36 Must-See Waterfalls in the Poconos

By
Rusty Glessner
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4 photos showing Pennsylvania's leading travel expert Rusty Glessner at some of the best waterfalls in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania.

If you’re looking for directions to the best waterfalls in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania, you’re in the right place!

Indian Ladder Falls in the Delaware Water Gap.
Upper Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County.

The Poconos are home to some of the tallest waterfalls in the Keystone State, and the region offers photographers and nature lovers an exceptional array of waterfalls to discover and enjoy.

Dingmans Falls in the Delaware Water Gap
Dingmans Falls, the second-tallest waterfall in PA.

For the purposes of this guide, every waterfall described is located in one of the counties shaded in green on the map below.

A map highlighting the Pennsylvania counties that make up the Poconos region of the state.
All of the waterfalls described in this guide are located in one of the counties shaded in green above.

To make it even easier for you to find and enjoy these breathtaking sights, I’ve created this interactive map below to provide you with accurate directions to the best waterfalls in the Poconos.

Simply click on the blue text links on the map above or in the descriptions below to view a more in-depth article about each waterfall.

In the lush environment of the Pocono Mountains at Bushkill Falls, Pennsylvania, a wooden boardwalk and railing lead visitors along and over the bubbling rapids of Little Bushkill Creek. The hand-built structure harmonizes with the natural surroundings, curving around moss-covered boulders and vibrant green foliage. The creek cascades forcefully through a narrow channel in the rock, creating white water that adds dynamism to the tranquil forest scene. This picture captures the essence of the area, combining the rustic charm of the boardwalk with the wild beauty of the creek as it carves its way through the Upper Gorge.
Bushkill Falls in the Poconos.

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.
Scenes from Bushkill Falls.

Buttermilk Falls – Carbon County

Buttermilk Falls at Lehigh Gorge State Park is a cascading waterfall along the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail in Carbon County.

Buttermilk Falls at Lehigh Gorge State Park.
Buttermilk Falls in Carbon County.

Buttermilk Falls – Luzerne County

Buttermilk Falls in Luzerne County is a 35 foot-tall waterfall located along the western edge of the Bear Creek Preserve.

A tranquil scene of Buttermilk Falls, located within the Bear Creek Preserve in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, where the water gently descends in a series of white, frothy cascades over stratified rock ledges. Surrounded by a forest of trees and rocks covered in lush green moss, the area is rich with the hues of nature, as fallen leaves in various shades of brown are scattered across the moist, dark stones, adding to the autumnal palette of the landscape. The water’s flow creates a soft, misty atmosphere, adding a sense of peacefulness to this picturesque woodland setting.
Buttermilk Falls in Luzerne County.

Child’s Park in Pike County

Childs Park, home to 3 outstanding Pike County waterfalls, is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2024 after 6 years worth of trail repairs and improvements.

Factory Falls in Pike County Pennsylvania
Factory Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania

Factory Falls is a beautiful 18-footer located near the ruins of an old woolen mill.

How to find Factory Falls in the Delaware Water Gap
Factory Falls at Childs Park.

Fulmer Falls is a 56-footer just below Factory Falls.

Fulmer Falls at Childs Park in Pike County Pennsylvania
Fulmer Falls at Childs Park in Pike County.

Finally, Deer Leap Falls is a narrow 30-foot tall waterfall that seems to slice its way through an enormous rock formation.

Deer Leap Falls in Pike County, Pennsylvania
Deer Leap Falls at Childs Park.

Dingmans Falls

Dingmans Falls in in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area 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.
Scenes from Dingmans Falls.

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.
Scenes from Hackers Falls.

Hawk Falls

Hawk Falls in Carbon County is a 25-foot tall waterfall accessed via a short hike at Hickory Run State Park.

Springtime view of Hawk Falls at Hickory Run State Park
Springtime view of Hawk Falls at Hickory Run State Park

Little Shickshinny Falls

Little Shickshinny Falls is a beautiful 25-foot tall waterfall located on State Game Lands 260 in Luzerne County.

Little Shickshinny Falls in August 2023.
Little Shickshinny Falls in August 2023.

Lower Indian Ladders Falls

Lower Indian Ladders Falls is a 25 foot-tall waterfall along Lower Hornbecks Creek in Pike County.

A long-exposure photograph of Lower Indian Ladders Falls in Pike County, PA, capturing the 25-foot-tall waterfall as it cascades over moss-covered rocks into a serene pool below. The surrounding area is lush with green ferns and trees, with the rocky cliffs adding to the natural beauty of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The photo showcases the tranquil yet powerful flow of the falls amidst a forested landscape.
Lower Indian Ladders Falls in April 2024.

Luke’s Falls

Luke’s Falls at Lehigh Gorge State Park is located along the Lehigh Gorge Rail Trail in Carbon County.

Fall foliage around Luke's Falls in October, 2021.
Fall foliage around Luke’s Falls in October, 2021.

Nay Aug Falls

Nay Aug Falls is a 15 foot-tall waterfall located in a nature park in the heart of Scranton, Lackawanna County.

Nay Aug Falls on Roaring Brook in Lackawanna County
Nay Aug Falls on Roaring Brook in Lackawanna County

Raymondskill Falls

Raymondskill Falls in Pike County is a three-tiered waterfall is billed by the National Park Service as being 178 feet tall.

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

That makes Raymondskill Falls the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania!

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

Resica Falls

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

Resica Falls in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, captured in a tranquil, overcast setting. The waterfall cascades dynamically over rugged rocks, surrounded by bare deciduous trees and evergreens, hinting at early spring. A large pile of driftwood has gathered at the waterfall's base. In the background, a simple wooden bridge spans the calm river above the falls. The image conveys the natural beauty and serenity of the Resica Falls Scout Reservation."
Resica Falls in Monroe County.

Salt Springs State Park

Fall Brook at Salt Springs State Park is home to three waterfalls in a glacially-carved gorge in Susquehanna County.

The second waterfall at Salt Springs State Park.
The second / middle waterfall at Salt Springs State Park.

The first / lower falls on Fall Brook.

The first waterfall on Fall Brook at Salt Springs State Park
The first / lower waterfall on Fall Brook at Salt Springs State Park

The second / middle falls on Fall Brook.

Second waterfall on Fall Brook at Salt Springs State Park
Second waterfall on Fall Brook at Salt Springs State Park

And the third / upper falls on Fall Brook.

Third Falls on Fall Brook at Salt Springs State Park
Third Falls on Fall Brook at Salt Springs State Park

Salvatore Falls

Salvatore Falls is a 25 foot-tall, multi-tiered waterfall located on the State Game Lands 91 in Luzerne County.

A breathtaking view of Salvatore Falls, where water cascades over multiple rock shelves covered with vibrant green moss, located in State Game Lands 91, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The falls are surrounded by a forested area with trees that seem to stand as silent guardians of this serene setting. The fallen leaves and ferns add a touch of autumnal color to the lush greens, while the smooth flow of the water provides a calming presence in the woodland landscape.
Salvatore Falls in Luzerne County.

Savantine Falls

Savantine Falls is a 15 foot-tall waterfall located in the Delaware State Forest in Pike County.

Photo of a male hiker standing near Savantine Falls in the Delaware State Forest, Pike County, Pennsylvania. The hiker, equipped with a backpack and trekking poles, is wearing a red jacket and blue beanie. He observes the broad, flowing waterfall that cascades smoothly over a mossy rock face surrounded by a dense forest. The foreground is rich with vibrant green moss and fallen branches, emphasizing the lush, moist environment typical of this region. The scene captures the peaceful and invigorating experience of hiking in this beautiful natural area.
The author at Savantine Falls in April 2024.

Sawkill Falls

Sawkill Falls is a 25 foot-tall, multi-tiered waterfall located along the Huckleberry Trail in the Delaware State Forest, Pike County.

Photo of the majestic Sawkill Falls in the Delaware State Forest, Pike County, Pennsylvania. This image captures a series of waterfalls cascading over a rugged, rocky cliff surrounded by a dense forest of bare trees and evergreens. The falls create a stunning multi-level display of water flow, with each level contributing to a dynamic overall waterfall system, viewed from a downstream perspective. The water's smooth, silky texture contrasts sharply with the rough, moss-covered rocks and the stark, leafless branches of the surrounding woodland.
Sawkill Falls in Pike County.

Shohola Falls

Shohola Falls is located just a short walk from a parking area on State Game Lands 180 in Pike County.

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

Silverthread Falls

Silverthread Falls, located 0.2 miles from Dingmans Falls in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area,is listed as being 80 feet tall.

Silverthread Falls in the Delaware Water Gap.
Silverthread Falls in the Poconos.

Slateford Creek Falls

Slateford Creek Falls is a series of three waterfalls along a half-mile stretch of Slateford Creek, in the southern portion of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

A collage of 5 photos from hiking to the three waterfalls along Slateford Creek in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Northampton County Pennsylvania.
Scenes from Slateford Creek Falls.

Tanners Falls

Tanners Falls is a 20 foot-tall, multi tiered roadside waterfall, located on State Game Lands 159 in Wayne County.

A stunning visual narrative is told through a collage of five images showcasing Tanners Falls in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. The images depict the dynamic flow of the falls, the rugged beauty of the layered rock formations, and the rustic charm of the bridge that arches over the river. Each picture captures a different angle, highlighting the waterfall's power and the tranquility of the surrounding forested area, bare of leaves. The ruins of an old tannery add a touch of historical mystique to the natural splendor of the site, inviting viewers to contemplate the past amidst the beauty of the falls.
Scenes from Tanners Falls.

Tobyhanna Falls

Tobyhanna Falls is located just off of Interstate 80 in the Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area in Monroe County.

Tobyhanna Falls in the PA Pocono Mountains
Tobyhanna Falls in the Poconos.

Upper Indian Ladders Falls

Upper Indian Ladders Falls is a 30 foot-tall, multi-tiered waterfall along Upper Hornbecks Creek in Pike County.

Indian Ladder Falls in Pike County Pennsylvania
Upper Indian Ladder Falls in the Poconos.

Honorable Mention – Glen Onoko Falls

Glen Onoko, located on State Game Lands 141, adjacent to Lehigh Gorge State Park and Jim Thorpe, is currently closed due to safety concerns raised by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and local EMS providers.

Glen Onoko Falls Trail trailhead near Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania
Glen Onoko Falls Trail trailhead near Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

If and when those concerns are addressed, there are four amazing waterfalls to be seen along the famous Glen Onoko Falls Trail, where visitors have been coming for nearly 150 years.

Chameleon Falls, checking in at 30 feet tall, is the first major waterfall on Glen Onoko Run when hiking up from the bottom.

Chameleon Falls along the Glen Onoko Falls Trail near Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania
Chameleon Falls along the Glen Onoko Falls Trail near Jim Thorpe

Onoko Falls is the second (and tallest at 60 feet) waterfall you’d come to hiking up the Falls Trail.

Onoko Falls along the Glen Onoko Falls Trail
Onoko Falls along the Glen Onoko Falls Trail

Terrace Falls is the third set of waterfalls on Glen Onoko Run, no doubt named for the terraced look of the rock formation it flows over.

Terrace Falls at Glen Onoko near Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania
Terrace Falls at Glen Onoko

And finally, Cave Falls is near the top of Glen Onoko Run, and named so because there is a “cave”, or depression behind the waterfall that a person can stand in.

Cave Falls on Glen Onoko Run near Jim Thorpe Pennsylvania
Cave Falls on Glen Onoko Run near Jim Thorpe

Nearby Attractions

Located just west of the Poconos you’ll find the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania’s most-famous waterfall hike, featuring 21 named waterfalls along a 4 mile loop hike.

Exploring the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park.
Scenes from the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park.

And while it’s not located along the Falls Trail, Adams Falls is the easiest waterfall to reach at Ricketts Glen State Park.

The multiple tiers of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen.
The upper and middle tiers of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

This 36-foot tall three-tiered beauty is located just off of Route 118 along the Evergreen Trail.

The bottom tier of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.
The bottom tier of Adams Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park.

Hickory Run State Park is one of the prettiest state parks in the Poconos region.

Hickory Run Lake at HIckory Run State Park.
Hickory Run Lake at HIckory Run State Park.

Featuring more than 40 miles of hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, unique natural areas, and spectacular scenic overlooks, Hickory Run State Park has a LOT to offer!

A lone tree standing in the Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park.
A lone tree standing in the Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park.

When you’re ready to take your Keystone State waterfall adventures even further, check out this interactive map I’ve created that provides you with directions to HUNDREDS of Pennsylvania’s finest waterfalls!

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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.