Bridesmaid Falls #2, Pennsylvania

The other Bridesmaid Falls in May 2009

Bushkill Falls Park is a really great place to spend a few hours on a beautiful, sunny spring or summer afternoon. There are seven named waterfalls in the park and at least one hidden waterfall. As I’ve said before, there seems to be a wedding theme for a few of the falls. There’s Bridalveil Falls, Bridesmaid Falls #1, and Bridesmaid Falls #2. Each of them is beautiful in its own right, though not as large as the park’s namesake, Bushkill Falls.

I believed I visited the falls earlier in the day, possibly soon after it opened. At that point in time, the park wasn’t particularly busy. After I had visited almost all of the falls, the number of visitors started increasing steadily. If you are crowd-averse, the afternoon may not be the best time to visit. It may seem pricey, but it is definitely worth it for the number of falls you will see.

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: 15′
Length of Hike: 2 miles round-trip (to see all falls)

Where in the World is Bridesmaid Falls?

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Upper Raymondskill Falls #3, Pennsylvania

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

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

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

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?

Lower Gorge Falls, Pennsylvania

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?

Bridesmaid Falls #1, Pennsylvania

Alright, so here’s the confusing part. In Bushkill Falls Park, there are two waterfalls on the same creek that are named Bridesmaid Falls (info on #2). I guess when somebody looked at both of them, the first thing they thought about were weddings. Maybe somebody was getting married and they were really excited? There is also a Bridalveil Falls on the same creek.

While Bushkill Falls is the main attraction in the park, you should definitely visit this group of waterfalls, as they are very beautiful. There is an entrance fee, so take advantage of it. The hike around the park is really very nice.

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: 18′
Length of Hike: 2 miles round-trip (to see all falls)

Bridesmaid Falls #1 in May 2009

Where in the World is Bridesmaid Falls?

Twin Falls, Pennsylvania

Before I say anything else, I want to make sure that people do not trespass on the property Twin Falls is found on. Twin Falls is a waterfall that is in the Delaware Water Gap area very close to East Stroudsburg. The waterfall is on private property, though. This picture was taken from the road, so it is not of the greatest quality. It still gives you a feeling for the falls.

The waterfall is very easy to find though, and it’s not that hard to stop on the side of the road and at least view it for a short period of time (as long as you’re not blocking other cars). It should be some comfort that there are a multitude of far more interesting falls in the area that can be legally visited. Still, I would stop by just for a second to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Directions:

  1. From I-80, take the exit right near the Pennsylvania/New Jersey border that connects onto US-209.
  2. Head north on US-209 for what I remember being about 3 miles or so.
  3. On your left, there will be a Twin Falls Road. (A roundabout seems to be present now, and you may need to exit on Seven Bridge Road first.)
  4. Turn left onto Twin Falls Road. The waterfall will be to the right of you as you’re crossing the first bridge you see.

Accessibility: 10/10 (from the car)
Height: 15′
Length of Hike: roadside

Twin Falls in May 2009

Where in the World is Twin Falls?

Laurel Glen Falls, Pennsylvania

I think Laurel Glen Falls is an extremely cool waterfall, though the waterfall itself might actually be secondary. The falls is found in the Bushkill Falls park, which is very touristy, at least later in the day. While that does mean the area has been built up, it has been built up in an extremely cool way. I think that the the walkway that meanders around the glen is just the most interesting thing I’ve seen in terms of blending a walkway in with nature. It’s just a feast for the eyes to see the walkway weaving and winding.

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.
  6. I believe the red trail leads past Laurel Glen Falls at some point.

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

Laurel Glen Falls in May 2009

Where in the World is Laurel Glen Falls?