PA Waterfalls

Exploring Raymondskill Falls in Pike County

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.

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

A serene depiction of Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania's tallest series of waterfalls, nestled in Pike County. Water flows powerfully over a series of rocky ledges, creating a multi-tiered cascade. The falls are framed by rugged cliffs and a variety of trees, some with bare branches and others with evergreen needles, indicative of the transition between seasons. A viewing deck with safety railings is perched discreetly at the top right, offering visitors a prime perspective of this natural spectacle. The surrounding forest floor is covered with a mix of fallen leaves and a dusting of snow, hinting at the cold weather.

Raymondskill Falls is billed by the National Park Service as the “tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania” at 178 feet tall.

A natural viewpoint from the top of Raymondskill Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, reveals the water's brink before it descends. The scene captures the edge of the falls where the river gathers momentum, rushing over mossy rocks and a fallen log that bridges the stream. The water flows forcefully off the ledge, giving a sense of the waterfall's height and the rugged terrain. Overlooking the precipice, large rock formations jut out into the frame, their surfaces weathered and textured. The surrounding forest, a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, frames the river, creating a secluded and wild landscape that feels both ancient and untouched.

A series of walkways and observation platforms allow you to safely view Raymondskill Falls from several different angles.

A viewing platform overlooks the lower section of Raymondskill Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. A wooden fence with wire mesh for safety encloses the platform. The falls cascade down in two main stages: a powerful drop from the upper level into a small pool and then a wider, frothy plunge to the base. Lush evergreen trees line the rocky edges, and a lookout with railings is visible above on the top right, suggesting multiple vantage points for visitors. The water's energy is palpable as it crashes into the pool below, creating a misty ambiance in the forested setting.

Directions to Raymondskill Falls

Raymondskill Falls is located along Raymondskill Road, approximately 3 miles south of Milford, the Pike County seat.

If navigating by GPS coordinates, use 41.29016, -74.84120 to find the parking area, where you’ll also find restrooms near the trailhead.

A restroom facility at the Raymondskill Falls parking area in Pike County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by a tranquil forest. The building features a stone foundation with a taupe facade and a gabled roof that has begun to show signs of moss and weathering. A single light fixture glows above the entrance, providing illumination as the daylight fades. In the foreground, there are two waste receptacles—one for recycling and one for trash—indicating a commitment to environmental stewardship. A bulletin board stands next to the building, likely providing visitors with information about the park and its facilities. Tall trees stand sentinel around the area, with the forest floor covered in grass and fallen pine needles.

From the back of the parking area, follow the gravel trail downhill to the upper observation deck above the falls.

A gravel path at Raymondskill Falls, Pike County, Pennsylvania, winds through the forest, its journey marked by a rustic wooden fence. The trail, blanketed with small stones, leads downhill, inviting visitors to explore further into the woodland. Tall, slender trees line the path, their branches bare, suggesting it’s either early spring or late autumn. Leaf litter and fallen branches pepper the forest floor, adding to the natural, undisturbed charm of the landscape. The overcast sky creates a soft light, which accentuates the peaceful ambiance of this outdoor escape.

Exploring Raymondskill Falls

The upper and middle tiers of Raymondskill Falls are extremely photogenic.

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

A series of steep but well-maintained stone steps leads to a large observation platform below the upper and middle tiers.

Hiking trail at Raymondskill Falls to lower observation area.

The lower tier used to be accessible from another, more rugged trail.

The bottom tier of Raymondskill Falls in PIke County. — The bottom tier of Raymondskill Falls in Pike County.

As of my latest visit in April 2024, that trail to the bottom of the lower tier remains closed.

A weathered sign attached to a wooden post with a wire fence in the background at Raymondskill Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania, announces "AREA CLOSED." It states that all National Park Service areas beyond this point are closed to public use and travel due to emergency conditions, as declared by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service. The sign shows signs of wear and vandalism, including graffiti that reads "no fence climbing" and some stickers. It stands as a clear notice to visitors amidst a backdrop of leaf-covered ground and the bare branches of winter or early spring.

So for now, you have a partial view of the lower tier of Raymondskill Falls from a viewing platform near its top.

An overhead view of the lower tier of Raymondskill Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania. A frothy cascade of water plummets down the rugged cliff face, splitting around a protruding rock before merging into a churning pool below. A lone tree, with a trunk speckled in lichen, stands in the foreground, partially framing the waterfall. The surrounding landscape is a mix of bare branches and evergreens, suggesting early spring or late autumn. The rocky edges of the falls are moist and dark, highlighting the natural erosive power of the flowing water.

Other Waterfalls on Raymondskill Creek

Just above the upper tier observation area, an obvious trail breaks off from the trail to/from parking lot and takes you upstream on Raymondskill Creek.

A map of Raymondskill Falls hiking trails in Pike County PA

While there are several smaller waterfalls and cascades to be seen along this stretch of Raymondskill Creek, one unnamed waterfall in particular stands out as exceptional.

Unnamed waterfall on Raymondskill Creek in the Delaware Water Gap.

This 25-footer would normally be a popular destination in its own right.

Unnamed waterfall on Raymondskill Creek upstream from Raymondskill Falls.

The fact that it’s upstream from “the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania” seems to have relegated it to obscurity, but trust me – it’s worth the short hike to see it.

Unnamed waterfall on Raymondskill Creek in Pike County PA.

Nearby Attractions

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

Dingmans Falls in eastern Pennsylvania. — Dingmans Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania.

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.

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 in Pike County.

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.

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

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

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.

Housed in a stunning 1904 neo-classical mansion in Milford, the The Columns Museum 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. — Scenes from the Columns Museum in Pike County.

Be sure to check out 36 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.

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.