Best Waterfalls In Pennsylvania

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 that your Instagram followers will be seriously jealous of your adventures.

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.

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 to hike in from Ohiopyle via the 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.

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, then cross the Eclipse Bridge to continue down to the stairs and walkway leading 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.

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. Dingmans Falls is currently closed to visitors but is anticipated to reopen in August 2026. 

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.

Bushkill Falls

Bushkill
One of the best waterfalls in Pennsylvania is Bushkill Falls in the Pocono Mountains. 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.

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.

Fall Brook

Montrose
Fall Brook in the 405-acre Salt Springs State Park in northeastern Pennsylvania offers towering old-growth hemlock trees, many of which are 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!

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!

Exploring waterfalls can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to do a bit of research before heading out. Ask yourself:

• Is the state park open? Are the falls trails open?
• Do I need special equipment to get to the falls?
• What has the weather been like in the area I plan to visit? What is the forecast for when I plan to be there? What should I wear to be the most comfortable and safe?

Many trails that take you to waterfalls can feature steep drop-offs, as well as slippery rocks, mud, and leaves after snow or rainfall. It’s critical to do research about specific trails you plan to trek; some are more advanced than others, and you don’t want to be caught pushing your limits in dangerous conditions.

The following guidelines will help ensure safe and enjoyable hiking experience while exploring state parks and forests with waterfalls and potentially slippery terrain:

• Let someone know where you are hiking and when you should return.
• Wear sturdy boots. Wearing sneakers, sandals, or water shoes may not cut it on difficult falls trails.
• Be prepared. Have proper clothing and equipment (i.e. compass, map, matches, water, food, flashlight, etc.) available in case of an emergency. This is especially important when traveling remote trails or when hiking during non-summer seasons.
• Give yourself plenty of time for your hike. Plan to be off the trails well before dark.
• Stay on the trails. Leaving the trail causes damage to unique natural resources, promotes erosion, and can be dangerous.
• Don’t take shortcuts from one trail section to another. Taking shortcuts down switchbacks is dangerous and causes trail damage.
• Pennsylvania state parks welcome pets in designated areas. Please keep your travel companion leashed and clean up after them in our state parks.
• Practice Leave No Trace ethics by packing out all trash, protecting wildlife, and avoiding damage to natural features.

For more information about waterfalls in Pennsylvania state parks and forests, visit DCNR’s state parks waterfalls web page.

If you know the state park or forest you’d like to explore, visit the specific park web page or forest web page to learn more about:

• Waterfall location and access
• Falls trail information
• Recreation and land maps and guides
• State park and forest contact information

This article was previously published on the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.