If you’re looking for a road trip with a big wow factor, eastern Pennsylvania is calling your name.
This route has everything from towering waterfalls hidden deep within forests, peaceful boardwalk trails, and old-timey mills that still run like they were in 1799.
You’ll hike behind waterfalls, watch giant wooden gears turn, and maybe even snack on some fresh-ground cornmeal (yep, that’s a thing).
Whether you’re into nature and history or just want to explore some seriously cool places off the highway, this road trip is packed with stops you won’t want to miss.
1. Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park is located 30 miles north of Bloomsburg, and it’s one of the best places in the state to chase waterfalls.
It’s home to more than 20 named waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, which is located along a steep, rocky loop called the Falls Trail.
The park also has Lake Jean, where you can swim, kayak, or just chill out on the beach after hiking.
Fun fact: Many of the waterfalls are actually named after Native American tribes!
2. Raymondskill Falls
Just a short drive east, you’ll hit Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania.
This three-tiered cascade drops 150 feet, which is just a bit shorter than Niagara, and you can see it all from a super easy trail that’s less than a mile round-trip.
There’s a wooden viewing platform right near the top and another one below, so you can take epic photos from different angles without breaking a sweat.
It’s tucked inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which means you’ll also find tons of other waterfalls and hiking spots nearby.
3. Dingmans Falls
Continue heading south, and you’ll reach Dingmans Falls.
The hike here is more of a stroll with a stunning reward at the end.
The flat, easy boardwalk trail cuts through a quiet hemlock forest, guiding you straight to a 130-foot waterfall that pours down a moss-covered cliff.
On the way, you’ll pass Silverthread Falls, a skinny little waterfall that drops 80 feet in one long, smooth ribbon—it’s the perfect warm-up before the big show.
This place is family-friendly and mostly wheelchair accessible, so it’s a great pick if you want stunning views without a tough hike.
4. Bushkill Falls
Then there’s Bushkill Falls, the so-called “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” and yes, it’s every bit as dramatic as it sounds.
It features a network of eight waterfalls, all linked by wooden walkways and staircases that zigzag through a lush, fern-filled gorge.
You’ll need to buy a ticket to get in (yes, it’s privately owned), but the well-marked trails and epic views totally make it worth it.
There are four trail options, from easy loops to moderately challenging routes, so you can choose your own adventure and waterfall hop all day long.
5. Newlin Grist Mill
After all those waterfalls, switch things up with a stop at Newlin Grist Mill, a historic 18th-century mill that’s still grinding corn the old-fashioned way.
It’s located in Glen Mills, near Philly, and offers a glimpse into the past with its working waterwheel and old stone buildings.
There’s also a peaceful nature trail with streams, ponds, and wildflowers, so you can stretch your legs and soak up some countryside views.
If your timing’s right, you can catch blacksmith demos and rotating historical programs so yes, it’s more than a quick photo stop.
6. The Mill at Anselma
From there, head west to check out The Mill at Anselma, a well-preserved 1700s mill that’s been running for over 270 years.
It’s located in Chester Springs, and you can still see the original wooden gears in action, grinding flour with water power just like they did in colonial times.
The site has a laid-back, countryside feel, with trails around the creek and peaceful spots to take in the scenery.
If you’re into cool old tech and stories from the past, this stop totally delivers on that.
7. Mascot Roller Mills
Finally, wrap things up at Mascot Roller Mills, a beautiful stone structure in Lancaster County that looks like a postcard.
Built in 1737, this mill still runs like clockwork, with roller mills churning and leather belts spinning just as they did generations ago.
You can take a free tour led by knowledgeable guides who’ll walk you through every creaky floorboard and explain how the mill ran as a family business for generations.
Right next door is a cozy old farmhouse you can peek into too!
(The mill normally closes over winter and usually reopens in May.)
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