PA Counties

12 Must-See Attractions in Pike County

A collage of 4 images highlighting some of the best things to see and do in Pike County PA.

If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Pike County, you’re in the right place!

A map of Pennsylvania with Pike County highlighted in red. — Map of PA with Pike County highlighted in red.

The county was formed in 1814 and is named in honor of the Zebulon Pike, American brigadier general and explorer for whom Pikes Peak in Colorado is also named.

A historical marker in Pike County, PA, provides information about the county's formation and significance. The marker states that Pike County was formed on March 26, 1814, from Wayne County and named for Zebulon M. Pike. It highlights the county's contribution to the nation's development through its bluestone and lumber, transported by the Delaware and Hudson Canal and the Erie Railroad. The marker also mentions the county's natural beauty and its county seat, Milford, which is home to Governor Gifford Pinchot's Grey Towers. The background features a historic brick building with arched windows, adding to the historical ambiance of the area. — Pike County historical marker in front of the courthouse.

The county seat is Milford, founded in 1796.

The Pike County Courthouse in Milford, Pennsylvania. — The Pike County Courthouse.

Due to its geographical position, Pike County is unique in Pennsylvania as the only county that borders both New York and New Jersey, with both states located east of the Delaware River.

An elevated view from the Tri-State Overlook on the Cliff Trail in Pike County, Pennsylvania, presents the Delaware River winding through a tapestry of dormant fields and sparse woodlands. A gnarled tree branch arches into the frame against a vivid blue sky, enhancing the wild character of the scene. Rocky bluffs dominate the foreground, emphasizing the high vantage point above the river. The distant hills roll gently under the sky, offering a glimpse of the natural border between states and the serene landscape that characterizes this region. — Looking into both New Jersey and New York from the Tristate Overlook near Milford.

Nearly half of Pike County consists of state or federal forest, park, or game lands, largely because Milford was the residence of Gifford Pinchot—the first leader of the U.S. Forest Service and now recognized as the father of the American Conservation Movement.

Entering the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area sign near Upper Slateford Creek Falls in Northampton County Pennsylvania. — A large portion of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in Pike County.

Other famous former residents include philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce, and Zane Grey, the renowned author of western novels.

An exhibit at the Columns Museum in Pike County, PA, showcases colorful vintage movie posters for films based on Zane Grey's novels. The posters include "Robber's Roost," featuring George Montgomery, "Wanderer of the Wasteland," and "Buffalo Stampede," starring Randolph Scott. Each poster highlights thrilling Western themes and dramatic scenes, emphasizing the adventurous spirit of Grey's storytelling. This display is part of the museum's extensive collection, which also includes the famous "bloody Lincoln flag," artifacts of Charles Sanders Peirce, 19th-century clothing, and local memorabilia. — Vintage movie posters for films based on Zane Grey’s novels.

From museums and historic sites to waterfalls and scenic overlooks, here are 12 of the best things to see and do in Pike County.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to read more in-depth information about each destination.

Indian Ladder Falls in Pike County Pennsylvania — Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County.

1. Raymondskill Falls

Raymondskill Falls in Pike County is billed by the National Park Service as measuring 178 feet tall, making it the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania.

A collection of five images showcasing Raymondskill Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A dynamic view of the waterfall with water streaming over a rocky cliff into a serene pool. Top right: A separate section of the falls where water splits into two paths amid dense trees. Bottom left: The rocky creek bed upstream, dotted with large stones and autumn leaves. Bottom center: A downward angle on the falls, highlighting the cascading water and mist. Bottom right: The hiking trail leading to the falls with rough-hewn stone steps and a wooden handrail, bordered by leaf-strewn ground and forest greenery.

2. Dingmans Falls

Dingmans Falls in Pike County checks in at 130 feet tall, good enough for the title of “second tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania.”

A collage featuring five images from Dingmans Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The top left and bottom center photos capture the falls in full force, with water cascading down a series of rocky ledges surrounded by lush greenery. The top right picture showcases the olive-green visitor center with its yellow details and the National Park Service emblem, nestled in the woods. A footbridge leading through the verdant forest is the focus of the bottom left image, inviting exploration. Finally, the bottom right photo offers a close-up of a smaller cascade, with a wooden staircase alongside it, emphasizing the natural rugged terrain of the area. Together, these images create a comprehensive visual tour of the Dingmans Falls area, highlighting both the powerful beauty of the falls and the facilities that welcome visitors to this scenic destination.

3. Silverthread Falls

Silverthread Falls is a “mere” 80 feet tall, and is located just 0.2 miles from Dingmans Falls, along the same boardwalk trail.

Silverthread Falls in the Delaware Water Gap. — Silverthread Falls in Pike County.

4. The Columns Museum

The The Columns Museum, housed in a stunning 1904 neo-classical mansion in Milford, features two floors brimming with artifacts and memorabilia that chronicle the rich tapestry of Pike County’s past.

A collage of four photos taken at the Columns Museum in Pike County, PA. The top left photo shows the museum's exterior, a stately white building with large columns, and a sign indicating it is the home of the Pike County Historical Society and the Lincoln Flag. The top right photo features the display of the famous "bloody Lincoln flag," believed to have cushioned President Lincoln's head after he was shot. The bottom left photo shows a collection of military uniforms and artifacts, representing the contributions of local veterans. The bottom right photo displays a room filled with historical artifacts, including a cabinet with dishes, a grandfather clock, and a portrait of Charles Sanders Peirce along with his personal effects. This collage highlights the museum's diverse exhibits and rich historical collections.

5. Bushkill Falls

Bushkill Falls, often dubbed the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is a privately-owned nature park that features eight stunning waterfalls, accessible through a network of scenic trails and beautiful boardwalks that cater to all levels of hikers.

A collage of five images encapsulates the diverse experiences at Bushkill Falls, Pike County, Pennsylvania. The top left image displays a robust observation deck overlooking a cascading waterfall. Adjacent to it on the right, the park's entrance building welcomes visitors with a large "Welcome to Bushkill Falls" sign. Below, a wooden walkway stretches over rushing waters, leading visitors through the tranquil environment. The bottom left shows a set of wooden stairs winding through the forest, offering a rustic path for exploration. Finally, a visitor in red, centered in the bottom right, photographs one of the park’s majestic waterfalls, highlighting the picturesque beauty and recreational opportunities available in this section of the Pocono Mountains, all embraced by the park's well-crafted wooden structures.

6. Hackers Falls

Hackers Falls is a 20 foot-tall, fan shaped waterfall located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pike County.

A collage of four photos highlighting different aspects of Hackers Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows the waterfall flowing through a forested area, framed by trees. The top right image captures a close-up of the main waterfall cascading over a rocky ledge into a pool below. The bottom left image features a gravel trail with a signpost indicating the Cliff Trail and Hackers Trail, set within dense woodland. The bottom right image displays the waterfall from a wider angle, showcasing the cascading water over multiple rocky steps, surrounded by lush greenery.

7. Sawkill and Savantine Falls

Sawkill and Savantine Falls are a pair of picturesque but seldom-seen neighboring waterfalls in the Delaware State Forest.

Collage of four images featuring a hiker at Sawkill and Savantine Falls in the Delaware State Forest, Pike County, Pennsylvania. The images depict the hiker at various viewpoints of the cascading waterfalls. The top left and right photos show him observing the falls from different angles, with the water spilling over rocky terraces amidst a forest setting. The bottom left photo captures the hiker in front of a broad, flowing curtain of water, and the bottom right shows him from behind, looking out at a wide, multi-tiered waterfall. Each scene is framed by the rugged beauty of the forest, showcasing the tranquil and picturesque environment of these waterfalls.

8. The Cliff Trail

The Cliff Trail features 4 outstanding scenic overlooks of the Delaware River valley from its vantage point high atop Raymondskill Ridge in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

This collage showcases five photos from the Cliff Trail in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The large image on the left depicts a hiker observing the landscape from a high vantage point, looking out over the winding Delaware River and brown fields, indicative of the changing seasons. The hiker is equipped with a backpack and walking stick, emphasizing the adventurous nature of the trail. The top right image provides a scenic view of a small town nestled among hills and trees, highlighting the trail’s proximity to local communities. The middle right photo features a trail marker, denoting the Cliff Trail and directing towards Raymondskill, set against a background of a typical forest scene on the trail. The bottom left image captures another section of the trail with a rocky outcrop and a distant view of the river and fields, while the bottom right picture shows a serene lake bordered by evergreens and bare trees, reflecting the tranquility found along the trail. The collage as a whole encapsulates the variety of natural beauty along the Cliff Trail.

9. Shohola Falls

Shohola Falls, located along Route 6 in Pike County, is what I would call “almost-roadside” – a 5 minute walk from the parking area.

This collage showcases five distinct perspectives of Shohola Falls and its surroundings in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The top left photo captures the falls from a distance, emphasizing their width and the surrounding greenery. The top right image offers a view through a tree’s branches, highlighting the falls' vertical drop. The middle image is a close-up that blurs the rushing water, conveying its movement. The bottom left shows a tree with intricate roots beside the waterfall, illustrating the interplay between flora and water. Lastly, the bottom right photo features a wooden observation deck extending toward a lake, providing a peaceful vantage point against a backdrop of overcast skies. Each photo collectively portrays the diverse beauty of the falls and the serene landscape.

10. Upper Indian Ladders Falls

Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County is a 30 foot-tall, multi-tiered waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek, located within the 77,000-acre Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

A collage of four photos capturing the beauty and experience of visiting Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The top left and top right images showcase the stunning waterfall with water cascading over rocky tiers, surrounded by a dense forest with scattered fallen branches. The bottom left image features a steep wooden staircase with metal railings, leading down through the forest to the falls. The bottom right image shows the trailhead sign for Upper Hornbecks Creek, displaying a detailed map and safety information for hikers exploring the area.

11. Lower Indian Ladders Falls

Lower Indian Ladders Falls is a 25 foot-tall waterfall along Lower Hornbecks Creek, also located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

A collage of four photos related to Lower Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, PA. The top left image shows the 25-foot-tall waterfall cascading over moss-covered rocks into a pool below. The top right image features a wooden and metal footbridge crossing Hornbecks Creek, part of the trail leading to the falls. The bottom left image depicts the trailhead information board for Lower Hornbecks Creek, displaying a detailed map, regulations, and safety tips. The bottom right image is another view of Lower Indian Ladders Falls, highlighting the lush greenery and rocky cliffs surrounding the waterfall within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

12. Childs Park

Childs Park in Pike County, scheduled to reopen in mid-2024 (closed due to storm damage), is home to 3 distinctive waterfalls along Dingmans Creek as it makes its way east to the Delaware River, 3.5 miles downstream.

Factory Falls at George Childs Park in PA

Nearby Attractions

The Pocono Indian Museum in Monroe County highlights the rich history and culture of the Lenape, also known as the Delaware Indians, the original inhabitants of the Pocono Mountains.

A collage of four photos taken at the Pocono Indian Museum in Monroe County, PA. The top left image shows the front entrance of the museum, a white colonial-style building with columns and a ramp leading up to the porch. The top right image displays an interior exhibit featuring Native American artifacts, including a mounted deer head, traditional weapons, and tools. The bottom left image showcases a green exhibit with stone tools and weapons such as an atlatl, spear thrower, post mold, and awl, along with illustrative drawings. The bottom right image captures the gift shop, highlighting a variety of Native American-themed jewelry, dreamcatchers, and clothing, arranged on shelves and racks in a rustic setting.

The Frazetta Art Museum in Monroe County houses the largest collection of Frank Frazetta original paintings and drawings in the world, Frazetta being considered the “Godfather of fantasy art.”

A collage of four photos taken at the Frazetta Art Museum in Monroe County, PA. The top left image shows a wall with framed fantasy artworks, including colorful paintings and detailed illustrations by Frank Frazetta. The top right image captures two framed paintings of a powerful warrior statue set against an ancient cityscape, showcasing Frazetta's talent in creating dramatic scenes. The bottom left image features a row of framed paintings depicting dynamic and mythical scenes, complemented by sculptures and decorative items arranged below on a shelf. The bottom right image displays the exterior of the museum, highlighting a rustic building with a red-tiled roof, an arched entrance, and lush surrounding greenery, creating an inviting and picturesque setting.

Resica Falls is a stunning roadside waterfall located 12 miles north of Stroudsburg in Monroe County.

This collage of five photos provides a comprehensive view of Resica Falls within the Scout Reservation in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. The centerpiece is the broad, tiered waterfall, its white streams rushing over rocky ledges, surrounded by a forest of bare trees with a bridge visible in the distance. Adjacent to this are images of the surrounding natural environment and signage that guide and inform visitors. One sign provides a welcome and lists the regulations for visitors, including the hours of public access from dawn to dusk and the prohibition of dogs. Another warns against going beyond the railings and cables for safety. The entrance sign to the scenic overlook, framed by wooden posts, marks the starting point for visitors to explore the falls. Together, these images encapsulate the experience of visiting Resica Falls, emphasizing the natural beauty and the importance of safety and preservation in this outdoor setting.

Columcille Megalith Park, AKA “Pennsylvania’s Stonehenge”, spans over 20 acres and features more than 90 strategically placed stone settings reminiscent of the megalithic structures found in ancient Celtic lands, with some formations paralleling the iconic Stonehenge (thus the nickname).

The collage features five images from Columcille Megalith Park. The central photo is a close-up of a large dolmen with a flat top stone supported by two standing stones, creating a doorway effect. The top-right photo displays a circle of varied standing stones set in a grassy field with trees in the background. In the top-left, there's a view of a stone circle from a distance, showcasing the arrangement's scale within the landscape. The bottom-left picture highlights the park's entrance sign, nestled among boulders. Lastly, the bottom-right image shows a rustic stone tower, reminiscent of ancient European standing stones, with its irregularly stacked rocks reaching skyward.

Find even more great spots to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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