Top 20 Waterfalls in Pennsylvania
Best waterfalls in Pennsylvania are found across diverse landscapes, from the Pocono Mountains to the southwestern regions. The state's varied topography, shaped by rivers and streams, creates numerous opportunities for cascades and falls. Many waterfalls are located within state parks and national recreation areas, offering accessible natural attractions. These sites often feature established trails and viewing points, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Best waterfalls in Pennsylvania
- The most popular waterfalls is Falls Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park, a trail that features numerous waterfalls cascading down Kitchen Creek. This trail allows visitors to experience multiple cascades in one hike, with changing leaves adding to its beauty in autumn.
- Another must-see spot is Buttermilk Falls, a waterfall. This series of cascading waterfalls drops over 60 feet to the Lehigh River and is easily accessible from a parking lot via the D&L Trail.
- Visitors also love Ohiopyle Falls Viewing Deck, a viewpoint. This is the most visited cascade in Ohiopyle State Park, located close to the Visitor Center with a large wooden viewing deck.
- Pennsylvania is known for its diverse waterfalls, including dramatic plunges, cascading series, and bridal veil formations. Visitors can explore a variety of waterfalls, from easily accessible sites to those requiring more extensive hikes.
- The waterfalls in Pennsylvania are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 10 upvotes and 7 photos shared.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Red Waterfall
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DO NOT DRINK this water, It is from an acid mine and the red-orange color comes from iron and rust.
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Ohiopyle Falls Viewing Deck
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Buttermilk Falls
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Hopewell Dam
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Settler’s Cabin Waterfall
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Eureka Creek
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Lehigh Gorge Trail
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Cucumber Falls
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Falls Trail, Ricketts Glen State Park
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Raymondskill Falls
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Popular around Pennsylvania
Mid State Trail — Traversing the Pennsylvania divide
Gerard Hiking Trail – The footsteps of Pennsylvania's oil boom
Tuscarora Trail — A remote trek across the backbone of Appalachia
The Appalachian Trail — America's most iconic long-distance hike
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail — Exploring a historic corridor
The Susquehannock Trail System — Pennsylvania's most remote loop
The West Rim Trail — Along Pennsylvania's grand canyon
Horse-Shoe Trail — Hiking Pennsylvania's hidden gems
North Country Trail – 4,800 Miles along the edge of northern U.S.
Chuck Keiper Trail — A loop through the untamed heart of PA
Other adventures in Pennsylvania
Tips from the Community
This is a waterfall, but you cant stay on a bike to view this.
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The Civilian Conservation Corps built the Hopewell Dam in the 1930s, which damns French Creek to create a 68-acre warm-water lake. The fish that call this lake home are bass, panfish, chain pickerel, northern pike, muskellunge, and walleye, and you can find anglers ice fishing in colder months.
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This is a good place to take a break on a hot day, as the waterfall produces cold wind. DO NOT DRINK this water, It is from an acid mine and the red-orange color comes from iron and rust.
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S THE WATERFALL Demonstrating acid mnine drainage The water here is acid and iron-rich, coming up to the surface from underground mines, stairung the-rocks ruspred. Acid mine drainage (AMID) is a major source of water pollution. Cause of extensive stream environmental damage. The Ocean Coal Company, a subsidiaries of Bevind- White Coal Company Philadelphia, PA, esaiblished several mines in this region including, in 1900, Ocean No. 2. It is purported that drainage from ocean No. 2 is the chief cause of the Red Waterfall Why is it acidic and full of iron? Hundreds of millions of years ago, the massive Pittsburgh Coal Seam formed underneath parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohiờ from ancient swamp plants. Sand, silts, shells, and other -matter were deposited and made a rock seal over the carbon-rich vegetation, This rock contained the mineral "pyrite," made of iron and sulfur Coal mining exposes pyrite to oxygen and ground water causing the formation of sulfuric acid and a number of red, orange, and yellow compound s. AMD occurs when this mine water seeps, or in this-case, bursts out into Streams. The yellow sulfur can be seen in the shale near coal seams. GRESCHIN DASSAGE SPONSORED BY: Southwestern PA Heritage Breservation- Commission Allegheny Trail Alliances Regional Trail Corpofation For moterinformation. www.gaptrail.org
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The Red Waterfall is one of the main highlights on the GAP between West Newton and McKeesport. The falls gets its name from the water that has been colored red by nearby underground coal mines, which has made the water acidic and iron-rich water.
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Beautiful hiking trail to try out with a small waterfall and very easy walking.
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Numerous waterfalls staircase down Kitchen Creek on shale slabs, forming small pools beside the trail. In the autumn you are more likely to have the falls to yourself and the changing leaves make Ricketts Glen especially beautiful.
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Settler's Cabin Waterfall, though modest at about 5 feet tall, exudes a serene ambiance accentuated by the melodious chirping of birds. The picturesque surroundings enhance the tranquil experience, offering visitors a delightful retreat. Additionally, nestled nearby is a picnic table, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst the soothing sounds of nature.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular waterfall trails in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania offers several highly-regarded waterfall trails. The Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park is renowned for its collection of over 20 named waterfalls. Bushkill Falls, often called the 'Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania,' features eight waterfalls with various trail options. Ohiopyle State Park also boasts multiple cascades, including the dramatic Ohiopyle Falls and scenic Cucumber Falls.
Are there accessible waterfalls in Pennsylvania suitable for all abilities?
Yes, Dingmans Falls in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is highly accessible, featuring a nearly half-mile handicapped-accessible boardwalk that leads directly to its base. This makes it suitable for visitors with strollers or wheelchairs. Buttermilk Falls is also easily accessible from a nearby parking lot via the D&L Trail.
Which waterfalls are particularly family-friendly?
Many waterfalls in Pennsylvania are great for families. Bushkill Falls offers various trails, from easy walks to longer hikes, along with family-friendly activities like gem mining. Dingmans Falls is accessible for all ages. In Ohiopyle State Park, the Ohiopyle Falls Viewing Deck is close to the Visitor Center and easy to reach. Settler’s Cabin Waterfall also offers a beautiful, easy walking trail with picnic tables nearby.
What are the hiking options at Bushkill Falls?
Bushkill Falls provides a network of well-maintained wooden bridges, stairs, and walking paths. The park offers various trails categorized by difficulty, ranging from short, easy walks to longer hikes. The 2-mile Red Trail, for example, passes all eight waterfalls. You can find more detailed information on their official website: visitbushkillfalls.com.
When is the best time of year to visit Pennsylvania waterfalls?
Spring, after heavy rains, is an excellent time to see the waterfalls at their most powerful. The vibrant fall foliage also makes autumn a particularly beautiful season to visit, especially at places like Ricketts Glen State Park and Bushkill Falls. Winter hiking is possible at some locations like Ricketts Glen, but requires special equipment and registration.
Are there opportunities for cycling or gravel biking near Pennsylvania waterfalls?
Yes, several cycling and gravel biking routes are available. For road cycling, you can explore options like the 'Harrisburg loop via the Capital Area Greenbelt' or the 'Ohiopyle Park Visitor Center via Great Allegheny Passage.' For gravel biking, consider routes such as the 'Butler-Freeport Community Trail' or the 'John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge loop.' You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling in Pennsylvania and Gravel biking in Pennsylvania guides.
Can I find other hiking trails near these waterfalls?
Absolutely. Many waterfalls are situated within state parks that offer extensive hiking networks. For instance, near Ohiopyle Falls, you can find trails like the 'Ohiopyle Falls loop via Great Gorge Trail' or the 'Ohiopyle Falls loop via Ferncliff.' Other options include the 'McConnell’s Mill Trail & Kildoo Trail loop' and the 'Hawk Falls Loop' in Hickory Run State Park. Explore more hiking opportunities in the Waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania guide.
Which waterfalls offer unique natural features beyond just the cascade?
Beyond the falls themselves, Pennsylvania's waterfalls often come with additional natural attractions. Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State Park allows visitors to walk behind the water curtain during lower flows. Nay Aug Falls in Scranton is nestled within the Nay Aug Gorge, offering scenic views and a unique urban waterfall experience. Ricketts Glen State Park features numerous waterfalls cascading down shale slabs, forming small pools.
Are there any urban waterfalls in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Nay Aug Falls is a notable urban waterfall located within Nay Aug Park in Scranton. This 22-foot powerful waterfall is situated within the Nay Aug Gorge, carved by Roaring Brook, and offers scenic views along hiking trails within a large city-owned park.
What do visitors enjoy most about Pennsylvania's waterfalls?
Visitors frequently highlight the beauty and accessibility of the waterfalls. The constant roar of water along trails, the opportunity to see multiple cascades in one hike, and the stunning fall foliage are often mentioned. Many appreciate the well-maintained trails and viewing decks, making these natural wonders enjoyable for various activity levels.
Are there any waterfalls that are part of a larger trail system?
Yes, Buttermilk Falls is one of many falls that can be seen along the Lehigh Trail, which is a section of the 165-mile D&L Trail. The Lehigh Gorge Trail itself is a 26-mile gravel trail that follows the Lehigh River, offering views of waterfalls and wildlife.
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Most popular attractions in Pennsylvania
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