Scudders Falls is a waterfall in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, about 1.5 miles north of Yardley. This guide covers what to check, bring and expect before you go, using visitor ratings, official USGS records and live conditions for this exact location.
At a glance
- Location
- Bucks County, PA
- Nearest town
- Yardley (1.5 mi)
- Visitor rating
- 3.6 from 24 reviews
- Crowds
- Quieter
- Coordinates
- 40.26705, -74.85266
- USGS topo
- Pennington quad
Weather at Scudders Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Scudders Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
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- Sunset
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- Golden hour
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Getting there
Scudders Falls sits about 1.5 miles north of Yardley in Bucks County. Google lists the address as Washington Crossing, PA 18977.
Open directions in Google Maps or Apple Maps, or view the map on the Scudders Falls listing. Navigation apps sometimes route onto seasonal forest roads, so check road status if you are heading into the mountains.
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.
What to bring
This checklist is tailored to Scudders Falls based on what visitors report and the conditions typical of Pennsylvania. For the complete list, see our waterfall hike packing guide.
- Offline map and coordinates. Save 40.26705, -74.85266 and download offline maps; cell service is often weak near waterfalls.
- Shoes with real grip. Rock near falling water stays wet and slick even in dry weather.
- Water and a snack. More than you think you need, even for a short walk.
- A light rain layer. Spray from the falls and quick-moving showers can soak you.
- Headlamp. In case your visit runs later than planned; check sunset time in the conditions panel above.
How to prepare
Timing
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. With 24 reviews, it sees fewer visitors than the region's headline falls, so you may have it to yourself on a weekday.
Safety
Stay behind railings and off wet rock, never climb on the falls, and keep children within arm's reach near the water. Check the weather panel above for flood or storm alerts before you set out; water levels can rise fast after upstream rain. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
Respect the place
Pack out everything you bring, stay on established paths to limit erosion, and leave rocks and plants where they are. See Leave No Trace at waterfalls.
What visitors say
Scudders Falls holds a 3.6-star average across 24 Google reviews, and 46% of reviewers give it five stars. That makes it the most reviewed waterfall in Bucks County. Visitors have shared 15 photos.
Small area of rapids in the Delaware River, popular with kayakers & whitewater enthusiasts.
See the rating breakdown or read reviews on Google.
History of the area
Scudders Falls was entered in the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979, and it appears on the USGS Pennington 7.5-minute topographic map.
Its neighbors on the map tell the story of the surrounding land: Dyers Creek (stream, 0.1 mi), Jacobs Creek (stream, 0.8 mi), Houghs Creek (stream, 0.8 mi), and Brock Creek (stream, 1.7 mi).
Nearby waterfalls to add to your trip
More around here: waterfalls near Yardley · Bucks County waterfalls · all Pennsylvania waterfalls
Frequently asked questions
Where is Scudders Falls?
Scudders Falls is in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, about 1.5 miles north of Yardley. Its coordinates are 40.26705, -74.85266.
Is Scudders Falls crowded?
With 24 reviews, it sees fewer visitors than the region's headline falls, so you may have it to yourself on a weekday.
What should I bring to Scudders Falls?
At minimum: offline map and coordinates, shoes with real grip, water and a snack, and a light rain layer. See the full checklist above, which is tailored to what visitors report about this waterfall.
When is the best time to visit Scudders Falls?
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.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to visit Scudders Falls?
Fees and permits depend on who manages the land. Check with the managing agency before you go. Our Pennsylvania waterfalls page covers access in the state.
Summary
Scudders Falls about 1.5 miles north of Yardley is rated 3.6 out of 5 by 24 visitors. Check the live forecast and stream gauge above, save the coordinates for offline use, and pack for wet, uneven ground. Ratings, hours and access can change, so confirm conditions with the land manager before you drive out.
See the full Scudders Falls listing for the map, photos and nearby landmarks.