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 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. Pets are also allowed on the trail and can enjoy a cool dip.

Hidden waterfalls to hunt for

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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 schoolteacher who drew inspiration from the famous architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.

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 keep it up. 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 themselves in the gorgeous greenery.

Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls

Cook Forest State Park

Those who visit this hidden gem in PA will be glad they did, as it remains an oasis in the heart of Pennsylvania's 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.

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.

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, this waterfall is a charming yet elusive spot that truly feels like a hidden gem. Tour the trail and then visit the surrounding area known for its wild elk sightings.

Mill Creek Falls

York County

Enjoy a 0.2-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.

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.

Adam Falls

Linn Run State Park

Tucked among the scenic Linn Run State Park, Adam Falls, a picturesque 15-foot-tall waterfall, flows best after recent rainfall. Hikers can stand behind the falls to get the perfect shot for Instagram. It is easy to get to and perfect for a walk with younger travelers.

Jonathan Run Falls

Ohiopyle State Park

Treat your eyes to Jonathan Run Falls! Several small waterfalls can be seen along Jonathan Run Trail, a beautiful 1.6-mile trail perfect for hikers of all skill levels. The trail's largest waterfall tumbles over rocks between banks lined with beautiful rhododendron.

Rainbow Falls

Trough Creek State Park

Cross the suspension bridge and hike the mossy riverside Rhododendron Trail to a cascading waterfall in the Raystown Lake Region. Rainbow Falls within Trough Creek State Park looks like something out of a whimsical forested fairytale, especially when flowing fully after a good rainfall. You can find this hidden waterfall near Penn State.

Quaker Falls Recreation Area

Edinburg

Make sure your phone is charged before snapping a picture of this gorgeous 50-foot waterfall on Falling Spring Creek in the historic Quaker Falls Recreation Area. The trails and conservation include part of an old settlement called Quakertown, once home to the first Quakers to settle west of the Alleghenies.

Preparing to hike the falls

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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.

Helpful guidelines for hiking falls trails

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The following guidelines will help ensure a 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 (compass, map, matches, water, food, flashlight, and more) 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 state parks.
• Practice Leave No Trace ethics by packing out all trash, protecting wildlife, and avoiding damage to natural features.