PA Waterfalls

Exploring Little Shickshinny Falls in Luzerne County

Little Shickshinny Falls on State Game Lands 260 in Luzerne County Pennsylvania

If you’re looking for directions to Little Shickshinny Falls in Luzerne County, you’re in the right place!

Little Shickshinny Falls in August 2023. — The falls in August 2023.

Little Shickshinny Falls is a beautiful 25-foot tall waterfall located on State Game Lands 260, just west of the town of Shickshinny.

View from the top of Little Shickshinny Falls. — View from the top of the falls.

Little Shickshinny Falls FAQs

Where exactly is Little Shickshinny Falls located?

Little Shickshinny Falls is located 1.25 miles west of the town of Shickshinny, which in turn is located on the west bank of the Susquehanna River along Route 11 in Luzerne County.
A map to Little Shickshinny Falls on State Game Lands 260.

Can I navigate to the parking area for the falls by GPS?

Yes – use GPS coordinates 41.14796, -76.16981 to navigate to the gravel State Game Lands parking lot along Shickshinny Valley Road.
Parking area for Little Shickshinny Falls Trail on State Game Lands 260

Where is the trail head for the Little Shickshinny Falls Trail?

The trail head is located at a wooden Game Commission gate a few yards to the west of the parking lot. IMPORTANT NOTE: The trail head IS NOT at the metal gate at the rear of the parking lot – that trail will lead you east, AWAY from the falls.
Location of the Little Shickshinny Falls Trail head in relation to the parking area.

How far is the hike to the falls?

Short – approximately 300 yards along an old forest road.
The Little Shickshinny Falls Trail.

Can I navigate to Little Shickshinny Falls by GPS?

Yes – the GPS coordinates for Little Shickshinny Falls are 41.14883, -76.17280, although the trail / old forest road leads you directly to the top of the falls.
Little Shickshinny Falls on a sunny afternoon.

How do I get to the bottom of Little Shickshinny Falls?

An obvious, narrow footpath leads down the slope to the bottom of the falls, and a rope attached to a tree acts as a handrail of sorts. However, I have no idea who placed the rope there or how long ago, so ATTEMPT THIS STRICTLY AT YOUR OWN RISK!
A trailside rope near Little Shickshinny Falls.

How big is Little Shickshinny Falls?

Approximately 25 feet tall, and approximately 15 feet wide at the bottom.
Little Shickshinny Falls in Luzerne County.

What else is there to see at Little Shickshinny Falls?

A man-made dam just a few yards upstream from the falls is a very photogenic spot as well.
Dam above Little Shickshinny Falls.

Little Shickshinny Falls Then and Now

Little Shickshinny Falls has been a tourist attraction for many years – I recently found a postcard image of it dating back nearly 100 years!

Vintage postcard image of Little Shickshinny Falls, called Upper Valley Falls at the time. — Vintage postcard image of the falls, called Upper Valley Falls at the time.

While some of the trees around the falls are no longer standing, the overall scene is remarkably similar today.

Downstream view of Little Shickshinny Falls in Luzerne County Pennsylvania. — Downstream view of the falls.

The dam above the falls was also the subject of a postcard.

Vintage postcard image of the dam above Little Shickshinny Falls. — Vintage postcard image of the dam above the falls.

Again – a remarkably similar scene today.

Dam on Little Shickshinny Creek above Little Shickshinny Falls on State Game Lands 260 in Luzerne County Pennsylvania. — Dam on Little Shickshinny Creek above the falls.

While it’s overshadowed by the infinity more famous Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park 15 miles to the north, Little Shickshinny Falls is still worthy of a visit if you happen to be passing through Luzerne County.

Little Shickshinny Falls in the summer of 2023. — The falls in the summer of 2023.

Still not convinced you need to visit out Little Shickshinny Falls?

Then check out this video!

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Nearby Attractions

10 Must-See Attractions in Luzerne County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near Little Shickshinny Falls.

Collage of Luzerne County attractions including a waterfall at Ricketts Glen State Park, a lakeside trail at Nescopeck State Park, exhibits at the Anthracite Heritage Museum, and the Seven Tubs Recreation Area entrance sign surrounded by fall foliage.

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