Here are some of the biggest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Philly area, whether you want an ambitious hike, a casual stroll, or a wheelchair-accessible trail.
LessThe private Bushwick Falls trails connects to eight waterfalls in the Pocono Mountains. Pay an $18 entrance fee, then it's about a 10-minute walk to glimpse the 100-foot Main Falls. From there, embark on a two-hour hike along streams and over rocky terrain. Along the way, enjoyed the regal if smaller Bridal Veil and Pennell Falls. Accessibility: Descending into the falls is a lovely experience, but once you go down, the only way out is to climb the steep steps. And they are no joke.
The tallest waterfall in the state, Raymondskill stretches 178 feet, part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area of Pike County. Visit Raymondskill in the spring when the water levels are high. Late spring/early summer is the best time of the year to visit all waterfalls. Accessibility: The trail is not too long but it is steep and rocky in places, so you want to make sure you have on the right shoes.
Dingmans Falls is part of the Delaware Water Gap. It’s the second-tallest waterfall in the state — gushing over 130 feet. Although there’s a large pool of natural water at the waterfall, there is no swimming. But the falls meander through quite the scenic hemlock ravine. Along the short trail is the smaller, but equally cool, Silverhead Falls. Can we say two-fer? Accessibility: Less than a mile of paved trail takes you to the base of the falls, making it easy to get to and wheelchair accessible.
With 7.2 miles of trail and 21 named waterfalls in this state park, Ricketts Glen is on the must-see list. While the hike is indeed ambitious, most of the falls are visible from a shorter 3.2 mile inner loop. The good news: The waterfalls are so close to each other you will be stopping along the trail every few minutes to see another. Accessibility: This hike is not an easy one. The elevation is steep.
This low, wide waterfall is in Ohioypyle State Park, . Also make sure to check out Cucumber Falls, less than a mile away, at the end of an easy walking trail. You’ll likely run into birdwatchers taking in opsrey, kingfishers, and the occasional bald eagle. Experts agree it’s the state’s most photogenic falls. Accessibility: Ohiopyle falls is a short trek from the parking area and it’s wheelchair accessible. Cucumber Falls is also easy to get to, but beware: The rocks are slippery.
At a modest 15-feet, High Falls, located in Ringing Rocks County Park, is the tallest waterfall in Bucks County. And it’s also surrounded by Bridgeton Boulder Field, seven acres of boulders that ring like a bell when you strike them with a hammer (hence the name). High Falls is located about five minutes down the trail. The flow of this fall is fast, furious and memorable. Accessibility: High Falls is an easy five-minute walk past Bridgeton Boulder Field, and is accessible by a path.