The Best Waterfall Hikes in the Pocono Mountains

The most popular hike in Promised Land State Park — an easy 1.4-mile loop with just 111 feet of elevation gain, following a stream with small waterfalls and rock formations. It's a loop with no sustained climbing, so you finish where you started, usually in under an hour. Located near Promised Land Lake, it pairs easily with a swim, paddle, or picnic. Great for families, casual visitors, or a quick warm-up hike. Expect crowds on summer weekends, so go earlier for quiet.

A short, popular hike in Hickory Run State Park leading to a 25-foot waterfall, most striking after rain or snowmelt. At 1.2 miles out and back with 134 feet of elevation gain, it's rated easy—about a half-hour each way—though the final approach requires some rock scrambling, so go slowly with kids. Being out and back, you can turn around anytime, making it forgiving for young children or grandparents. It's one of the park's most photographed spots, so expect weekend crowds; arrive early for solitude. The trailhead is near Big Boulder Lake, pairing well with a Boulder Field visit. Wear shoes with good grip, as rocks near the water stay damp and slick.

This short but steep 0.3-mile out-and-back climbs through a shaded hemlock ravine to Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall, a three-tiered 178-foot cascade on Raymondskill Creek near Milford. Stone steps pack all that elevation gain into a tiny distance, earning a moderate rating despite the brevity. Two viewing platforms offer different angles on the falls; flow peaks in spring, and the ravine stays cool even in midsummer. Budget well under an hour, wear good shoes, and take slow steps on the sometimes-slick stone. It pairs easily with nearby Promised Land Lake for a fuller day rather than anchoring one itself.

This largely boardwalk, wheelchair- and stroller-accessible 0.8-mile round trip passes two waterfalls: 80-foot Silverthread Falls and 130-foot Dingmans Falls, Pennsylvania's second-tallest. Rated easy and doable in under an hour, with no route-finding since you retrace your steps, it's ideal for families, grandparents, or anyone wanting a big waterfall payoff for little effort. It's near Promised Land Lake, pairing well with time on the water or a picnic, and makes a good morning stop or quick leg-stretch. Note: currently closed for National Park Service bridge and trail reconstruction—check the status note for the latest timeline before visiting.</mediumDescription> </invoke>

This easy 1.4-mile loop follows Dingmans Creek past three waterfalls — Fulmer Falls, Deer Leap Falls, and Factory Falls — plus the ruins of a 19th-century woolen mill. Boardwalk and paved sections keep footing easy, though stone steps near the falls call for sturdier shoes when damp. As a loop, there's no backtracking or shuttling a car. Manageable in a morning or afternoon, it suits families and anyone wanting scenery without a real climb. It's near Promised Land Lake, easy to pair with a lakeside afternoon. Give yourself extra time, since most people stop more than planned.

This 3.1-mile loop starts at the Pocono Environmental Education Center and winds through oak-hickory forest and a hemlock ravine, past Pocono Plateau overlooks of the Kittatinny Mountains, ending at its namesake waterfall. With about 524 feet of elevation gain, it's moderate — doable for reasonably fit hikers and older kids, but varied enough to feel rewarding. It's a true loop, so no backtracking. Starting from PEEC means restrooms and exhibits are nearby, and it's close to Promised Land Lake for pairing with a lakeside afternoon. Wear real hiking shoes for the ravine and waterfall sections, take your time at the overlooks, and plan for a solid half-day outing.</mediumDescription> </invoke>