Best Waterfalls in Pennsylvania

Most Popular Waterfalls in PA

1. Ganoga Falls

Benton

Ganoga Falls in Ricketts Glen State Park is home to more than 22 named waterfalls sprinkled around the park’s Falls Trail; however, the most impressive of these waterfalls is Ganoga Falls. An imposing 94-feet high, Ganoga is the highest waterfall in the park and is so picturesque your Instagram followers will be seriously jealous of your adventures.

2. Raymondskill Falls

Milford

Raymondskill Falls, reaching a towering 178 feet, is the biggest waterfall in Pennsylvania. If you add the drops from each tier together, the waterfall is only a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls! You can access the falls on the Raymondskill Creek Trail in the Delaware Water Gap — a moderately easy (but steep!) 0.3 mile hike. Make use of two viewing platforms — one near the head of the falls and one at a large step dividing the upper and lower drops — to experience the enchanting cascades from different vantage points. Make sure you take a moment on your way to the falls to check out the hemlock canopy, which contains some of the park’s oldest trees.

3. Meadow Run

Farmington

Located in Ohiopyle State Park, Meadow Run, once nominated as one of America’s favorite swimming holes by Travel + Leisure, is a natural waterslide. The great geological formations in the rocks combined with the powerful little creek has carved natural water slides out of the stream’s sandstone rock bed. This is a great place to cool down in the summer months, but be sure to use caution, as the rocks can be quite slippery.

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4. Cucumber Falls

Mill Run

Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Highlands, is a stunning 30-foot waterfall on Cucumber Run. For those Instagram-worthy photos, you can get behind the falls for a more unique viewpoint! A great way to access the falls is by hiking in from Ohiopyle on Great Gorge Trail. The trail follows an old tramway that was used to transport coal to the railroad that is now the Great Allegheny Passage.

5. Fallingwater

Mill Run

At Bear Run you’ll see the waterfall that inspired Frank Lloyd Wright to design and build his world-famous masterpiece, Fallingwater. One of America’s greatest architects, Wright’s ingenious cantilevering of Fallingwater over the cascading falls of Bear Run in the Laurel Highlands has resulted in one of the most striking sights in the state and a structure that has remained an architectural wonder since its completion in the 1930s.

6. Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls Natural Area

At 45-feet, Buttermilk Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Pennsylvania and is part of Hires Run, a tributary of the Conemaugh River. Mature woodlands, beautiful wildflowers, and historical relics surround the waterfall on land that was part of the summer estate of Mister Rogers' grandfather, Fred Brooks McFeely. Visitors can stroll along the hiking trail to the observation area and then cross the Eclipse Bridge to continue down to the stairs and walkway that lead behind the falls. As you head back up the trail, look to your right from the Eclipse Bridge to see remnants of a man-made dam built during the McFeely era.

7. Sullivan Falls

Benton

If you’re the type of explorer who enjoys some challenging hiking along with your waterfall viewing, Sullivan Falls in State Game Lands 13 — about 15 minutes west of Ricketts Glen State Park — is the place for you. This area, which spans nearly 50,000 acres, features around 20 waterfalls deep in the woods away from trails and roads, so make sure you have your hiking shoes with you. We know everyone doesn’t necessarily have the time to scout all 20 falls, so if you’re in a time crunch, make sure Sullivan Falls is on your shortlist. You can find the roughly 30-foot Pennsylvania hiking waterfall by following the unmarked trail behind the parking area off Jamison Road for a few minutes until you reach the secluded hollow, meaning you’ll likely be able to enjoy this spectacular sight without any crowds.

8. Wheelbarrow Run

Wilkes-Barre

Wheelbarrow Run in the Seven Tubs Nature Area got its name from the glacial meltwater that created potholes and filled up pools or "tubs" of water. The highlight of Seven Tubs is Wheelbarrow Run — a stream that flows through a ravine full of tubs and has several waterfalls. Next time you’re thinking about soaking in your bathtub at home, consider relaxing in one of nature’s tubs instead!

9. Dingmans Falls

Dingmans Ferry

In the Delaware Water Gap, Dingmans Falls is the second biggest waterfall in PA, plunging 130 feet. Follow the boardwalk of Dingmans Falls Trail and you’ll be led through the Hemlocks right to the beautiful waterfall. 

An extra bonus of the trail: you’ll start off by passing Silver Thread Falls, an 80-foot thin ribbon of water cascading through a narrow and peculiarly geometric chute.

10. Shohola Falls

Shohola

Along Shohola Creek, there are numerous cascades, steep ledges, and deep crevices where water rushes over a final set of falls onto the flatland. See the stunning Shohola Falls as you hike along the 0.6-mile loop trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking and fishing and is accessible year-round.

11. Bushkill Falls

Bushkill

One of the best waterfalls in Pennsylvania is Bushkill Falls. Open since 1904, Bushkill Falls encompasses about 300 acres and features eight waterfalls, as well as more than two miles of trails, bridges, and walkways. The Main Falls takes about a 15-minute walk from the entrance and features an approximate 100-foot drop.

12. Dry Run Falls

Dushore

Don’t let the name fool you — Dry Run Falls in Loyalsock State Forest is anything but dry, especially after some rainfall! Standing at more than two stories high, this sweet waterfall might not be the tallest, but it’s surely one of the most picturesque, with water cascading down a series of gently sloping rocks and branching into two separate streams to the pool below. Take advantage of the nearby picnic area for a relaxing fall-side lunch. Before you leave, soak in 25 miles of beautiful landscape atop the High Knob Overlook.

13. Fall Brook

Montrose

Fall Brook in the 405-acre Salt Springs State Park is in northeastern Pennsylvania and offers towering old growth hemlock trees, many estimated to be more than 300 years old. The one-mile Fall Brook Trail follows alongside the water and passes by all three waterfalls, making for one relaxing hike!

14. Hawk Falls

Albrightsville

Located along Hawk Falls Trail at Hickory Run State Park, this natural 25-foot waterfall is one not to miss. The trail, which is mostly downhill, is one mile and a good option for families as it is fairly short and manageable for hikers of all skill-levels. Many of the rocks beside the falls serve as good observation points. Also, let’s not forget our four-legged fur babies, who are also allowed on the trail and can enjoy a cool dip!

Hidden Waterfalls Near Me

1. Waterfall at Sycamore Mills Dam

Ridley Creek State Park

This hidden waterfall near Philadelphia is nestled in the 2,606-acre Ridley Creek State Park, which consists of an abundance of trails, small hills, twists and turns, and a beautiful waterfall for all bikers, joggers, and dog walkers to enjoy. After flashing a few photos of the waters, take a step back in time and explore the workings of a late 1700s American farm at the Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead, located inside the park.

2. Aycrigg's Falls

Swatara State Park

The 3,520-acre Swatara State Park is surrounded by forests and wetlands that support diverse wildlife. But its greatest treasure runs along the 4.8-mile Bear Hole Trail. There, the beautiful more than 40-foot tall Aycrigg’s Falls sits behind the rustic Bordner's Cabin, a log cabin made by the hands of a local school teacher who drew inspiration from the famous architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.

3. Wintergreen Gorge Waterfall

Wintergreen Gorge

Part of the Greater Erie Regional Trail Network, Wintergreen Gorge Waterfall has maintained a charm like no other thanks to Penn State Behrend students who help to maintain it. This scenic cascading waterfall is found at the east end of Four Mile Creek. Walkers, hikers, and bicyclists should take the opportunity to visit this 1.2-mile trail as it is the perfect length to immerse in the gorgeous greenery of nature.

4. Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls

Cook Forest State Park

Those who journey to visit this hidden gem in PA will be glad they did, as it remains an oasis in the heart of the Pennsylvania wilderness. Henry Run is a tributary to the Clarion River, which flows for 13 miles through Cook Forest. To reach the falls, take Baker Trail, a popular trail featuring the scenic Seneca Point and fire tower.

5. Pigeon Run Falls

Allegheny National Forest

Accessible by the 2-mile Pigeon Run Falls Trail, this beautiful, hidden waterfall near Marienville is the perfect spot for birding, fishing, and hiking at all skill levels. While lesser known than the famous Sullivan Falls, Pigeon Run Falls shares the same parking spot for folks to come and see both.

6. Table Falls

Quehanna Wild Area

Table Falls is one of Pennsylvania's most photogenic waterfalls on Paige Run. Located just 1.5 miles off Quehanna Highway on Red Run Road, visitors will find this waterfall a charming but elusive spot that truly feels like a hidden gem. Tour the trail and then visit the surrounding area known for its wild elk sightings!

7. Wykoff Run Natural Area

Driftwood

Hike the 4.8-mile trail loop to find Wykoff Run the perfect place for outdoor adventure. Within its 1,215 acres of pristine wildlife are two stunning waterfalls that can be found along Wykoff Run Road, providing the ideal spot to unwind and take in natural beauty.

8. Mill Creek Falls

York County

Enjoy a .2-mile easy, beautiful hike on the Mason Dixon Trail with your family and friends to find the 25-foot tall Mill Creek Falls.These falls gradually spill down the hillside, creating pristine pools for wading on a hot summer day. Afterward, grab a picnic lunch and sit along the many rocks and logs for a pleasant day in the great outdoors!

9. Ulmer-Root-Haines Memorial Park

Airville

The Ulmer-Root-Haines Memorial Park is a series of nature trails across from the one-of-a-kind Indian Steps Museum. One of five properties owned and maintained by the Conservation Society of York County, this home is where visitors can find local Indian artifacts embedded in the interior and exterior of the building. After visiting the museum, take a rugged trail up the hill for a beautiful hike to a stunning waterfall.

10. Bent Run Waterfall

Allegheny National Forest

Along Route 59 near Kinzua Dam, a small parking lot leads you to a short, fun hike featuring interesting nooks and crannies and an easy climb to see Bent Run Waterfall, one of many secret treasures hidden within the famous Allegheny National Forest. The water flows exceptionally well during heavy rains, so it’s best to visit after a summer storm.