We’ve got dozens of waterfalls that we can access via a hike or even simply by pulling over to the side of the road. Chasing waterfalls, after all, is a fun pastime for explorers of all ages, especially in Pennsylvania. However, one Pennsylvania waterfall has been permanently closed due to the incredibly dangerous path that leads to it, and, since its closure, not too many people have seen it in person.
Countless adventurers have seen the falls along the Glen Onoko Falls Trail in Lehigh Gorge State Park, but that number has dwindled considerably since the trail permanently shut down in 2019.
The treacherous trail saw at least 10 deaths between the 1970s and its closure in 2019. In early 2022, a group of hikers set off on the closed trail on a hike that would leave an elderly woman dead.
In addition to the deaths that occurred on the path, which leads to three waterfalls, countless hikers also suffered injuries that required help from local rescuers.
Those who are called in to rescue stranded and injured hikers are usually volunteers and must face the same dangerous terrain, putting even more lives in danger.
The trek to Glen Onoko Falls takes roughly three hours. That timeframe increases when it comes to rescuing hikers, and it often takes more than 20 rescuers to help one hiker. One rescue in 2018 required 50 firefighters.
Before making the decision to permanently shut the trail, the Pennsylvania Game Commission added trail markers and warning signs. Unfortunately, too many hikers failed to follow the signs and heed the warnings – including wearing appropriate footwear when hiking.
Despite the warnings and citations handed out by authorities, plenty of people continue to ignore the warnings. Hiking the trail has become even more dangerous as authorities assert that the trail continues to erode.
Did you hike to Glen Onoko Falls before it was permanently closed? Do you agree with the closure? Share your thoughts in the comments! If you love cascades, you might want to check out this Pennsylvania waterfall, tucked in. the Promised Land State Park.
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