Best Hiking Trails Near Mewith Waterfalls in Pennsylvania
Discover the most spectacular hiking trails with waterfalls near you in Pennsylvania. From Ricketts Glen's legendary 21-waterfall trail to hidden gems throughout the state, find the perfect waterfall hiking experience with detailed maps, difficulty ratings, GPS coordinates, and insider tips for every skill level.
Top Hiking Trails with Waterfalls Near You
The most spectacular waterfall hiking experiences in Pennsylvania, ranked by beauty and trail quality
Ricketts Glen Falls Trail
The ultimate hiking trail with waterfalls in Pennsylvania. This National Natural Landmark features 21 named waterfalls including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga Falls. The 7.2-mile loop trail offers the most concentrated waterfall experience in the Northeast, making it the premier destination for waterfall hiking near you.
7.2 miles (full loop)
Most Difficult
4-6 hours
Experienced Hikers
Bushkill Falls Trail System
Pennsylvania's most popular waterfall hiking destination with 8 falls and well-maintained trails for all skill levels. Choose from easy 15-minute walks to challenging 2-hour hikes.
Dingmans Falls Trail
The easiest hiking trail with waterfalls in Pennsylvania. A gentle 0.3-mile boardwalk leads to Pennsylvania's second-highest waterfall at 130 feet.
Ohiopyle Falls Trail
Western Pennsylvania's premier waterfall hiking destination featuring spectacular whitewater rapids and multiple waterfall viewing areas in Ohiopyle State Park.
Waterfall Hiking Trails by Difficulty
Find the perfect waterfall hiking experience for your skill level
Easy Waterfall Hikes
Perfect for families & beginners
Gentle, well-maintained trails with minimal elevation gain. Perfect for all ages and skill levels.
- • Dingmans Falls - 0.3 mi boardwalk (130ft fall)
- • Bushkill Falls Main Trail - 0.25 mi (300ft fall)
- • Silver Thread Falls - 0.5 mi easy walk
- • Promised Land Falls - 1 mi gentle trail
Moderate Waterfall Hikes
Some elevation & longer distances
Moderate elevation gain and longer distances. Great for active hikers seeking more adventure.
- • Bushkill Falls Red Trail - 2 mi loop (8 falls)
- • Raymondskill Falls - 1.5 mi (470ft - tallest in PA)
- • Cucumber Falls - 2 mi moderate hike
- • Jonathan Run Falls - 3 mi loop trail
Difficult Waterfall Hikes
Challenging terrain & long distances
Steep, rocky terrain with significant elevation changes. For experienced hikers only.
- • Ricketts Glen Falls Trail - 7.2 mi (21 falls)
- • Bushkill Falls Green Trail - 4 mi challenging
- • Glen Onoko Falls - 2 mi steep scramble
- • Buttermilk Falls - 3 mi difficult terrain
Waterfall Hiking Trails by Region
Discover the best hiking trails with waterfalls near major Pennsylvania cities
Eastern PA / Pocono Mountains
Home to Pennsylvania's most famous waterfall hiking trails including Bushkill Falls and the Delaware Water Gap region with dozens of spectacular falls.
- • Bushkill Falls - "Niagara of PA" (8 waterfalls)
- • Dingmans Falls - 130ft, easy boardwalk
- • Raymondskill Falls - 470ft, tallest in PA
- • Silver Thread Falls - Hidden gem trail
- • Shohola Falls - Off-the-beaten-path
Central Pennsylvania
Features the crown jewel of Pennsylvania waterfall hiking - Ricketts Glen State Park with the most concentrated waterfall experience in the Northeast.
- • Ricketts Glen Falls Trail - 21 waterfalls
- • Ganoga Falls - 94ft, most spectacular
- • Delaware Falls - 37ft, multi-tiered
- • Seneca Falls - 36ft, beautiful pools
- • Harrison Wright Falls - 27ft
Western PA / Laurel Highlands
The Laurel Highlands region offers excellent waterfall hiking opportunities near Pittsburgh, including Ohiopyle State Park and Fallingwater area trails.
- • Ohiopyle Falls - Whitewater & rapids
- • Cucumber Falls - 30ft, easy access
- • Jonathan Run Falls - Multiple cascades
- • Meadow Run Falls - Natural slides
- • Kentuck Knob area - Hidden waterfalls
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfall Hiking Trails
What are the best hiking trails near me with waterfalls in Pennsylvania?
The best hiking trails with waterfalls near you in Pennsylvania include Ricketts Glen Falls Trail (21 waterfalls), Bushkill Falls Trail System (8 waterfalls), Dingmans Falls Trail (130ft waterfall), and Ohiopyle Falls trails.Ricketts Glen offers the ultimate waterfall hiking experience with its 7.2-mile loop featuring 21 named waterfalls including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga Falls.
Where can I find easy waterfall hikes near me?
Easy waterfall hikes near you include Dingmans Falls (0.3-mile boardwalk to 130ft waterfall), Bushkill Falls main trail (15-minute walk to 300ft main fall), and Silver Thread Falls (0.5-mile gentle trail). These family-friendly waterfall trails are perfect for all ages and require minimal hiking experience.
How many hiking trails with waterfalls are in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has over 25 major hiking trails with waterfalls featuring more than 200 documented waterfalls throughout the state. The highest concentration is in the Pocono Mountains, Central Pennsylvania (including Ricketts Glen), and the Laurel Highlands region.Ricketts Glen alone offers 21 waterfalls on a single trail system.
What is the most challenging hiking trail with waterfalls in Pennsylvania?
The most challenging waterfall hiking trail in Pennsylvania is the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail, rated "Most Difficult" by PA State Parks. This 7.2-mile loop features steep, rocky terrain with significant elevation changes and 21 waterfalls. The trail requires proper hiking boots, good physical fitness, and typically takes 4-6 hours to complete.
Start Your Waterfall Hiking Adventure Today
Begin with Pennsylvania's most spectacular waterfall hiking destination - Ricketts Glen State Park with 21 waterfalls and the ultimate hiking experience.