From a 25-foot cascade inside Hickory Run to Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall near Milford, the Poconos hold a real cluster of waterfall hikes — most short enough to fit into a single afternoon.
Pennsylvania's best waterfall hiking is concentrated almost entirely in one place: the Delaware Water Gap corridor along Route 209, where Raymondskill Falls, Dingmans Falls, and George W. Childs Park all sit within a few miles of each other near our Promised Land Lake destination. Hickory Run State Park adds a sixth, shorter option near Big Boulder Lake. Below are six trails worth lacing up boots for, organized by which of our destinations they're closest to — including a clear note on Dingmans Falls' current construction closure, since it remains one of the most-searched waterfalls in the state. (Glen Onoko Falls Trail, the Poconos' other famous waterfall hike, has been closed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission since May 1, 2019 and isn't included below — see our hikes journal entry for the full story.)
Which Pocono waterfall is the tallest?
Raymondskill Falls is Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall, at more than 150 feet. It is a three-tiered cascade on Raymondskill Creek near Milford, reached by a short, steep 0.3-mile out-and-back with two viewing platforms. The stone steps pack about 178 feet of elevation gain into that distance, so it rates moderate despite the length, and it takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Flow is heaviest in spring, and the hemlock ravine stays cool in midsummer. Dingmans Falls, at 130 feet, is the second-tallest in the state.
Which waterfall hike is easiest for families?
Four of the six trails here are rated easy. Hawk Falls is a 1.2-mile out-and-back to a 25-foot waterfall in Hickory Run State Park, with 134 feet of elevation gain and a short rock scramble at the end. Little Falls is a 1.4-mile loop with 111 feet of gain along a stream with small cascades. George W. Childs Park is a 1.4-mile loop past three waterfalls and the ruins of a 19th-century woolen mill, with 173 feet of gain. Stone steps near the falls get slick when damp, so wear shoes with grip. The Dingmans Falls boardwalk (0.8 miles, wheelchair- and stroller-accessible) is also rated easy, but see the closure note below.
Is Dingmans Falls open?
Check before you go. The National Park Service closed the Dingmans Falls access road, visitor center and trail on May 12, 2025 for a bridge replacement and trail reconstruction, and its trail page still showed it closed when we last checked on October 5, 2026 (National Park Service, Dingmans Creek Trail). Closures like this can change, so confirm the status on that page before planning a day around it. George W. Childs Park, nearby, is a good alternative for a multi-waterfall walk.
Which waterfall hike is best if you want more of a hike?
The Tumbling Waters Trail is the longest option: a 3.1-mile loop from the Pocono Environmental Education Center with about 524 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate, and 1.5 to 2 hours. It runs through oak-hickory forest and a hemlock ravine, with overlooks of the Kittatinny Mountains before it reaches the waterfall. It starts at a visitor center, so restrooms and exhibits are available before or after.
Where to go next
Pair a waterfall walk with time on the water at Promised Land Lake, or spend the rest of the day at Hickory Run with our guide to Hickory Run State Park and the Boulder Field. For more trails, see the best hikes in the Pocono Mountains. If the weather turns, our rainy day guide has indoor options. Visiting in October? Read about scenic railway rides for fall foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest waterfall hike in the Poconos?
For an open trail, Little Falls (1.4-mile loop, 111 feet of gain) and Hawk Falls (1.2 miles out and back, 134 feet of gain) are the easiest. Both are rated easy.
How long does it take to hike to Raymondskill Falls?
The trail is 0.3 miles out and back and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, plus time at the two viewing platforms.
Which waterfall hikes are loops?
Little Falls, George W. Childs Park and Tumbling Waters are loops, so you never retrace your steps. Hawk Falls, Raymondskill Falls and the Dingmans Falls trail are out-and-back.
When is the best time to see the waterfalls?
Spring has the heaviest flow, and Hawk Falls is especially striking after rain or snowmelt. Rocks near the water stay slick year-round, so wear shoes with grip.