Glen Onoko Cascades in May 2009

In reality, the waterfalls in Glen Onoko are actually just one really, really big waterfall/cascade. Cave Falls, Onoko Falls, and Chameleon Falls are the major attractions in the Glen, though the entire hike up to see the falls includes many other beautiful, smaller waterfalls and cascades. The photograph on the right is one the larger and more photogenic of these smaller falls.

As I have mentioned before, the hike up to view the falls is not simple in any sense, though I do not personally believe it is as dangerous as others may say. I thought the hike was going to be fraught with danger, whereas in the end it was rather benign, though not necessarily fun.

Note: As of 2019, the Glen Onoko trail has been closed. I’m not sure when it will (or if it will) reopen.

Directions:

1. From I-476, take exit 74.
2. Take US-209 South toward the village of Jim Thorpe. Go for about 6 miles.
3. Turn right onto PA-903. You will cross the bridge over the Lehigh River and go 0.4 miles to a stop sign.
4. When you get to the stop sign, turn left. I remember the name of the road not being what I thought it would be (it was not Main Street, as expected).
5. After turning left, head down that road, which will veer left again. Take that left. I think you now may end up on Main Street.
6. After about 0.3 miles, you will take another left into the entrance to Lehigh Gorge State Park.
7. Keep driving for a little less than 2 miles to the end of the road, which will be the parking area for the Glen Onoko trail head.
8. From the parking area, you are going to follow the signs and head under the bridge to the trail head.
9. From there, just try and follow the trail. The trail doesn’t seem to end. Cave Falls is the first major drop.

Accessibility: 2/10 (strenuous)
Height: 15′
Length of Hike: 1 mile round-trip (to see all falls)

Where in the World is Glen Onoko Cascades?