15 Breathtaking Waterfalls You’ll Find in Pennsylvania

Living in Pennsylvania means being spoiled by natural beauty everywhere we go, but little compares to the magnificence of its many waterfalls. From hundreds of named waterfalls to smaller, hidden waterfalls that we merely stumble across, Pennsylvania is a waterfall paradise. Each of the best waterfalls in Pennsylvania is worthy of a spot on your bucket list. Here are 15 of our favorite cascades in the Keystone State.

Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.

Tallest Waterfalls in Pennsylvania

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Pennsylvania are tiny but spellbinding, while others cascade more than a hundred feet. Each is bucket list-worthy, but if this is your first time chasing waterfalls or you want to experience some of the state's best, visit the tallest waterfalls in Pennsylvania.

1. Raymondskill Falls, Dingman Township

• Location: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Dingman Township, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This spot is extremely popular.
• Need to Know: You can view the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania from viewing areas at the top and lower part of Raymondskill Falls. You cannot go to the base of the waterfall. There are fees to enter the park, or you can bring your National Parks Pass.

Raymondskill Falls, at 150 feet, is so tall that, if you combined all three tiers, it would be slightly shorter than Niagara Falls. What makes this one of the most beautiful Pennsylvania waterfalls, however, is its easy accessibility along a .03-mile trail. The gravel trail is predominantly flat, but you must climb a stone staircase, which can be challenging for some visitors. The biggest waterfall in Pennsylvania is simply breathtaking all year round, so consider planning a visit in each season.

2. Dingmans Falls, Dingmans Ferry

• Location: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This waterfall is very popular.
• Need to Know: Pets, including dogs, are not allowed on the path to the waterfall. A fee is charged to enter the park, or you can use your National Parks Pass.

Editor's Note: Dingman's Falls access road, visitor center, and trail have been closed as of December 2025 for maintenance. Stay tuned to AllTrails for updates on reopenings.

After you've visited Raymondskill Falls, make your way to Dingmans Falls, the second-tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania at 130 feet. Dingmans Falls, around 15 minutes from Raymondskill Falls, features a visitor's center that is open varying hours from spring through fall. Stroll along a boardwalk for about half a mile to the waterfall, or sit on a bench along the path to soak in the scenery. You can view one of the best Pennsylvania waterfalls right from the boardwalk or, if you're up for it, climb stairs to get a bird's eye view.

3. Ganoga Falls, Benton

• Location: Ricketts Glen State Park in Benton, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This waterfall is extremely popular.
• Need to Know: Ganoga Falls sits along Falls Trail and is closed during the winter unless you have the proper equipment and check in with the front office. Let someone know where you are, as there is no cell service.

Tucked along one of the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania, Ganoga Falls cascades down 94 feet. You can view it along the challenging 6.9-mile Rickets Glenn Falls Loop or the shorter and somewhat easier 3.7-mile Highland Trail. The longer Falls Trail passes 21 named waterfalls and scores a difficult rating due to such challenges as rocky terrain. If you plan to follow the Falls Trail to Ganoga Falls, you can find parking at the Lake Rose Trailhead, then walk 10 minutes from the parking lot to the trail.

Best Waterfall Hikes in Pennsylvania

Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Pennsylvania sit along scenic hiking trails. Before setting off on any waterfall hike, slip on sturdy shoes; pack plenty of water and sunscreen, and let someone know where you're going. Here are a few of the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania.

4. Hell’s Hollow Trail, Portersville

• Location: McConnells Mill State Park in Portersville, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This is a very popular waterfall trail.
• Need to Know: If you're hiking on the weekend, arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds.

Meandering through McConnells Mill State Park in Portersville, Hell's Hollow Falls Trail is an easy one-mile out-and-back trail. Wear a pair of sturdy shoes because it does get slippery the closer you get to the waterfall. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Western Pennsylvania, Hell's Hollow Falls boasts a drop of 15 feet and is 20 feet wide. You can also climb a staircase for a bird's eye view of the flowing cascade.

5. Bushkill Falls, Bushkill

• Location: Bushkill, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This trail is very popular.
• Need to Know: This is a private park that is open seasonally, reopening every spring. You will have to pay an admission fee.

Second only to Rickett's Glen State Park's Falls Trail, the Red Trail at Bushkill Falls, also known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," is one of the best waterfall hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Tallying two miles, the scenic path passes all eight of the park's waterfalls. The trail has stairs but is relatively easy otherwise. If you prefer a shorter hike, check out the Green, Yellow, or Blue Trails. After chasing the waterfalls at Bushkill Falls, grab a bite to eat from the snack bar, try your hand at gem mining, or watch the kids at the playground.

6. Fall Brook Trail, Montrose

• Location: Salt Springs State Park in Montrose, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This park is fairly popular.
• Need to Know: The trail is kid-friendly and dog-friendly.

Fall Brook Trail wanders one mile through Salt Springs State Park and passes two of the most beautiful Pennsylvania waterfalls. Take care as you get closer to the waterfalls, as the terrain is usually slippery. You can even get a glimpse of Upper Falls, which you can see up close if you follow the Gorge Trail. Once you're done gazing upon the cascades, check out all the other natural beauty of this state park.

7. Balanced Rock Trail, James Creek

• Location: Trough Creek State Park in James Creek, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This trail and park are very popular.
• Need to Know: Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

Boasting several natural wonders, the short and sweet 0.5-mile Balanced Rock Trail at Trough Creek State Park snags an easy rating, and it's certainly one for the bucket list. While the highlight is undoubtedly Rainbow Falls, you'll also cross a swinging bridge, view Balanced Rock (a one-of-a-kind rock formation), and arrive at an ice mine. While you only need 15 minutes to complete the hike, plan to spend more time checking out each of the natural wonders along the trail.

Accessible Waterfalls in Pennsylvania (No Hiking Required)

Many of the waterfalls in Pennsylvania are easily accessible, requiring only a short walk. If adventure calls when you don't have much time, check out these easily accessible waterfalls in Pennsylvania.

8. Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle

• Location: Ohiopyle State Park in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This is one of the most popular waterfalls in Pennsylvania.
• Need to Know: Cucumber Falls is less than a mile from Ohiopyle Falls and Meadow Run Natural Waterslides, making it easy to check out all three during one visit.

One of the gems of Ohiopyle State Park in Western Pennsylvania, about 70 miles from Pittsburgh, Cucumber Falls is easy to reach via a 0.3-mile trail. After pulling into the parking lot, walk over to the nearby railing, where you'll see the falls that tumble down 30 feet. If you're up for a bit of a hike, walk down the stairs that lead to the base of the waterfall.

You can also drive to Meadow Run Natural Waterslides, about .04 of a mile from Cucumber Falls. The natural waterslides can get extremely busy during the summer, but they're well worth a visit, even if you're not going for a dip. The nearby Ohiopyle Falls can also be viewed from inside the visitor center or from a viewing platform. (If you want to make a day of it, Fallingwater, the famous home built over a waterfall, is four miles from Ohiopyle Falls.)

9. Springfield Falls, Mercer County

• Location: State Game Lands Number 284 in Mercer County, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This is a popular yet hidden waterfall.
• Need to Know: Springfield Falls is well-hidden, so you may want to use GPS to find it.

One of the most breathtaking hidden waterfalls in Pennsylvania, Springfield Falls tumbles 20 feet and is 40 feet wide. Pull into the parking lot that sits across the street from the falls; cross the street, and peer down for a bird's eye view. You can hike to the base of the falls, but just note that the trail is steep and can be incredibly slippery after it rains. If you're up for the challenge, you can dip your feet into the waterfall's pool once you arrive at the base. It's truly a gem of natural beauty in the Keystone State.

10. Cole Run Falls, Middlecreek Township

• Location: Forbes State Forest in Middlecreek Township, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This waterfall overlook and park are fairly popular.
• Need to Know: Leashed dogs are allowed on the 2.7-mile trail.

Keep an eye out for Cole Run Road in Forbes State Forest, and pull over when you arrive at the parking lot. From there, cross the street, where you'll see Cole Run Falls. The 15-foot waterfall is perhaps one of the most hidden waterfalls in Pennsylvania. If you're visiting on a hot day, dip your feet into the waterfall's pool to cool off. After a visit to the waterfall, you can stroll along other stunning trails in the forest.

11. Dry Run Falls, Hillsgrove Township

• Location: Loyalsock State Forest in Hillsgrove Township, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This waterfall and forest are fairly popular.
• Need to Know: The best time to visit is after it has rained; there will be fewer crowds, and the waterfall will be rushing. Sometimes, the road that leads to the fall is closed due to the weather.

Dry Run Falls sits along Dry Run Road in Loyalsock State Forest in Sullivan County and is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Pennsylvania. You can even view it without getting out of your car. But you might want to pull over into the parking area for a closer look. Small but mighty, Dry Run Falls cascades down 20 feet. If you're not in a hurry, bring a picnic along—there are several picnic tables near the parking area. It's a great waterfall to visit during a Pennsylvania road trip.

Best Waterfalls Near Pittsburgh

From Freedom Falls to Shohola Falls, Pennsylvania, is brimming with magnificent cascades. Ricketts Glen State Park's 21 cascades, tucked along the Falls Trail, are arguably the place to go to chase waterfalls. But in Western Pennsylvania, you'll also find countless cascades, including the best waterfalls near Pittsburgh.

12. Buttermilk Falls, New Florence

• Location: Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in New Florence, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This is a fairly popular destination.
• Need to Know: Use your GPS, unless you've visited before. Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is hidden in the country.

Just over an hour from downtown Pittsburgh, Buttermilk Falls in New Florence has ties to one of Western Pennsylvania's favorite sons: Mister Rogers. His grandfather once owned the land that is now Buttermilk Falls Natural Area. A quiet, narrow road leads to the parking area and the trailhead for the half-mile out-and-back trail that will take you to Buttermilk Falls. Get a bird's-eye view of the 45-foot waterfall from a viewing platform, or go down a steep set of stairs to get to the base. If you choose the latter, you can walk behind the waterfall for a beautiful view. Bonus: The scenic trail also passes two smaller waterfalls, so keep an eye out.

13. Fall Run Falls, Glenshaw

• Location: Fall Run Park in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This spot is fairly popular.
• Need to Know: The 1.4-mile trail is rocky in spots, so it is best hiked in appropriate shoes. Keep an eye out for slick spots.

Known as the only named waterfall in Allegheny County, Fall Run Falls sits along a one-mile out-and-back trail. Cross over footbridges, past tiny waterfalls, unique rock formations, and colorful wildflowers in the warmer months. View the waterfall from the base, or climb stairs for a bird's eye view. You can even walk into the shallow pool of Fall Run Falls—making it an especially fun activity during a hot summer day. Plus, it's only about a 20-minute drive outside of Pittsburgh.

14. Kildoo Falls, Portersville

• Location: McConnells Mill State Park in Portersville, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This trail and park are very popular.
• Need to Know: The 3.1-mile trail is moderately challenging. Be prepared to deal with rocky and potentially slippery terrain, and to climb stairs.

Nestled in McConnells Mill State Park, the scenic Kildoo Trail tallies just over three miles. Pick up the trailhead at the enchanting Eckert Covered Bridge. Then continue on the shaded trail, which passes alongside Slippery Rock Creek, babbling streams, and cute little waterfalls. Proper footwear is a must to see one of the most scenic waterfalls in Pennsylvania, a popular escape just 40 minutes from the city of Pittsburgh.

15. Adams Falls, Cook Township

• Location: Linn Run State Park in Cook Township, Pennsylvania
• Popularity: This waterfall destination is fairly popular.
• Need to Know: Take caution, as downed trees are common at this park.

Nestled in Linn Run State Park, Adams Falls sits along the 1.3-mile Adams Falls Loop Trail. Considered moderately challenging, the scenic hiking trail near Pittsburgh requires sturdy shoes due to the rough terrain and downed trees. Your best bet is to visit during the spring or after it rains; otherwise, the waterfall may be just a trickle. Linn Run State Park also features ruins of an old gun club, unique rock formations, and breathtaking views.

Ready to start chasing waterfalls right here in the Keystone State? Check out Only In Your State's itinerary planner to help you discover the best lodging, dining, and must-see attractions near the falls of your choice. Who knows: you might end up planning the best waterfall road trip of all time!