Don’t put away those hiking boots just yet. Winter is the perfect time to experience the magic and majesty of Pennsylvania’s woodlands and waterfalls. It’s time to journey to one or more of these 11 captivating waterfalls, each transformed into a sparkling wonderland during the chilly winter months.
1. McConnells Mill State Park
Lawrence County
Hells Hollow Falls is the largest waterfall in McConnells Mill State Park in terms of water volume. It offers a serene, isolated experience following a relatively flat 0.5-mile hike along Hell’s Run through the park’s Slippery Rock Gorge Natural Area. Once there, you’ll be treated to the falls’ winter splendor and a 19th century lime kiln to explore. If Mother Nature cooperates with some bountiful rainfall, Alpha Falls is another of the park’s super scenic waterfalls.
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2. Bear Creek Preserve
Luzerne County
If you’re pressed for time but don’t want to miss out on the winter waterfall experience, check out the stunning Buttermilk Falls (also known as Bear Creek Falls) on the western edge of the Bear Creek Preserve, only 200 feet from the parking area and a quick detour from the roadway. With step-like shelves of rock, the roughly 30-foot falls offer an accessible and impressive sight that’s easy to enjoy.
3. Laurel Hill State Park
Somerset County
The falling waters of Jones Mill Run Dam in Laurel Hill State Park offer a dazzling display of winter beauty. Take in the surrounding forest at this scenic historic site, built nearly a century ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps, with an easy 1.6-mile, out-and-back hike along the Pumphouse Trail that leads to the dam.
4. Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve
Lancaster County
Watch your step on the steep and rocky trails on your way to the beautiful falls at Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve. You’ll be rewarded with shots of nature at its wintry best with views of waterfalls nestled among the frost-tinged woodlands. Managed by the Lancaster Conservancy, sections of the Conestoga Trail offer views of the preserve’s waterfalls and rock outcrop vistas.
5. Ohiopyle State Park
Fayette County
Ohiopyle State Park offers a getaway for a cold winter day. A short hike along the 1.3-mile Great Gorge Trail will take you to the 30-foot-high Cucumber Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Pennsylvania. The more challenging, 0.4-mile Cucumber Falls Trail also leads to the waterfall but may be flooded when the Youghiogheny River is high. The park offers several equally stunning waterfalls at more remote locales where you might be the only one around.
6. Roaring Run Recreation Area
Armstrong County
Jackson Falls and Rock Furnace Trail in the Roaring Run Recreation Area serves up a journey to the trio of waterfalls known as Jackson Falls. At 5 feet, 10 feet, and 20 feet, each offers its own measured drama. The falls are off trail, which makes hiking even more interesting.
7. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Monroe and Pike counties
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is the place to be with several waterfalls to see. At 178 feet, the triple-tier Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. Next up, Dingmans Falls, although currently closed to the public due to reconstruction, is the second highest waterfall in the state and ADA-accessible to the falls’ viewing platform. You won’t want to miss the waterfalls along the Tumbling Waters Trail.
Traveler's note: Check with the National Park Service to ensure the trails are open, especially following winter weather.
8. Raccoon Creek State Park
Beaver County
Take the Mineral Springs Loop Trail in Raccoon Creek State Park, home to Frankfort Mineral Springs and Falls, known for its thick winter ice and curtain of icicles. The icicles are best viewed from outside the grotto.
9. Ridley Creek State Park
Delaware County
Lace up your hiking boots or strap on your cross-country skis after a winter snow to explore the more than 2,600-acre Ridley Creek State Park. The park contains 13 miles of wooded and paved trails and hidden winter waterfalls, including the frozen spill waters of the historic Sycamore Mills Dam.
10. Ricketts Glen State Park
Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties
It’s difficult to find words that fully capture the experience of Ganoga Falls in Ricketts Glen State Park, but a picture’s worth a thousand words. During winter, the falls’ 94 feet of frozen water form a castle of ice flows and icicles. The Falls Trail System is only open to the most experienced ice climbers and hikers with required ice gear in the winter. These visitors must register with the park office before beginning this icy adventure. Guides from area outfitters will lead less experienced visitors safely to and through this winter setting.
11. Little Shickshinny Falls
This hidden waterfall is worth the winter trek. Keep your eyes peeled for the unmarked trailhead in State Game Lands #260, just west of Shickshinny, to find an easy-to-follow trail that will lead you to the scenery of Little Shickshinny Falls. This 25-foot waterfall only requires about 10 minutes of hiking to get to, which makes it suited for a short escape from city adventures in Wilkes-Barre.
