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The Ultimate Pennsylvania Waterfalls Road Trip

If you love chasing waterfalls, Pennsylvania is about to blow your mind.

We’re talking towering cascades, hidden forest gems, and even a few you can walk behind—all packed into one epic road trip.

Some falls take a little hiking, others are right off the road, but every single one is worth the stop.

You’ll find waterfalls that plunge straight off cliffs, tumble over rocky ledges, and spill like staircases into crystal-clear pools.

Some are famous, some are secret, but they all have one thing in common: they’re absolutely stunning.

1. Raymondskill Falls

Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, dropping a total of 150 feet in three dramatic tiers that look like something out of a nature documentary.

It’s tucked inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and you can reach it with a super short (but slightly steep) 0.3-mile hike.

The hike leads to two viewing platforms—one at the top for a bird’s-eye view and one lower down where you can feel the mist on your face.

Fun fact: If you stacked all three drops of the waterfall on top of each other, it would only be about 17 feet shorter than Niagara Falls!

2. Dingmans Falls

Just down the road, Dingmans Falls brings the drama with a 130-foot drop that looks like a giant white curtain spilling over the rocks.

Getting there is a breeze—just follow the super easy, flat boardwalk trail through the woods, past the smaller but still awesome Silverthread Falls, until you reach the main event.

If you’re up for a little extra adventure, climb the staircase to the top for an incredible view, or just hang out at the base and soak in the peaceful roar of the falls.

3. Bushkill Falls

Bushkill Falls isn’t just one waterfall—it’s a whole collection of eight, with the biggest one plunging a dramatic 100 feet into a rocky gorge.

This spot is more of an adventure park than a simple nature walk, with a maze of wooden bridges and trails that wind through the forest.

It’s a paid attraction, but totally worth it if you’re down for a little hiking, some serious photo ops, and the chance to see why they call it the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.”

Please note that the park normally closes for the winter season and typically operates from April through mid -November.

4. Ricketts Glen State Park

If you’re the type who thinks more is more when it comes to waterfalls, Ricketts Glen State Park is your dream come true, with over 20 named waterfalls packed into one epic hike.

The star of the show is Ganoga Falls, a jaw-dropping 94-foot cascade, but honestly, every step of the Falls Trail is like flipping through a nature magazine.

You’ll find waterfalls around every bend, plus towering trees and moss-covered rocks straight out of a fairy tale.

It’s a legit workout (expect steep, rocky sections), but if you’re up for the challenge, this might just be the most magical waterfall hike in Pennsylvania.

5. Sand Run Falls

For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, Sand Run Falls is a serious hidden gem, tucked away in the Tioga State Forest.

The 25-foot waterfall might not be the tallest on this list, but the peaceful setting—surrounded by towering trees and mossy boulders—makes it feel like your own private paradise.

You can get there with a 3.5-mile out-and-back hike via the Mid State Trail, or take the longer 6–7-mile loop for more exploring.

Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a quiet, picture-perfect spot where you can dip your toes in the creek and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

6. Quaker Falls

Quaker Falls is one of Pennsylvania’s newest public waterfalls, and it’s a total win for anyone who loves an easy-access, no-fuss adventure.

The 50-foot cascade tumbles over a rugged rock face, and thanks to a super short trail in Quaker Falls Recreation Area, you can reach it in just a few minutes.

It’s the perfect quick stop to stretch your legs, snap some photos, and enjoy a little slice of waterfall magic without breaking a sweat.

7. Hells Hollow Falls

drquuxum / Flickr

Hells Hollow Falls may have an intimidating name, but this little waterfall is pure magic, cascading gently over layered limestone ledges like a nature-made staircase.

Located inside McConnells Mill State Park, it’s an easy 0.5-mile hike through a shady forest, complete with a footbridge and a peek at an old limestone kiln along the way.

It’s not the biggest waterfall out there, but the peaceful setting and the unique rock formations make it one of those picture-perfect spots.

8. Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls brings the wow factor with a 45-foot drop that spills over a rocky ledge.

The real highlight though is that you can actually walk behind the waterfall for a totally different perspective.

Located in Indiana County, this hidden gem is an easy walk from the parking area, making it a quick but unforgettable stop.

Fun fact: The land was once owned by Fred Rogers’ grandfather, so yep, you’re basically stepping into Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood—just with way more rushing water.

9. Cole Run Falls

Zach Frailey / Flickr

Cole Run Falls might not be the tallest waterfall around, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in beauty.

Tucked away in the Laurel Highlands, this 15-foot cascade tumbles over wide, rocky ledges into a crystal-clear pool, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the region.

It’s just a short walk from the road, so whether you’re up for a quick visit or want to explore the surrounding trails, this little waterfall is an easy win.

10. Cucumber Falls

Cucumber Falls is the kind of waterfall that looks like it was made for postcards—a 36-foot, single-drop cascade that spills gracefully over a rock ledge into a scenic gorge.

Located in Ohiopyle State Park, it’s ridiculously easy to reach, with a quick walk from the parking area and a staircase that takes you right down to the base.

Whether you’re snapping photos from the overlook, walking behind the falls, or dipping your toes in the creek, this spot is pure magic—especially in the fall when the leaves explode with color.


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