The Poconos earned their reputation as a getaway for people who love moving water and green hills, and the region still delivers on both. The mix of public land, state parks and private nature attractions means that you can choose anything from a ten-minute stroll to a full day on the trail. This guide covers the best waterfalls and hikes, and explains how to match them to the ages and abilities of your group.
Easy waterfall walks
Dingmans Falls is the easiest of the major falls to reach. A boardwalk passes Silverthread Falls and leads through a hemlock ravine to the tall, slender main drop, and most of the route suits families and older visitors. Bushkill Falls offers a network of boardwalks, bridges and stairs with routes of different lengths, so you can choose a short loop to the main falls or a longer circuit that passes all eight. It is a private attraction with an admission fee and a seasonal calendar.
Tall and dramatic
Raymondskill Falls is commonly described as the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. It drops in several tiers through a rocky cleft, and a short trail with stairs leads to viewing platforms. The path is rougher than the Dingmans boardwalk but short, and the payoff is a more dramatic view. Stay on the marked paths, because the rocks near the falls are slippery and accidents happen every year.
Boulder Field and Hickory Run
Hickory Run State Park near White Haven holds Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark of boulders left by the last ice age. The field is a short walk from the parking area, but crossing it requires careful footing. The park also has Hickory Run Falls and a network of trails, and its quiet weekdays make it a favorite for photographers. It is free for day use.
Ridge hikes and the Appalachian Trail
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area follows Kittatinny Ridge, which carries the Appalachian Trail. Climbs from the Water Gap give wide views of the notch and the winding river, though the best known viewpoints lie on the New Jersey side. These hikes are moderate to strenuous, and good shoes, water and a map are essential. In summer, start early to avoid heat and thunderstorms.
Lehigh Gorge
The Lehigh Gorge State Park rail trail runs along the river from near Jim Thorpe, offering a flat, scenic route for walking and cycling. It combines well with the scenic railway, which covers the same corridor from a different angle. Plan for the distance, since out-and-back walks can be longer than they look, and carry water and snacks.
Guided options
If you do not know the area or lack a car, a private guided hiking tour with a transfer and lunch is a convenient way to see the best trails. A guide can choose the route according to the water levels, the weather and the group, and adds context on geology and wildlife. Rock climbing and rappelling sessions near the Delaware Water Gap add a more adventurous option.
Seasons
Spring has the strongest waterfall flow, with melt and rain keeping the falls full. Summer brings green woods and swimming spots but also heat, bugs and crowds. Autumn gives colorful ridges and comfortable hiking, with October the busiest month. Winter can be beautiful when ice forms, but access may be limited and trails icy, so check conditions with the park service.
Safety and etiquette
Wear shoes with grip, carry water, and tell someone your plan. Stay on marked trails and boardwalks, keep dogs on leash, and pack out all trash. Check for ticks after hikes in warm months, and wear bright colors during hunting seasons. Cell coverage is unreliable in gorges, so download maps beforehand.
What to bring
A small daypack with water, snacks, a rain layer, a first aid kit and a charged phone covers most walks in the region. Trekking poles help on wet stairs and rocky descents, and a microfiber towel is handy after a swim. A paper map or downloaded offline route is worth the effort, because signs are sometimes missing at junctions. Leave early on weekends, share your plan with someone and turn back if the weather changes, since gorge trails can become slippery and dangerous after heavy rain.
Sample waterfall day
Start at Bushkill Falls when it opens, then drive to Dingmans Falls for the boardwalk, and finish at Raymondskill Falls for the tiered cascade. Eat lunch at a picnic area or in Milford, and spend the late afternoon on the Delaware River by canoe or tube. It is a full but easy day that gives a tour of the region best natural features.
