Posted in Pennsylvania Nature, Waterfalls February 20, 2022 by

Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To Experience Some Of Pennsylvania’s Most Impressive Caves And Waterfalls

You just can’t beat a good, old-fashioned road trip. Those of us who live in Pennsylvania know how many amazing spots there are to visit, making it easy to satisfy our wanderlust. This road trip to some of the best waterfalls and caves in Pennsylvania promises a whole lot of natural beauty – and will answer that age-old question: Where are there waterfalls near me?

You can customize the directions to add or to delete stops, or use it as inspiration to create your own road trip. Click here to view and/or to customize the directions on Google Maps. (Before you set off on any road trip, call ahead to make sure destinations are open and to check on the hours, so you don’t make any wasted trips.)

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1. Ohiopyle Falls – Ohiopyle
Flickr/Jason Pratt
Let's start our road trip at Ohiopyle Falls in Ohiopyle State Park. One of the best things about Ohiopyle Falls, besides the beauty, is that it's easy to reach. You can view it from several outdoor viewing platforms, or stop by the visitor center, where you'll find a huge window that overlooks the falls. If you want to start a new Christmas tradition, stop by the falls on Christmas Eve, when they're illuminated by shimmering lights. Learn more about Ohiopyle Falls in Pennsylvania on the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.
2. Cucumber Falls – Ohiopyle
Flickr/bobistraveling
Cucumber Falls tumbles less than a mile from Ohiopyle Falls, so you won't have to drive far to get here. Follow the signs for Cucumber Falls, and pull into the small parking lot. From the parking lot, you have an overhead view of the cascading waterfall. If you want to see it closer, just walk down the stairs. You can even walk behind the waterfall for really unique views, if you want.
3. Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park – Centre Hall
Facebook/Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park
Our next stop takes us to Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park. Penn's Cave is the only all-water cave in the United States, making it a one-of-a-kind adventure. You'll have to walk down some stairs for your tour of this magnificent cave. Unfortunately, the tour is not ADA-accessible. After you've returned above ground, you have an entire wildlife park to explore, if you're up for it. You can even go gem mining or escape the Miners Maze. Find more information on the official website of Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park.
4. Indian Echo Caverns – Hummelstown
Facebook/Indiana Echo Caverns at Echo Dell
Bundle up - or at least bring a sweater or a jacket - for your tour through Indian Echo Caverns, which maintains a year-round temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit. After taking a tour of the caverns, you'll find more fun activities on-site that include gem mining and meeting animals at the petting zoo. There are also picnic tables if you want to have a picnic while the little ones play on the playground. Head over to the official website of Indian Echo Caverns for more information.
5. Rattlesnake Falls – Lewisburg
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
We'll head to Gifford Pinchot State Park and Rattlesnake Falls next. Follow the one-mile, out-and-back Rattlesnake Falls Trail, one of the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania, that leads straight to the cascade. If you're up for more exploration, check out some more of the park, which is popular for hiking, boating, and camping. Learn more on the official website of Gifford Pinchot State Park.
6. Laurel Caverns – Farmington
Flickr/David Fulmer
Laurel Caverns, the deepest cave in Pennsylvania, is only open during the summer season, due to bats that hibernate during the winter. However, if you're visiting during the summer months, you'll have the opportunity to take a tour of the cave. If you're a daredevil, try the caving or the spelunking. Visit the official website of Laurel Caverns.
7. Fallingwater – Mill Run
Flickr/Jonathan Lin
Our final stop brings us to Fallingwater, a home built around a waterfall. You probably already know the home as one of Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces. Plan ahead for your visit, because you'll need to make reservations for a tour. Several types are offered. You can also explore the trails outside of the home. Stop by the official website of Fallingwater for more information, including to book a tour.

What are your favorite waterfalls and caves in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! If you’re wondering, “are there any waterfalls near me,” wonder no more. Here are 10 waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania to add to your to-do list.

Address: Ohiopyle Falls, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Address: Cucumber Falls, Stewart Township, PA 15431, USA
Address: Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park, 222 Penns Cave Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, USA
Address: 368 Middletown Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036, USA
Address: Gifford Pinchot State Park, 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339, USA
Address: Laurel Caverns, 1065 Skyline Dr, Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Address: Fallingwater, 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Waterfalls Near Me

February 25, 2022
Beth Price-Williams

What are the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania?

Hiking trails with waterfalls in Pennsylvania are pretty easy to find, but it’s probably fair to say that none is as epic as Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park. The 7.2-mile trail leads to 21 waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. If you prefer a shorter trail that also offers views of the 21 waterfalls, follow the 3.2-mile Highland Trail. Either way, prepare for a challenge, and bring plenty of water and snacks along. (Only experienced hikers are permitted to hike the trail in the winter, and proper equipment is required for the trek.)

Where is Cucumber Falls in Pennsylvania?

Tucked in Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls in Pennsylvania are both easy to reach waterfalls that require just a short stroll. However, the sprawling state park is also home to one of the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania. Follow the Youghiogheny River Trail, a picturesque 3.8-mile path that features a slew of breathtaking scenery – tiny waterfalls, a wooden footbridge, and wildflowers – all leading to Jonathan Run Falls. The waterfall drops just 10 feet but its width makes up for what it lacks in height. Ohiopyle State Park is also home to Meadow Run Natural Waterslides, a popular spot for cooling off in the summer.

Is Raymondskill Falls in Pennsylvania the state’s tallest waterfall?

We have so many gorgeous waterfalls that dot the state. One of the most beautiful, hands down, is Raymondskill Falls in Pennsylvania, which also happens to be the state’s tallest waterfalls. It cascades down 150 feet and features three tiers. Follow the Raymondskill Creek Trail, one of the best waterfall hikes in Pennsylvania, to get to this amazing natural wonder. The .6-mile trail features steps, so some hikers consider moderate it while others give it an easy rating. You can view the majestic cascade from one of two levels, and you definitely don’t want to forget your camera. (Interestingly, if you add each of the three tiers of the waterfall, they’re almost as high as Niagara Falls.)

Address: Ohiopyle Falls, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Address: Cucumber Falls, Stewart Township, PA 15431, USA
Address: Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park, 222 Penns Cave Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828, USA
Address: 368 Middletown Rd, Hummelstown, PA 17036, USA
Address: Gifford Pinchot State Park, 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339, USA
Address: Laurel Caverns, 1065 Skyline Dr, Farmington, PA 15437, USA
Address: Fallingwater, 1491 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464, USA