Posted in Pennsylvania Nature, Waterfalls March 19, 2022 by

The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Pennsylvania Who Loves Waterfall Hikes

Time to brush off the old bucket list! When’s the last time you added some really amazing destinations to your bucket list? Well, there’s no time like the present, right? These waterfall hikes, some of the best hikes in Pennsylvania, each offer pure natural beauty and breathtaking waterfalls. Some are easy while a few should only be conquered by seasoned hikers. Which will you add to your bucket list?

1. Falls Trail – Ricketts Glen State Park
Flickr/Colin Gallagher
Falls Trail in Ricketts Glen State Park may be the ultimate waterfall hike. After all, it will lead you to 21 of the park's 22 named waterfalls. The 7.2-mile trail, however, does feature a variety of challenges, including slippery surfaces and steep climbs. If you're up for it, you'll be well-rewarded with sensational views of all 21 waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. Learn more on the official website of Ricketts Glen State Park.

Ricketts Glen State Park is located at 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814.
2. Shohola Falls Trail – Shohola
All Trails/David Imhof
Enjoy an easy, picturesque hike along the .8-mile Shohola Falls Loop Trail. The popular trail allows dogs and is open all-year around. The highlight of the trail is the stunning Shohola Falls. View more photos and a trail map of Shohola Falls on All Trails.

Shohola Falls is located at Route 6, Shohola Township, PA 18458.
3. Double Run Nature Trail – Worlds End State Park
All Trails/Bryan Waugh
Wear sturdy hiking shoes for your hike along the Double Run Nature Trail in Worlds End State Park. The 2.5-mile loop trail presents some challenges, particularly steep areas. However, the hike also promises stellar views of several waterfalls, including Cottonwood Falls. Learn more about Double Run Nature Trail on All Trails.

Worlds End State Park is located at 82 Cabin Bridge Rd., Forksville, PA 18616.
4. Fall Brook Trail – Salt Springs State Park
Facebook/Friends of Salt Springs State Park
Admire two majestic waterfalls along the one-mile Fall Brook Trail in Salt Springs State Park. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including flying squirrels and porcupine. Without a doubt, the highlight of the trail is the two waterfalls. Use caution as you hike near the waterfalls, as the trail near both tends to be slippery. Stop by the official website of Salt Springs State Park for more information.

Salt Springs State Park is located at 2305 Salt Springs Rd., Montrose, PA 18801.
5. Meadow Run Trail – Ohiopyle State Park
All Trails/Lorrie (LJS)
Get ready for a surprise along Meadow Run Trail in Ohiopyle State Park. The three-mile loop trail will lead you to Cucumber Falls and Ohiopyle Falls. Descend a staircase to get to the base of Cucumber Falls. Then admire Ohiopyle Falls from one of several viewing areas. The trail will also take you past the Meadow Run Natural Waterslide. Yes, you can slide down the gushing natural waterslide. Find more information on the official website of Ohiopyle State Park.

Ohiopyle Falls is located at 124 Main St., Ohiopyle, PA 15470.
6. Bushkill Falls – Bushkill
Facebook/Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls, a private park in Pennsylvania that requires an admission fee, spans 300 acres and boasts eight stunning waterfalls. It's also earned the title of "Pennsylvania's Niagara Falls." The tallest of the waterfalls, Main Falls, drops a stunning 100 feet. The two-mile, picturesque trail will lead you over footbridges and up staircases. Get all of the details on the official website of Bushkill Falls.

Bushkill Falls is located at 138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324.
7. Dingman Falls – Dingman’s Ferry
Flickr/pickselated / Jim
Embark on an easy hike or stroll that will lead you straight to the majestic Dingman Falls. The .8-mile loop trail will take you along wooden boardwalks, culminating in breathtaking views of Pennsylvania's second largest waterfall. Dingman Falls drops a stunning 130 feet, which means you can hear it before you see it. For a bird's eye view of the waterfall, climb a set of wooden stairs. Stop by the National Park Service for more information.

Dingman Falls is located at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Headquarters, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328.
8. Buttermilk Falls – Beaver Falls
Flickr/Joanna Poe
Buttermilk Falls Natural Area offers an easy, picturesque hike to Buttermilk Falls. The hike, which typically takes between five and 15 minutes, will lead you up a stone staircase and past an old quarry. Dip your toes in the cool water of the pool into which the 40-foot waterfall drops. Admire the waterfall from the base or from above. Here's the official website of Buttermilk Falls Natural Area.

Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is located at Route 18 & First Ave. & Homewood Borough, Beaver Falls, PA 15010.
9. Slippery Rock Gorge Trail – McConnells Mill State Park
All Trails/Taitem Kretz
Carry plenty of water (and snacks) with you as you hit the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail. The trail, rated difficult, spans 14.2 miles round trip. However, due to conditions such as slippery surfaces and steep hills, only experienced hikers are advised to use the trail. The rewards, of course, include the breathtaking waterfall. Head over to the official website of McConnells Mill State Park for more information.

McConnells Mill State Park is located at 1761 McConnells Mill Rd., Portersville, PA 16051

Do you agree that these are some of the best waterfalls in Pennsylvania? If so, which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Then, start planning an epic road trip to some of PA’s hidden waterfalls.

Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, Ross Township, PA 18656, USA
Address: Shohola Falls Rd, Shohola Township, PA 18458, USA
Address: Worlds End State Park, 82 Cabin Bridge Rd, Forksville, PA 18616, USA
Address: Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Rd, Montrose, PA 18801, USA
Address: Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Address: Glen Onoko, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, USA
Address: Bushkill Falls, Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA
Address: Dingmans Falls, Delaware Township, PA 18328, USA
Address: Buttermilk Falls, Ligonier Township, PA 15658, USA
Address: Slippery Rock Gorge Trail, Pennsylvania, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Pennsylvania

March 24, 2022
Beth Price-Williams

What are some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Pennsylvania?

A bored, frustrated kid leads to one exhausted adult. One of the best ways to bust that boredom and to shed some of that excess energy is an invigorating, albeit easy, hike. We have so many easy, kid-friendly trails in Pennsylvania that we can never get bored. Keep an eye out for scores of butterflies along the aptly-named Butterfly Trail at Bald Eagle State Park. While on the 1.5-mile trail, you might also spot bald eagles, so keep watch in the sky, too. Admire sweeping views of the Tuscarora Mountain along the One Mile Trail at Cowans Gap State Park. Or, follow the Three Mile Trail, if you’re up for a longer adventure.

What are the most scenic hikes in Pennsylvania?

A drive across Pennsylvania shows off some of the most beautiful scenery – from rolling farmland to majestic mountains – anywhere. If you go off-the-beaten path a bit, you’ll also discover some of the most scenic hikes in Pennsylvania, ones that boast waterfalls, fairy tale footbridges, and lush forest. The Tucquan Glen Loop Trail, for example, runs through a nature preserve of the same name, and is home to a gorgeous waterfall. The trail and the nature preserve are kid, dog, and horse-friendly. The three-mile Orchard Trail, at Hickory Run State, boasts a beautiful waterfall and towering hemlocks. It’s also easy for hikers of all ages and skill levels.

Why should I add Pymatuning State Park in Pennsylvania to my bucket list?

Pymatuning State Park in Jamestown has everything you’d expect from a Pennsylvania State Park – hiking trails (seven miles), boating, three sandy beaches, disc golfing, picnicking, and camping. However, it’s probably best known for its wildlife watching. The Linesville Spillway, in fact, draws visitors from all over (and is hugely popular with the little ones); there are so many carp in the spillway that the ducks walk on their backs. Both the carp and the ducks beg obliging visitors for food. You might also spot a bald eagle if you visit Pymatuning State Park – they’re visible all year around. Find out where to go in the park to see the bald eagles. 

Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, Ross Township, PA 18656, USA
Address: Shohola Falls Rd, Shohola Township, PA 18458, USA
Address: Worlds End State Park, 82 Cabin Bridge Rd, Forksville, PA 18616, USA
Address: Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Rd, Montrose, PA 18801, USA
Address: Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Address: Glen Onoko, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229, USA
Address: Bushkill Falls, Lehman Township, PA 18324, USA
Address: Dingmans Falls, Delaware Township, PA 18328, USA
Address: Buttermilk Falls, Ligonier Township, PA 15658, USA
Address: Slippery Rock Gorge Trail, Pennsylvania, USA