Pennsylvania is home to some wonderful waterfalls. One of my favorite hikes, close to New York City is the Bushkill Falls also known as “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania.” If you have experienced the Niagara Falls from either New York or Canadian side, do not expect a maid of the mist, nor the magnitude of it in Pennsylvania, but you won’t be disappointed if what you really crave is a great hike with awesome views and an encounter with Big Foot along the way.
First things first, the best time to visit Bushkill Falls is in the spring or fall, when the water is flowing, and the foliage is colorful. During summertime, the trail is very crowded and very hot. The winter can be too cold and icy, and you may encounter park closures. If you want to hike don’t do it in the winter here, go ski nearby instead. The trails can be slippery and muddy, you could hike this one with sneakers, but I highly recommend hiking boots, pants and long sleeves. This will protect your feet from tree roots, more friction to prevent slips and falls, and of course less mosquito bites.
There is an entrance fee of about $16.50 for adults and $8.50 for children at the time of this writing. I recommend you check the website or call for latest fees. The fee is worth it as trails were well-marked and maintained. Right before you enter the park to your hike, you can spend a few minutes learning about the species you may encounter, other than tourists. I can safely say this is a good hike for the family, but not recommended for babies, so leave your stroller behind and bring the kids who can walk and hike up and down flights of stairs.
Hiking the Trails at Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls offers four main trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging loops:
- Green Trail: 15 minutes, easy walk to the Main Falls overlook.
- Yellow Trail: ~45 minutes, moderate hike with views of additional falls.
- Blue Trail: ~1.25 hours, moderate loop with varied scenery.
- Red Trail: ~2 hours, the most challenging loop covering all eight waterfalls.
The Red Trail is the most rewarding for hikers, offering a full immersion into the gorge, bridges over rushing streams, and views of Bridal Veil Falls, Pennell Falls, and the iconic Main Falls from multiple angles. There are four trails to choose from, ranging from easy to difficult. The easiest one is the green trail, which takes you to the main falls in about 15 minutes. The most challenging one is the red trail, which loops around all eight waterfalls in about two hours, more or less depending on your walking/hiking speed. It is rally moderate with very short steep elevation. I keep choosing the red trail because I like to see everything, and when in the Poconos area, this one is always a delight to hike for the epic waterfall views.
The main waterfall is about 100 feet high. You can hike to see the falls from the bottom and from the top, making it a great all-angle sightseeing hike. And during crowed times, prepare to wait for a photo by the main falls, which is the easiest to get to and thus most people only hike to see it and leave.
I really recommend this hike if you are visiting the Poconos, near New York or New Jersey.
Practical Tips
- Location: Bushkill, Pennsylvania (about 2 hours from New York City).
- Entrance Fee: Around $16.50 for adults, $8.50 for children (check the official site for updates).
- Gear: Hiking boots recommended—trails can be muddy and slippery.
- Nearby Attractions: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pocono hiking trails, and local lodges.
History of Bushkill Falls
The falls are fed by the Little Bushkill and Pond Run Creeks, which tumble through rocky gorges before joining the Delaware River. The main waterfall drops about 100 feet, creating a dramatic centerpiece surrounded by moss, ferns, and hemlock forests2.
Known as a natural wonder of the Poconos, Bushkill Falls has been a beloved destination for over a century. In 1904, Charles E. Peters opened the area to the public with a single path and swinging bridge. Over time, the site expanded into a system of trails and bridges, making the waterfalls accessible while preserving their beauty3.
Nicknamed the Niagara of Pennsylvania, Bushkill Falls became a symbol of the state’s natural heritage and a cornerstone of Pocono tourism. Today, it remains privately owned and carefully maintained, balancing conservation with visitor access.
Other U.S. hikes:
