The best PA Waterfalls

If you love waterfalls, Pennsylvania is a fantastic place to travel. PA’s waterfalls can be found throughout the entire state, though with the highest concentrations in the northeastern and southwestern parts of the state.

I’ve personally visited nearly 200 PA waterfalls ranging from 150 feet in height to just a few feet tall. Each one, no matter its size, has provided me with the chance to see this beautiful state, go hiking on some amazing trails, and travel backroads I’d never have found otherwise. (Though I did put together a list of the 10 best waterfalls in PA.)

If you are looking for a waterfall in PA to visit, take some time to browse this page. Whether you want a roadside behemoth or a small drop nestled deep in the woods, there’s a perfect waterfall for every nature lover on this page.

Ultimately, my goal is to have every publically-accessible waterfall in Pennsylvania shown on this page and on our PA waterfall map below. For now, there are well over 100 featured throughout the state to get you started.

Happy waterfalling!

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Waterfalls of Pennsylvania Book by Jim Cheney

“Waterfalls of Pennsylvania” by Jim Cheney

If you love PA waterfalls, you won’t want to miss this brand-new waterfall book from Jim Cheney, author of Uncovering PA, featuring more than 180 great waterfalls. Order it now on Bookshop.org or Amazon.


Map of PA Waterfalls




Favorite Waterfalls in Pennsylvania


Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State ParkThe Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the best waterfalls destinations in the entire region. This trail is home to more than 20 waterfalls, with the tallest being 94 feet in height! If you only have time to hike one trail in Pennsylvania, make it this one.
Raymondskill Falls in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation AreaRaymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfalls in Pennsylvania at 150 feet in height. Located in eastern PA’s Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, this waterfall’s three beautiful drops should be on every waterfall lover’s list.
Cucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State ParkCucumber Falls in Ohiopyle State Park is one of the most impressive waterfalls in western Pennsylvania. Located just steps from the parking area, the waterfall flows gracefully into a pool of rocks below. If you are looking for a waterfall to visit in the Laurel Highlands, don’t miss this great PA waterfall.
Angel Falls in Loyalsock State ForestAngel Falls is located near the Loyalsock Trail in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This beautiful waterfall is one of the largest in PA. There are also two more waterfalls just downstream of the main falls.
Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County, PAButtermilk Falls in Indiana County is one of nearly a dozen PA waterfalls with the same name. This western Pennsylvania waterfall has a staircase that takes visitors to the base of the falls and even behind the veil.
Dry Run Falls in Northeastern PennsylvaniaDry Run Falls is a fantastic roadside waterfall in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This waterfall can be seen from your car, but a closer inspection is definitely warented. Despite its name, this is one of the last waterfalls in the area to run dry.


The Best Waterfall Hikes in PA


If you love hiking, there are many spectacular hikes to waterfalls in PA. Some of these, like the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park, feature many beautiful waterfalls, while others only feature one or two scenic drops. However, if the journey to the waterfall is just as exciting to you as the waterfall itself, these PA waterfalls should be on your list.

Note that some of these require hiking directly up the stream absent of any trail. If you opt to tackle this type of trail, make sure you are fully prepared to get wet, always hike with someone else, and carry necessary survival and navigational gear.

Waterfalls at Salt Springs State ParkSalt Springs State Park is home to one of my favorite trails in PA. While it’s not overly long, the Fall Brook Trail follows the path of the waterway and requires climbing over several small falls to complete the trail. These three northern PA waterfalls and this fun trail shouldn’t be missed.
Hiking Miners Runs in Loyalsock State ForestMiners Run in Loyalsock State Forest is home to half a dozen fantastic waterfalls. While there is an overgrown trail to expedite your return, hiking directly up the stream is required to see the falls here. If off-trail hiking isn’t your thing, the first waterfall can be seen from the road.
Jonathan Run Trail in Ohiopyle State ParkThe Jonathan Run Trail in Ohiopyle State Park is a 3.5-mile out-and-back trail that features three great waterfalls. Upper and Lower Jonathan Run Falls are located down a steep embankment from the trail and require a difficult hike down to see up close. Fechter Run Falls can be seen from a short spur off the trail during times of higher water.
Sand Run Falls in Tioga State ForestSand Run Falls in located in northern Pennsylvania deep in Tioga State Forest. A three-mile hike on the Mid State Trail is required to reach this beautiful spot. If you visit during times of high water, there are three other nearby waterfalls worth exploring.
Waterfalls of Ketchum Run GorgeKetchum Run Gorge is home to four beautiful waterfalls in Sullivan County. This hike is a bit of off-trail hiking and trail hiking along the Loyalsock Trail and is one of my favorite waterfall hikes in PA. All together, this hike is about four miles in length.

 


Easy to Reach PA Waterfalls


Whether you don’t have time for a hike, can’t hike far, or simply don’t like hiking, there are still plenty of great waterfalls that you can see in Pennsylvania. There are many great roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania and many more than can be seen with just a short hike.

What’s even better is that some of the most impressive waterfalls in Pennsylvania are readily accessible to almost everyone.

Dingmans Falls in the Delaware Water GapDingmans Falls is located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and is the second tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. To get to the falls, there is a roughly half-mile handicapped-accessible boardwalk that leads to its base. Along the way, the trail passes the equally impressive Silver Thread Falls.
Hinkston Run Falls near JohnstownHinkston Run Falls is an impressive waterfall located just outside of Johnstown, PA. While this waterfall is man-made, you would never know that to look at it. The waterfall can be best viewed from the side of the road.
Cole Run Falls in southwetern PACole Run Falls is located in southwestern PA. While the waterfall is located deep in Forbes State Forest, a well-maintained dirt road leads to within steps of the falls. From the parking area, it’s less than 50 yards to the top of this scenic PA waterfall.
Shohola Falls in the PoconosShohola Falls is located on state game lands in the Poconos. This is one of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Pennsylvania with the water cascading down a massive set of rocks directly beneath a lake. A variety of viewing spots are available near the parking area.
Freedom Falls in Venango CountyFreedom Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in northwestern Pennsylvania. While this waterfall is hard to find without directions, it’s located less than five minutes from the road. The waterfall sits just upstream of a historic iron furnace that’s also hidden in the woods.
Sullivan Falls in Sullivan County, PASullivan Falls is a fantastic waterfall hidden away in state game lands just a few miles from Ricketts Glen State Park. This majestic waterfalls is located only a couple of minutes down a flat trail from a small parking area. While getting to the bottom of this waterfall is a challenge, seeing it from the top is well worth the minimal effort required to get here.


Our Newest Pennsylvania Waterfall Guides




Regional PA Waterfall Guides


Waterfalls near Philadelphia, PAWaterfalls Near Philadelphia While there aren’t many waterfalls in southeastern Pennsylvania, there are still a few waterfalls near Philadelphia. Check out our top picks for waterfalls that can be seen on day trips from the city.
Waterfalls near Pittsburgh, PAWaterfalls Near Pittsburgh There are many great waterfalls near PIttsburgh, including one just a short drive from downtown. Check out these great western PA waterfalls, which include some of my favorites in the entire state.
Waterfalls in the PoconosWaterfalls in the Poconos The Poconos Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania are home to some of the state’s tallest waterfalls. Whether you are looking for well known falls or hidden ones, we’ve got you covered in this great guide.
Waterfalls in Ohiopyle State ParkWaterfalls in Ohiopyle State Park Southwestern PA’s Ohiopyle State Park is home to many fantastic waterfalls. Our guide to the park’s waterfalls includes both those on the park map, as well as some hidden falls that are harder to find.
Best PA State Parks for WaterfallsBest PA State Parks for Waterfalls If you love waterfalls, you won’t want to miss these Pennsylvania State Parks. Scattered throughout the state, these parks are the best destinations for those wanting to see these great falls.
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