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.
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.
Go Chasing Waterfalls
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. However, if this is your first time chasing waterfalls or you want to experience some of the state's best, start by visiting the tallest waterfalls in Pennsylvania.
1. Raymondskill Falls
Location: Dingman Township
Popularity: Extremely popular
Need To Know You can view the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania from viewing areas at the top and the lower part of Raymondskill Falls. You cannot go to the base of the waterfall.
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 it's easily accessible along a .03-mile trail. The gravel trail is predominately flat, but you will have to 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
Location: Dingmans Ferry
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know Pets, including dogs, are not allowed on the path to the waterfall.
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 visitors center that is open varying hours from spring through fall. Stroll along a boardwalk for about half a mile to the waterfall. Benches dot the path. You can view one of the best PA waterfalls right from the boardwalk and, if you're up for it, climb stairs to get a bird's eye view.
3. Ganoga Falls
Location: Benton
Popularity: 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 7.2-mile Falls Trail 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
Location: Portersville
Popularity: Very popular
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 waterfall.
5. Bushkill Falls
Location: Bushkill
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know This is a private park that is open seasonally. 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 is one of the best 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
Location: Montrose
Popularity: 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 PA 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.
7. Balanced Rock Trail
Location: James Creek
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.
Boasting several natural wonders, the short and sweet .12-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
Location: Ohiopyle
Popularity: Extremely popular
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. After pulling into the parking lot, walk over to the nearby railing, where you'll see the falls, which tumble down 30 feet, for the first time. 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, .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. Just. 04 miles from Meadow Run Natural Waterslide, Ohiopyle Falls can 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
Location: Mercer County
Popularity: Popular
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. However, 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.
10. Cole Run Falls
Location: Middlecreek Township
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know Leashed dogs are allowed on the 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.
11. Dry Run Falls
Location: Hillsgrove Township
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know The best time to visit is after it has rained.
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. However, 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.
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, is 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
Location: New Florence
Popularity: Popular
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 go to the base. If you go to the base, you can also walk behind the waterfall for a unique experience. The scenic trail also passes two smaller waterfalls, so keep an eye out.
13. Fall Run Falls
Location: Glenshaw
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know The 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.
14. Killdoo Falls
Location: Portersville
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know The 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. The shaded trail passes alongside Slippery Rock Creek, streams, and waterfalls. Proper footwear is a must.
15. Adams Falls
Location: Cook Township
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know Take caution as downed trees are common.
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.
If you've been searching Google for "waterfalls near me," you've just landed on some of the best. Do you agree that these are the best waterfalls in Pennsylvania? Are there others you would like to see on the list? Let us know in the comments! See five of the most beautiful waterfalls in Pennsylvania, including Silverthread Falls and Bushkill Falls, on this waterfall road trip.
Before you set off on any day trip or road trip, consult our road trip essentials packing list. Find more waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania on All Trails.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/pennsylvania/road-trip-waterfalls-pa/
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