PA Waterfalls

Exploring Dingmans Falls and Silverthread Falls in Pike County

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.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Dingmans Falls and Silverthread Falls in Pike County, you’re in the right place!

A majestic view of Dingmans Falls, captured from the base platform, showcases the powerful cascade of water tumbling down multiple tiers. The falls are surrounded by a lush, verdant forest with trees just beginning to bud, indicating early spring. The rock faces on either side of the falls are dark and moist with mosses and other small plants clinging to them, emphasizing the raw beauty of this natural scene in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The water's milky white appearance, created by a slow shutter speed, contrasts with the dark rocks and hints at the serene yet dynamic atmosphere of the location. — Dingmans Falls in early April.

Dingmans Falls and Silverthread Falls are two of the most accessible, most popular, and tallest waterfalls in the Delaware Water Gap region of Pike County.

Silverthread Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. — Silverthread Falls.

Located just off of Route 209, the main north-south highway through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a short stroll along a well-maintained boardwalk offers you the chance to see two massive waterfalls without much effort at all.

Boardwalk trail at DIngmans Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. — Boardwalk trail at Dingmans Falls in Pike County.

Directions to Dingmans Falls and Silverthread Falls

A map to Dingmans Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania.

Turn off of Route 209, just south of the Dingmans Ferry Access, and follow the signs and road 1 mile to the Dingmans Falls Visitors Center.

An informative sign stands prominently in a natural setting, its rusty red background catching the eye. It reads "Dingmans Falls Visitor Center" with an arrow pointing to the right, indicating the direction to proceed. Below, in bold letters, it says "Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area," suggesting that the visitor center is part of this larger protected area. Leafless trees in the background suggest a late fall or early spring season, with the ground covered in a thin layer of brown leaves and the hint of green grass beginning to emerge. The scene captures the informative start of an adventure in Pike County, Pennsylvania.

Important note: check the National Park Service website for the latest information on if/when the Visitors Center and/or road to the Visitors Center is closed.

A quaint visitor center at Dingmans Falls, painted in olive green with yellow trimmings, sits nestled in the woods of Pike County, Pennsylvania. The gabled roof and decorative woodwork add to its rustic charm. A large sign with the name "Dingmans Falls" is mounted on the front of the building, above a crest that reads "National Park Service." A wooden footbridge with handrails on the right leads to another smaller structure in the background, suggesting a connected complex within the park. Leafless trees and a floor of fallen leaves suggest the quietness of late fall or early spring, while the overcast sky gives the scene a soft, diffused light. — The Visitors Center at Dingmans Falls in Pike County, PA

If you’re visiting in the winter or early spring, the access road may be gated, meaning you have to park in the lot along Route 209 and walk a mile to the Visitor Center.

The gated entrance to Dingmans Falls in Pike County Pennsylvania. — Gate across the access road to Dingmans Falls near its intersection with Route 209.

Exploring Silverthread Falls

Silverthread Falls is billed by the National Park Service as being 80 feet tall, although it seems taller as you stand at the base of it.

Silverthread Falls in the Delaware Water Gap.

It’s located 2-3 minutes from the Visitors Center, accessed via the aforementioned boardwalk that is both stroller and wheelchair-friendly.

Boardwalk trail between Dingmans Falls and Silverthread Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania.

Exploring Dingmans Falls

Continuing past Silverthread Falls and down the boardwalk another 0.2 miles, you’ll arrive at the base of Dingmans Falls.

Dingmans Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania

Dingmans Falls is billed as being “the second tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania” at 130 feet tall.

This image captures Dingmans Falls from a vantage point amidst the surrounding foliage in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The falls flow in a multi-tiered cascade through a narrow channel, carved into a hillside covered in the leafless trees of early spring. Rhododendron bushes with their broad, dark green leaves and white blossoms are in the foreground, adding a touch of life to the otherwise dormant landscape. The smooth, white streams of the waterfall stand out against the rugged brown and green textures of the rock and plant life, creating a serene and natural spectacle. The calm water at the bottom suggests a peaceful pool before the river continues on its journey.

Ironically (or fortuitously) the “tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania“, 178 foot Raymondskill Falls, is located just minutes away.

Raymondskill Falls in Pennsylvania — Upper and middle tiers of Raymondskill Falls in Pike County PA.

Dingmans Falls is quite an impressive specimen, and photos don’t do justice to the sound or sensation of the spray coming off of is as you stand on the boardwalk near its base.

Dingmans Falls in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania.

A staircase takes you to the top of the falls, if you want to see Dingmans Falls from that angle.

A well-worn wooden staircase leads upwards, nestled within the verdant foliage of Dingmans Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The sturdy handrails on either side guide visitors along the ascent. Broadleaf plants with their large green leaves crowd the edges of the stairs, while a variety of trees can be seen in the background, creating a canopy of leaves overhead. The steps are covered with fallen leaves and forest debris, hinting at the natural and less-traveled path. This stairway invites visitors to explore further and promises a rewarding view at the top. — Staircase leading to the top of Dingmans Falls.

If you do venture to the top, don’t stray from the viewing platform, as it’s a 130 foot drop to the bottom.

Alt text: An aerial perspective of a river gorge at Dingmans Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. The view is taken from the top of the falls, where the water rushes over the edge, frothy and white. Lush green moss and ferns cling to the rocky outcrops, and bare trees with thin, intricate branches reach out over the chasm, enhancing the wild beauty of the scene. A wooden observation platform can be seen in the lower right, providing visitors a close-up experience of the natural spectacle, while another viewing area is visible in the distance, nestled within the dense woodland. The image captures the untamed essence of the area, highlighting the contrast between the peaceful woodland and the dynamic water flow. — View from the top of the falls.

When you’ve had your fill of Dingmans Falls, simply backtrack along the boardwalk to your vehicle.

Dingmans Falls in the Delaware Water Gap

Nearby Attractions

As already mentioned, Raymondskill Falls and a few unnamed waterfalls upstream from it on Raymondskill Creek are only minutes away.

Unnamed waterfall on Raymondskill Creek in Pike County PA

While not nearly as tall, Shohola Falls, along Route 6 in Pike County makes for a scenic pitstop.

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. — Shohola Falls on State Game Lands 180 in Pike County, Pennsylvania.

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. — Scenes from Hackers Falls.

Sawkill and Savantine Falls are a pair of picturesque but seldom-seen 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. — Scenes from Sawkill and Savantine 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. — Scenes from Bushkill 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. — Scenes from Upper 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. — Scenes from Lower Indian Ladders Falls.

Be sure to check out 27 Must-See Waterfalls in the Poconos for an in-depth look at many of eastern Pennsylvania’s finest waterfalls.

Hawk Falls at Hickory Run State Park in Pennsylvania

The Best Waterfalls in the Poconos Road Trip is a ready-made, round trip excursion to some of the best waterfalls in eastern PA.

A road map to the best waterfalls in the Poconos region of eastern Pennsylvania. — Road map to the best waterfalls in the Poconos.

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide is THE best online resource for PA waterfall lovers, with detailed directions to HUNDREDS of waterfalls across Pennsylvania!

The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfall Guide created by Rusty Glessner — **The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Guide** by Rusty Glessner, creator of PABucketlist.com.

Exploring the Best National Park Sites in Pennsylvania is your guide to even more Keystone State attractions managed by or affiliated with the National Park Service.

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