Hiking through Waterfalls at Bushkill Falls in the Poconos

Located in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, Bushkill Falls is a beautiful place to hike in the woods and view spectacular waterfalls. It’s dubbed “The Niagara of Pennsylvania.” Four trails beckon you after you pay for admission, so you choose how adventurous you are and how many waterfalls you want to see. (Not all trails see the same waterfalls.) None of the trails are strenuous. But some trails, like the Red Trail, the longest, have quite a few steps (up and down) along with tree roots and rocks to step over. All the trails are well-marked and well-maintained.

While you’re hiking, you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of water — the crashing waterfalls and the babbling streams — and hear a bit of wildlife — the birds singing in the trees as well as the chipmunks and squirrels scurrying in the underbrush around you. Of course, there’s other wildlife here, but they do an excellent job of staying out of view. 

Accessibility

Some short trails are mostly covered with boardwalks not far from the entrance, which are fine for most people; however, there are still some steps to reach those trails. On the rest of the trails, expect some rocky terrain, tree roots above the ground, and steps (up and down over sections). This is not to say that these trails are difficult (there’s no actual climbing on rocks, for example); young children were hiking along the Red Trail when I visited. Just be mindful of where you’re stepping and stop to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.  🙂

Admission

There are two sets of admission costs for adults: the first price listed is for weekdays, the second is for holidays and weekends.

• Adult – $14.50/$17.50
• Seniors (aged 62+) – $13.50/16.50
• Kids (aged 4-10) – $8.50 every day
• Kids (up to age 3) – Free

If you buy your tickets online, you can skip the line once you arrive.

Your leashed dogs are welcome to join you. 🐶

Park Map

What You’ll Find at Bushkill Falls

• 8 waterfalls with well-marked trails around them
• 4 hiking trails:
  • Green Trail to view the Main Falls with some steps; about 15-minute duration
  • Yellow Trail, the most popular, to view the Main Falls along with 3 others; about 45-minute duration
  • Blue Trail to view Pennell Falls along with several others; about a 1-hour duration
  • Red Trail to view all 8 waterfalls; about 1.5 – 2 hours duration
• Picnic area
• Visitor’s Center with a wildlife exhibit
• Gift Shop
• Fudge Kitchen & Ice Cream Parlor
• Other minor attractions listed below

Tips for Your Visit to Bushkill Falls

These tips should help make your visit pleasant.

• Buy your tickets online (preferable) or bring money or a credit card for admission. If you purchase your ticket online, you’ll skip the sometimes long line to pay once you get there. Also, the small shop and ice cream parlor may be open, tempting you to spend a few dollars. 
• Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds — fewer people = more enjoyable experience.
• Bring bug spray. It can get quite buggy at times. And remember that ticks may be present, as well. 
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring your own food and drink. Don’t forget to bring water! 
• If you need a restroom, visit the building with bathrooms before entering the falls area. They are in a corner of the parking lot as you approach the entrance. There are no bathrooms once you begin your hike.
• Do NOT try to feed or otherwise disturb the wildlife. 
• Do NOT enter the water; it’s prohibited.
• Visit from April through October.  It’s also open in November, weather permitting.
• The cell service can be spotty in places. The best place to get cell service is by the front gate.

Brief History of Bushkill Falls

Bushkill Falls opened in 1904 and has grown to include wildlife exhibits, a display about Native Americans, a gift shop, a fudge shop, an ice cream parlor, a picnic pavilion, a mining maze, as well as a paddleboat and miniature golf area. (Despite all these attractions, you’re really coming for the waterfalls.)

Location

Bushkill Falls, Bushkill Falls Road, Bushkill, PA

Located in the Pocono Mountains, Bushkill Falls is about an hour from the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton areas of Pennsylvania), 2 hours from Philadelphia, and 1.75 hours from New York City. If you plan to be in the area or pass through the area (along Route 80 or 84, for example), consider stopping at Bushkill Falls. Plan on spending 2-3 hours to really enjoy this spot. 

Nearby Attractions

Consider visiting some of these other great locations in Pennsylvania:

• Big Pocono State Park, Poconos
• Bucks County Covered Bridges, Bucks County
• Colonial PA Plantation, outside Philadelphia
• Gettysburg Visitor Guide
• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Lehigh Valley
• Hickory Run State Park, Poconos
• Housenick Park, Lehigh Valley
• Jacobsburg State Park, Pocono area
• John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, outside Philadelphia
• Lehigh Valley Covered Bridges
• Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia
• National Museum of Industrial History, Lehigh Valley
• Self-Guided Walking Tour of Philadelphia
• Philadelphia: Fairmount Park’s Unique Colonial Mansions & Their Stories
• Best Things to Do in Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania Guide
• Promised Land State Park, Poconos
• Ricketts Glen State Park, Poconos
• Ridley Creek State Park, outside Philadelphia
• Tyler State Park, Bucks County
• Valley Forge National Historical Park, outside Philadelphia
• Washington Crossing Historic Park, Bucks County

Final Thoughts

Hiking along the trails around the waterfalls is so relaxing. You can stop along the way to take some pictures or just take in the beauty that surrounds you. The various waterfalls are impressive, of course. But even while hiking through Adams Flats (a relatively flat terrain, as you’d guess by its name), you’ll appreciate the peacefulness of hearing the babbling brook alongside the trail and taking in the beauty of the forest around you. If you arrive early in the day, you may have the Red Trail to yourself as I did — just a few others were trekking a bit in front and behind me, making the experience even better.

Comments?

Please share your experiences at Bushkill Falls and/or suggestions for other places to visit in the Pocono Mountains.  Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂