Pennsylvania

Buttermilk Falls, Pennsylvania

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I really stumbled upon Buttermilk Falls. I don’t remember whether it was in the book I was using, but I do think I noticed it on the GPS. Often, when you see waterfalls on the GPS, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can or should visit them, so I had to wonder…Is this waterfall on private property? Is this waterfall in the middle of nowhere?

Well, I was lucky. The falls might be on private property, but you can visit them. And they are extremely easy to visit! They are right of US-209 near East Stroudsburg. It was Memorial Day weekend in 2009, and just an hour or two earlier, an intense rain/thunder storm had passed through. That had prevented me from looking for the other waterfalls in the book, so I decided to drive north on US-209 to explore. Driving north, I found it relatively easily. It’s right near a real estate office. The falls are more extensive than appear in the picture, but it is difficult to photograph the whole falls in one shot.

Directions:
1) From I-80, take the exit for US-209 and head north.
2) Only 2 or 3 miles north on US-209 (aka 7 Bridges Road), you’ll find Buttermilk Falls Road. Turn right onto Buttermilk Falls Road, and park in the real estate office to your left.
3) Head to the falls, which are pretty obvious.

Accessibility: 10/10

Where in the World is Buttermilk Falls?: map

Buttermilk Falls in May 2009

Onondaga Falls, Pennsylvania

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It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything about Ricketts Glen State Park, so maybe I’ll re-summarize this great park. Ricketts Glen has 20+ waterfalls on approximately 4 miles of trail. I have to admit that it seemed very manageable, at least compared to other hikes I’ve been on. I visited in late May during Memorial Day weekend (actually just before), and it was really the perfect time to visit. The temperature was very comfortable, the spring wildflowers were in full bloom, as were the trees.

Onondaga Falls is not particularly memorable. Ganoga Falls is the tallest. Some are plain more scenic. The falls might actually be taller than appears in the picture.

Directions:

  1. From your starting point, get to the area around Red Rock, PA.
  2. Turn onto PA-487, heading north. Go to the entrance to Ricketts Glen and turn right into the entrance.
  3. Follow the signs to the Falls Trail. You can access the Falls Trail using the Lake Rose parking area or Beach Lot #2 parking area, though you’ll be starting on different creeks. Start your hike on the loop by connecting into the Falls Trail.

Check out my note from Sheldon Reynolds Falls about precautions to take in Ricketts Glen.

Accessibility: 5/10 (moderate)
Height: 15′
Length of Hike: 4 miles round-trip

Onondaga Falls in May 2009

Where in the World is Onondaga Falls?

Upper Raymondskill Falls #3, Pennsylvania

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Normally, most people only end up visiting Raymondskill Falls, clearly the largest of the falls. Upstream of Raymondskill Falls are three other waterfalls that you should check out too, simply because they’re so nearby. The third waterfall is not considerably exciting, though there is a good view to be had.

It’s definitely an enjoyable hike wandering to this group of falls. The first and third falls have better views than the second fall, which is not at a good angle.

Directions:

  1. From I-84, take exit 46 to Milford.
  2. Go east on US-6 for a little more than 2 miles.
  3. Go south onto US-209 for 2.5 miles.
  4. Turn right onto Raymondskill Road. Go 0.3 miles to the parking lots. There are two different parking areas, one with a visitor’s center. Both trails lead to Raymondskill Falls.
  5. From the uppermost viewpoint of Raymondskill Falls, you’ll see a slope that will lead you upstream. The slope is the most difficult part of the journey, as it is rather slippery.
  6. As you head upstream, follow the river as closely as possible. Be careful, though, as there are some steeper drops.
  7. After a quarter mile or so, you’ll come on the the group of three falls.

Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate)
Height: 15′
Length of Hike: 1 mile round-trip

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Upper Raymondskill Falls #3 in May 2009

Where in the World is Upper Raymondskill Falls #3?

Dingmans Falls, Pennsylvania

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Dingmans Falls in May 2009

Dingmans Falls is another spectacular waterfall found on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware Water Gap. Of those waterfalls in the area, Dingmans Falls is one of the easiest to access, and this makes it very popular. It deserves that popularity.

The waterfall is found at the end of a boardwalk leading to the base of the falls. Along the way, you will pass the thinner, but tall, Silver Thread Falls. The boardwalk is handicap accessible. Once you get to the base of the falls, you will see a beautiful combination plunge/cascade waterfall that looks like it’s leaning on its side! It’s a unique waterfall in an area full of waterfalls.

Directions:

  1. As you’re driving along US-209 in Pennsylvania, you will enter the town of Dingmans Ferry. Continue south on US-209 for a short distance.
  2. There will be a sign for Dingmans Falls, and you will turn right onto Johnny B Mountain Road.
  3. Head down Johnny B Mountain Road to the parking lot for the falls.
  4. Head down the handicapped accessible trail. Silver Thread Falls will be the first falls you encounter.

Note about Dingman’s Ferry: This is one of the few places where you can drive into New Jersey across the Delaware River. There are only a few bridges that allow access across the river, so if you’re looking for some waterfalls in New Jersey, this may be a good place to cross. (Buttermilk Falls and other New Jersey waterfalls in the Delaware Water Gap are most easily accessed by crossing this bridge.)

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 75′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Dingmans Falls?

Unnamed Pond Run Falls, Pennsylvania

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The hidden waterfall on Pond Run in Bushkill Falls Park (May 2009)

I have very quickly discovered that we are sometimes very inconsistent in our waterfall reporting.  Sometimes, waterfalls just seem too small to be of interest, especially when there are larger falls nearby.  Other times, the views are just particularly poor (or even non-existent).  The product of this inconsistency is that there are often interesting waterfalls that we just don’t advertise.

Inside the Bushkill Falls Park in the Delaware Water Gap region, there are many major falls.  Along Pond Run, there are a number of interesting falls.  One that hasn’t been named or advertised, though, is this specific waterfall.  I’m guessing that this is simply because trees block getting a very good view of the falls.  Now, I’m not for going and tearing trees down just to get a better view, and I’m not suggesting we should.  But why does this waterfall not get a better viewpoint.  I think it’s very intriguing to ask why this waterfall doesn’t even get recognition while others that were clearly smaller in the park did.

Directions:
1) You can access the Bushkill Falls park from US-209 in Pennsylvania.
2) From US-209, turn onto Bushkill Falls Road near the town of Bushkill.
3) From there, head down that road to the sign for the entrance to the park.
4) Park in the parking lot. The park opens at different times depending on the season, but it is best to arrive as early as possible. It is a very popular attraction.
5) From there, pay the $10 entrance fee, making sure to get a brochure with map. This unnamed waterfall is found above the Bridesmaid and Bridalveil Falls.

Accessibility: 8/10

Where in the World is Unnamed Pond Run Falls?: map

Bridalveil Falls, Pennsylvania

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Bridalveil Falls in May 2009

I don’t have much to say about Bridalveil Falls except to reiterate what I’ve likely said before. Bridalveil Falls is found in the Bushkill Falls Park in the Delaware Water Gap region of Northeast Pennsylvania. There is a fee to enter the park, and there is a beautiful trail leading to beautiful views of ten or so waterfalls.

Bridalveil Falls is found in between the two Bridesmaid Falls (#1 and #2). I think it is taller than it appears in the picture. It’s a rather easy hike to the fails, and there are a number of stairs that lead you up and down the trail. While the sign mentions that the red trail can be strenuous, the overall hike is mild in comparison to some other hikes I’ve been on.

Directions:

  1. You can access the Bushkill Falls park from US-209 in Pennsylvania.
  2. From US-209, turn onto Bushkill Falls Road near the town of Bushkill.
  3. From there, head down that road to the sign for the entrance to the park.
  4. Park in the parking lot. The park opens at different times depending on the season, but it is best to arrive as early as possible. It is a very popular attraction.
  5. From there, pay the entrance fee, making sure to get a brochure with map. The map will help you get to Bridesmaid Falls and its wedding partners.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 28′
Length of Hike: 2 miles round-trip (to see all falls)

Where in the World is Bridalveil Falls?

Upper Raymondskill Falls #1, Pennsylvania

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Upper Raymondskill Falls #1 in May 2009

Normally, most people only end up visiting Raymondskill Falls, clearly the largest of the falls. Upstream of Raymondskill Falls are three other waterfalls that you should check out too, simply because they’re so nearby.

It’s not exactly obvious that these waterfalls are accessible, but they are not terribly difficult to get to. The hardest part is the initial, but very short, climb up a slope that is relatively slippery. After the hike to the falls, you’ll see of the first of the three waterfalls. This is one of the better less advertised waterfalls in the area. I don’t remember how tall it is, but it is surprisingly beautiful. (Here’s more information about Upper Falls #2 and #3.

Directions:

  1. From I-84, take exit 46 to Milford.
  2. Go east on US-6 for a little more than 2 miles.
  3. Go south onto US-209 for 2.5 miles.
  4. Turn right onto Raymondskill Road. Go 0.3 miles to the parking lots. There are two different parking areas, one with a visitor’s center. Both trails lead to Raymondskill Falls.
  5. From the uppermost viewpoint of Raymondskill Falls, you’ll see a slope that will lead you upstream. The slope is the most difficult part of the journey, as it is rather slippery.
  6. As you head upstream, follow the river as closely as possible. Be careful, though, as there are some steeper drops.
  7. After a quarter mile or so, you’ll come on the the group of three falls.

Accessibility: 6/10 (moderate)
Height: 35′
Length of Hike: 1 mile round-trip

Where in the World is Upper Raymondskill Falls #1?

Upper Delaware Falls, Pennsylvania

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I’m not sure that Upper Delaware Falls is actually an officially named waterfall in Ricketts Glen State Park. I have a feeling it’s not, but that I just called it Upper Delaware Falls since it was a short distance upstream from Delaware Falls. Ricketts Glen has multiple drops that are unnamed, but are often just as significant as the named falls. If we named every drop in the park, though, we’d have hundreds of names for significant and insignificant falls!

Directions:

  1. From your starting point, get to the area around Red Rock, PA.
  2. Turn onto PA-487, heading north. Go to the entrance to Ricketts Glen and turn right into the entrance.
  3. Follow the signs to the Falls Trail. You can access the Falls Trail using the Lake Rose parking area or Beach Lot #2 parking area, though you’ll be starting on different creeks. Start your hike on the loop by connecting into the Falls Trail.

Check out my note from Sheldon Reynolds Falls about precautions to take in Ricketts Glen.

Accessibility: 5/10 (moderate)
Height: 20′
Length of Hike: 4 miles round-trip

Upper Delaware Falls in Ricketts Glen State Park, May 2009

Where in the World is Upper Delaware Falls?

Conestoga Falls, Pennsylvania

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Of the many falls in Ricketts Glen State Park, Conestoga Falls is one of the waterfalls with a more interesting name. I remember that it was in the park, though after looking at the pictures, I realized that it isn’t one of the more memorable falls in the park in terms of size or distinctiveness. Actually, it seems like it might be one of the smallest in the park, at least of the named falls. Some of the other unnamed falls in the park seem to me to be even bigger, I guess.

Directions:

  1. From your starting point, get to the area around Red Rock, PA.
  2. Turn onto PA-487, heading north. Go to the entrance to Ricketts Glen and turn right into the entrance.
  3. Follow the signs to the Falls Trail. You can access the Falls Trail using the Lake Rose parking area or Beach Lot #2 parking area, though you’ll be starting on different creeks. Start your hike on the loop by connecting into the Falls Trail.

Check out my note from Sheldon Reynolds Falls about precautions to take in Ricketts Glen.

Accessibility: 5/10 (moderate)
Height: 17′
Length of Hike: 4 miles round-trip

Conestoga Falls in Ricketts Glen State Park (May 2009)

Where in the World is Conestoga Falls?

Lower Gorge Falls, Pennsylvania

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Bushkill Falls Park has 9 or 10 different waterfalls in the park. After Bushkill Falls, Lower Gorge Falls might be the second largest of the falls. The problem is that it is almost impossible to get a very good view/photograph of this waterfall. I was walking along the red diamond trail and approached Lower Gorge Falls. You’ll get good glimpses of the falls, though trees will be blocking your view enough to prevent a good picture. As you get closer to the falls, there is actually a bridge that crosses over the crest of the falls. This will be your best bet in getting a glimpse of the falls.

  1. You can access the Bushkill Falls park from US-209 in Pennsylvania.
  2. From US-209, turn onto Bushkill Falls Road near the town of Bushkill.
  3. From there, head down that road to the sign for the entrance to the park.
  4. Park in the parking lot. The park opens at different times depending on the season, but it is best to arrive as early as possible. It is a very popular attraction.
  5. From there, pay the entrance fee, making sure to get a brochure with map.

Accessibility: 8/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 35′
Length of Hike: 2 miles round-trip (to see all falls)

Lower Gorge Falls in May 2009

Where in the World is Lower Gorge Falls?