Pennsylvania: Bushkill Falls

October 30, 2021
Pennsylvania
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🌊 Bushkill Falls — The Niagara of Pennsylvania (For People Who Can’t Be Bothered Going to Niagara)

Tucked away in the Pocono Mountains of north-eastern Pennsylvania, Bushkill Falls is a genuinely impressive collection of eight waterfalls, the tallest of which tumbles more than 100 feet. The whole spectacular affair is fed by two streams — the Little Bush Kill and Pond Run Creek — which make their unhurried way down the mountainside toward the Delaware River, along the way producing Bushkill Falls itself, Bridal Veil Falls, Bridesmaid Falls, Laurel Glen Falls, Pennell Falls, and three others that nobody has apparently got round to naming yet. One imagines the naming committee had a long lunch and never quite recovered.

📅 A Place We’d Been Before (When We Were Young and Foolish)

We first visited Bushkill Falls roughly fifteen years ago, back when the kids were small and our knees still worked properly. It left quite an impression — the kind of place you file away under “must go back.” So, after a decade and a half of not going back, we finally did. We wanted to see if it was as good as we remembered, or whether, like most things revisited in middle age, it would turn out to be slightly smaller and more disappointing than the memory suggested.

🏛️ A Bit of History — Because This Place Has Earned It

These falls are privately owned, which you might think would be a problem, but in this case it very much isn’t. A local entrepreneur by the name of Charles E. Peters first opened Bushkill Falls to the paying public back in 1904 — an era when “visitor experience” meant a single path hacked through the undergrowth and a rather optimistic swinging bridge over the head of the main falls. More than 120 years later, the Peters family still own the whole operation, and good on them for keeping it in the family rather than flogging it to a resort developer. The place is extremely well maintained, which, if you’ve visited American attractions that aren’t privately owned, you’ll understand is not always a given.

🚗 Getting There — Yes, You Will Need a Car

Getting to Bushkill Falls isn’t exactly complicated, but let’s be clear: public transport is not going to help you here. You’ll need a car. From New York City, the drive is roughly 90 minutes covering around 80-plus miles — heading west on the I-80 through New Jersey and into Pennsylvania, through terrain that gets steadily more forested and pleasingly un-urban. From Philadelphia, allow a bit longer, around two hours and approximately 120 miles, heading north through Bucks County. Neither journey is what you’d call arduous. There’s plenty of parking on arrival, though it does get lively at weekends during the summer. We went on a Saturday in July, arrived mid-morning, and getting a space was perfectly straightforward. We’d expected carnage. There wasn’t any. A pleasant surprise.

🎟️ Tickets — Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You

The queues for tickets can get impressively long on busy days — the kind of queue that makes you briefly question all your life choices. The sensible move is to buy your tickets online in advance and skip the whole sorry business entirely. We cannot stress this enough.

🛍️ The Entrance — Gift Shops and the Smell of Fudge

At the entrance to the falls, there are gift shops and a couple of restaurants — the full tourist infrastructure, in other words. We did what any self-respecting visitor does: smiled politely, walked straight past all of it, and headed for the actual falls.

🥾 The Trails — Pick Your Poison

The trails set off just a short distance from the entrance building, which is handy because there’s absolutely no point in doing any unnecessary walking before you’ve even started, is there? There are four trails to choose from, ranging from a gentle potter that any reasonable human being could manage, right the way through to something that would have given Ranulph Fiennes pause for thought.

Trail	What You’ll See	What’s Involved
🟢 Green Trail	The Main Falls	The easiest of the lot. A fifteen-minute stroll with steps but no actual climbing. Perfectly manageable for those of us whose knees aren’t what they used to be.
🟡 Yellow Trail	The Main Falls, Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen and Upper Canyon	Steps it up nicely — pardon the pun. Allow yourself a comfortable forty-five minutes and you’ll see considerably more for your money.
🔵 Blue Trail	Pennell Falls	Gets a bit more serious. Budget roughly an hour and a quarter, and by the end you’ll feel you’ve actually earned your lunch.
🔴 Red Trail	Bridal Veil Falls — plus all eight falls along the route	Not for the faint-hearted. Nearly two miles, all eight falls, and a good two hours or more of proper hiking. This is the one for people who actually enjoy that sort of thing. The rest of us will be waiting at the café.

🚶 Getting Around — Boardwalks, Bridges and a Brutal Number of Stairs

A good chunk of the trails at Bushkill Falls ran along wooden boardwalks, which was actually rather clever. They hugged the waterways and brought us right up close to the water — close enough to feel the spray — and in some places even crossed directly over the top of the falls themselves, which was genuinely impressive. The whole setup meant we weren’t just looking at the scenery from a polite distance; we were right in the thick of it.

The boardwalks were, however, on the narrow side. Not alarmingly so, but narrow enough that when two groups of people tried to pass each other, things got a little… cosy. At the weekend especially, this became something of an issue. Think of it less as a peaceful nature walk and more as a gentle approximation of the Oxford Street rush hour, but with waterfalls and considerably better air quality.

And then there were the stairs. Good lord, the stairs. Up, down, up again, steep, steeper, and then — just when you thought you’d earned a rest — more stairs. Some of them were genuinely quite sharp in gradient, the sort that make your knees quietly consider filing a formal complaint. So if you have any difficulty with stairs, or if your knees have opinions of their own, this probably isn’t the walk for you. Nobody is going to think less of you for giving it a miss. Well, I might, but only a little.

🔴 The Red Trail — Or What’s Left of It

The Red Trail at Bushkill is normally a circular walk, which in theory sounds ideal — you end up back where you started, no retracing, no faff. The problem is that at the time of our visit, part of it had been damaged, and the relevant section was closed. We weren’t entirely sure what had happened — storm damage, presumably, given the terrain — but the result was that the circular route wasn’t possible in the usual way.

This meant that to reach the Bride Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls — both of which are well worth the effort and shouldn’t be skipped — we had to take the Blue Trail instead, and pick up the Red Trail from the far end. It’s a bit of a workaround, and the signage didn’t exactly hold our hands through the process, but we got there in the end. Before you visit, it’s worth checking the Bushkill Falls website for the current status of the Red Trail, as these things have a habit of changing — or not changing, as the case may be.

✅ So — Hit or Miss?

The question we kept coming back to: was our return visit to Bushkill Falls worth it?

Yes. Genuinely, yes. It was a hit.

Look, it’s not perfect. The boardwalks get crowded, the stairs are a menace, and the trail situation required a bit of improvisation. But the falls themselves — multiple cascades tucked into a wooded gorge in the Pocono Mountains of north-eastern Pennsylvania — are legitimately spectacular, and the whole place has a kind of unhurried, old-fashioned charm that you don’t find everywhere. Bushkill Falls has been operating as a tourist attraction since 1904, which makes it one of the longer-running paid nature experiences in the whole of Pennsylvania, and it still feels like something worth making time for.

If you’re passing through North Central Pennsylvania — heading along the I-80 corridor, perhaps, or cutting across towards the Delaware Water Gap — it’s absolutely worth the detour. Give yourself at least a couple of hours, wear sensible shoes, and try to go on a weekday if you can. Your knees will thank you.

Planning Your Visit to Bushkill Falls

🌊 Bushkill Falls: Pennsylvania’s Natural Wonder — A Visitor’s Guide

Known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is one of the Keystone State’s most celebrated natural attractions. Nestled deep within the wooded Pocono Mountains, this remarkable series of eight waterfalls has been welcoming visitors since 1904 and remains privately owned to this day. The admission fees collected go directly towards maintaining the network of rustic log boardwalks, bridges, and trails that carry guests through peaceful forests, winding gorges, and past breathtaking cascades.

Whether you are a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a leisurely stroll in spectacular surroundings, Bushkill Falls has something to offer everyone. Beyond the waterfalls themselves, the park boasts a range of family-friendly activities including paddle boats, trout fishing, miniature golf, gemstone panning, a children’s playground, educational exhibits, and the Bushkill Falls Mining Company Maze. There is also a café, gift shops, and picnic areas for those who wish to make a full day of their visit.

📍 Location

Bushkill Falls is situated in Pike County, within the Pocono Mountains region of northeastern Pennsylvania.

138 Bushkill Falls Trail Bushkill, PA 18324 United States

The address above may also be used as a GPS destination when planning your journey.

🌐 Website

www.visitbushkillfalls.com

📞 Contact

Telephone: 570-588-6682 Email: info@visitbushkillfalls.com

🕘 Opening Times

Bushkill Falls is open from April through November. The park is closed from December through March.

During the main season (April through late October), the park generally opens daily at 9:00 am. From late October into November, opening time is typically 10:00 am. Closing times vary by season, day of the week, and weather conditions. As hours can change, it is strongly recommended that you check the official website before your visit to confirm current operating times and whether the park is open on your chosen date.

💵 Entry Fees

Admission fees support the upkeep of the trails, boardwalks, and bridges throughout the park. Tickets may be purchased on-site or in advance online. Please note that ticketing windows are cashless; accepted payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and contactless card payments. Parking is included with admission.

General admission fees (correct as of April 2024) are as follows:

Adults (General): $17.00 on weekdays / $20.00 at weekends Seniors (aged 62 and over): $16.00 on weekdays / $19.00 at weekends Children (aged 4–10): $10.00 (weekdays and weekends) Children (aged 3 and under): Free

Military discounts and reduced local rates are available for those with a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s Licence or State ID showing a postcode beginning with “183.” These concessionary tickets are only available for purchase on-site with appropriate identification and apply to weekdays only.

Fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing before your visit.

🥾 The Trails

Four colour-coded trails cater to varying fitness levels and time allowances. The Green Trail is the shortest, taking roughly 15 minutes and leading directly to the spectacular Main Falls. The Yellow Trail extends to around 45 minutes and takes in Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen, and Upper Canyon. The Blue Trail lasts approximately one hour and 15 minutes, offering views of Pennell Falls along the way. For more committed walkers, the Red Trail spans nearly two miles and takes around two hours to complete, rewarding hikers with views of all eight waterfalls.

ℹ️ Good to Know

Pets are welcome within the park but must remain on a lead at all times. Snacks and water may be carried on the trails, though other food must be consumed in the designated picnic areas. Plastic and paper bags are not permitted on the trails; items should be carried in a rucksack or reusable bag. Restrooms are available before entering the trail network. Drones and other non-essential items are not permitted on the trails. It is advisable to allow a minimum of two hours to explore the park comfortably, though a full day can easily be enjoyed given the range of activities on offer.

The Best Time to Visit Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state of striking contrasts — rolling farmland, forested mountains, historic cities, and quiet lake shores. Knowing when to go, and where, makes all the difference.

🌸 Spring (March–May)

Spring arrives unevenly across Pennsylvania. The south-east warms first, while the northern tier and Pocono Mountains can hold frost well into April. By May, the entire state blooms into colour, making it one of the most rewarding — and underrated — times to visit.

South-East & Philadelphia Philadelphia in spring is excellent. Temperatures climb from the mid-teens Celsius in March to the low twenties by May. Cherry blossoms line the parkway, and the city’s outdoor café culture re-awakens. Valley Forge National Historical Park is ideal for walking before summer crowds arrive. The Main Line suburbs are lush and uncrowded. Easter weekend brings festivals to Lancaster County’s Amish communities.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country (Lancaster & Berks Counties) Spring is arguably the finest season here. Farms come alive with planting activity, farmers’ markets reopen, and the landscape offers soft greens against red-barn backdrops. Temperatures are mild, and tourist numbers remain manageable compared with summer.

Pocono Mountains & North-East Early spring can still feel wintry, with snow possible in March and even early April at elevation. By late April and May, waterfalls are at their most dramatic from snowmelt, and hiking trails dry out progressively. Ideal for those who enjoy quieter trails before summer campers descend.

Western Pennsylvania & Pittsburgh Pittsburgh’s spring is lively. The city’s hillside neighbourhoods — Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Mount Washington — are beautiful as trees leaf out. The Carnegie museums attract fewer crowds than in summer. Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece near Mill Run, is spectacular surrounded by spring foliage.

Susquehanna Valley & Central PA State College and the surrounding ridge-and-valley landscape make for excellent spring hiking. Bald Eagle State Park and Raystown Lake are peaceful before the summer boating season begins.

What to pack for spring: Layered clothing is essential — mornings can be sharp while afternoons grow warm. A waterproof jacket, walking shoes, light fleece, and a mid-weight jumper cover most days well. Bring an umbrella; spring showers are frequent. Sun cream becomes useful by May.

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Summer is Pennsylvania’s busiest season. Heat and humidity build across the lowlands, but the mountains and lake regions offer genuine relief. School holidays drive high demand at popular destinations, so booking well ahead is advisable.

Philadelphia & South-East Philadelphia summers are hot and humid, with temperatures regularly reaching 30°C or above in July and August. The city remains vibrant — Independence National Historical Park, Reading Terminal Market, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art are all popular. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to explore on foot. The Jersey Shore is a short drive east for a coastal break, though this is firmly New Jersey territory.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country Lancaster in summer is busy with tourists drawn to Amish farm tours, outlet shopping, and roadside farmstands overflowing with sweet corn, tomatoes, and peaches. Early booking for B&Bs is essential. The heat can be oppressive in July; aim for early mornings at outdoor markets.

Pocono Mountains The Poconos are at their most popular in summer, offering lake swimming, whitewater rafting on the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers, hiking, and zip-lining. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is superb for walking, paddling, and wildlife spotting. Temperatures are noticeably cooler than in Philadelphia, making this an appealing escape for city dwellers.

Western Pennsylvania & Pittsburgh Pittsburgh’s summer festival scene is exceptional — the Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh Jazz Festival, and a packed outdoor events calendar make June and July particularly lively. Fallingwater requires advance booking. Ohiopyle State Park’s rapids are at their best for whitewater rafting.

North Central & Elk Country Pennsylvania’s “elk country” around Benezette is spectacular in summer. Elk can be spotted at dawn and dusk in open meadows. The Allegheny National Forest offers miles of uncrowded trails and outstanding fishing. This region rewards those willing to venture off the main tourist routes.

What to pack for summer: Lightweight, breathable clothing is the priority. Pack shorts, T-shirts, a sun hat, high-factor sun cream, and sturdy walking sandals or trainers. A light rain jacket is wise — afternoon thunderstorms are common. Insect repellent is essential in wooded and lake areas. Bring a light layer for air-conditioned museums and restaurants.

🍂 Autumn (September–November)

Autumn is widely regarded as Pennsylvania’s finest season. Foliage colour sweeps south from early October in the north to mid-October across central and southern regions. The weather is crisp and clear, the crowds thinner than in summer, and accommodation prices often more reasonable.

Pocono Mountains & North-East (Peak colour: late September–mid-October) The Poconos and the northern tier reach peak colour earlier than anywhere else in the state. The Delaware Water Gap is especially dramatic. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary near Kempton hosts one of North America’s greatest raptor migrations from September through November — a remarkable spectacle.

Central Pennsylvania & Susquehanna Valley (Peak colour: mid-October) The Appalachian Trail corridor through central Pennsylvania offers some of the finest autumn hiking in the north-east. Hyner View State Park near Lock Haven provides sweeping ridge views ablaze with colour. State College and Penn State University’s campus are lively in September and October — football weekends attract large crowds, so plan accommodation accordingly.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country (Peak colour: mid–late October) Harvest season transforms Lancaster County. Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, corn mazes, and cider mills are in full operation. The Ephrata Cloister and other historic sites are less crowded than in summer. Autumn light on farmland is simply beautiful.

Philadelphia (Peak colour: late October–early November) Philadelphia’s parks — Fairmount, Wissahickon Valley, and Pennypack — are lovely in autumn. The city itself remains lively through October with cultural events and food festivals. November brings cooler weather and the lead-up to the holiday season.

Western Pennsylvania & Pittsburgh (Peak colour: mid–late October) Pittsburgh’s hillside setting means autumn colour surrounds the city in every direction. Laurel Highlands and Ohiopyle State Park are at their most stunning. The Pennsylvania Wilds — a vast swath of undeveloped forest in the north and north-west — offers genuine wilderness walking at this time of year.

What to pack for autumn: Comfortable layering is key. A warm, packable down jacket, light fleece, long trousers, and sturdy waterproof walking boots cover most conditions. Mornings and evenings can be cold by October. Gloves and a hat are useful from late October onwards. A small day rucksack is handy for trail walks.

❄️ Winter (December–February)

Winter in Pennsylvania varies enormously. Philadelphia and the south-east have relatively mild winters by north-eastern US standards, while the north and mountains receive heavy snowfall. It is a season that rewards those seeking quiet, low-cost travel or winter sports.

Philadelphia & South-East Philadelphia is surprisingly appealing in winter. The Christmas market along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway draws visitors in December, and the city’s world-class museums — the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, Eastern State Penitentiary — are far quieter than at other times of year. Restaurant reservations are easier to secure, and hotel rates drop considerably. Temperatures typically range from -3°C to 6°C in January.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country Lancaster in winter is peaceful and atmospheric. Amish communities continue their traditional way of life regardless of the season; seeing horse-drawn buggies against a snowy landscape is an evocative experience. Several cosy inns and B&Bs offer off-peak rates.

Pocono Mountains The Poconos become a ski destination from December through February, with several resorts including Camelback Mountain, Blue Mountain, and Jack Frost offering downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Snowfall is generally reliable. This is the one region where winter draws deliberately larger crowds.

Western Pennsylvania & Pittsburgh Pittsburgh in winter has a moody, industrial charm. The city’s indoor attractions — Carnegie Mellon University’s museums, the Pittsburgh Zoo, the National Aviary — provide plenty of interest. Snowfall is moderate, and the city’s hills can be treacherous in icy conditions, so careful driving is needed.

North Central & Allegheny National Forest This region receives the heaviest snowfall in the state. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular. It is a destination for those genuinely seeking winter wilderness, but services are limited — forward planning is essential.

What to pack for winter: A heavy, insulated and waterproof coat is non-negotiable in northern and mountain areas. Thermal base layers, thick woollen socks, warm boots with grip, a hat, scarf, and gloves are essential. Philadelphia winters are milder but still cold; smart-casual winter layers work well there. Pack an ice scraper if hiring a car.

📊 Summary Table

See the accompanying JPEG summary table for a quick at-a-glance comparison by season and region.

🗺️ The Best Time to Visit Pennsylvania Overall

If a single season must be chosen, autumn — specifically the first three weeks of October — offers the most consistently rewarding experience across all regions of Pennsylvania. The foliage is spectacular, the weather is stable and pleasant, the summer crowds have thinned, and the harvest season adds colour and character to rural areas. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh remain vibrant without the summer heat, and the state’s vast forests and parks reach their visual peak. Travellers seeking lower costs, greater tranquillity, and a less-hurried experience may find that spring — particularly May — runs autumn very close, offering fresh landscapes, mild temperatures, and a sense of the state awakening. Winter is best suited to those with specific interests in skiing, city culture, or quiet escapes, whilst summer, despite its crowds and humidity, delivers the widest range of outdoor activities and the fullest festival calendar.

Where to stay near Bushkill Falls

1. Pocono Villas Resort

Pocono Villas Resort features free WiFi and views of garden in East Stroudsburg. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a children’s playground. The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk.

The rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a TV with cable channels, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a shower and free toiletries. At Pocono Villas Resort rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels.

The accommodation offers 3-star accommodation with a hot tub and sun terrace. You can play billiards, table tennis and darts at Pocono Villas Resort, and the area is popular for hiking and skiing.

2. Frogtown Inn

Enjoy country-style lodging at The Frogtown Inn, Bed & Breakfast. This classically restored Inn features 16 rooms with private bathrooms in an original 1800s farmhouse setting. Each of the rooms, including both singles and suites, has a private bathroom, shower, cable TV, air conditioning and free wireless internet access. For guests staying in the Inn, breakfast is served each morning in the Western-themed Saloon.

Grown from the foundations of a humble 1800’s farmhouse, The Frogtown Inn embodies the relaxation of yesteryear with comforts befitting the modern traveller. Nestled in the hemlock-laden village of Canadensis, The Frogtown Inn sits on 6 acres of wooded paradise, complete with a babbling brook, frog pond, and garden.

3. The Penn Stroud Hotel

The Penn Stroud Hotel has been a fixture of downtown Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, since it first opened in 1833, built by a grandson of the town’s founder, Jacob Stroud. After a multi-million dollar renovation completed in 2020, the building retains its historic character while offering modern amenities including en-suite walk-in showers, in-room fridges, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness centre. Guests receive a complimentary continental breakfast each morning, and free on-site parking is available to the rear. The hotel sits in the centre of town, within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the Sherman Theater, and is well placed for day trips to the Delaware Water Gap, the Appalachian Trail, and the Pocono Mountains. It is part of the Choice Hotels Ascend Collection.