Milford, Dunmore, Saw Creek.
More Pennsylvania Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking waterfall in Pennsylvania?
Dingmans Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 619 Google reviews. It is near Birchwood Lakes in Pike County.
How was this list made?
We started with the 10 publicly accessible Pennsylvania waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager.
How many waterfalls are in Pennsylvania?
Our directory lists 95 named waterfalls in Pennsylvania. See them all, sorted by town, in the Pennsylvania waterfall guide.
Where is the largest concentration of waterfalls in Pennsylvania?
Ricketts Glen State Park, on the line between Luzerne and Sullivan counties, holds a long series of named falls along Kitchen Creek. The Poconos of Pike and Monroe counties have the next largest cluster.