Lakes, clean rivers, streams, tranquil rural inns and resorts, picturesque villages, and historic downtowns abound in the Pocono Mountains! This is the ideal location for a wonderful holiday or a quick trip to the countryside. The natural beauty of the region nicely complements all of the exciting activities offered. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the region, especially waterfalls. We have compiled a list of some of the best Hiking in the Poconos.
Before you go out hiking in the Poconos, do some research and check the weather forecast to make sure you’re prepared. Gaiters are a good idea if you foresee a lot of muck. Trekking poles might save your knees if there are steep hills. And taking a treat to the top is never a bad idea.
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Raymondskill Falls
Raymondskill Falls, situated in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, is the state’s highest at 150 feet and is only a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls when the heights of its three tiers are added together. To get there, go 0.3 miles up a steep, rough route to two amazing viewing places, one above the falls and one in the center. The top two drops are separated by a pool, and it’s worth visiting both views to obtain various perspectives.
Dingman’s Creek, George W. Childs Park, Factory Falls. Fulmer Falls and Deer Leap Falls
The Delaware Water Gap is also home to the second tallest waterfall called Dingmans Falls. It cascades 130 feet into a big pool at the end of a well-kept promenade. George W. Childs Park is located on the same creek as Dingmans Falls, but upstream. Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls, and Deer Leap Falls are three additional magnificent Delaware Water Gap waterfalls found in this area.
The National Park Service erected a well-kept walkway that clings to the ravine above Dingmans Creek and leads to these three waterfalls. This trek may be the finest in the region if you want to do some fantastic hiking in the Poconos while staying on well-maintained paths.
Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls, sometimes known as “The Niagara of Pennsylvania,” is a collection of eight natural waterfalls located inside a 300-acre privately owned park near Delaware Water Gap. Pay a charge to enjoy the park’s two miles of beautiful trails, boardwalks, and bridges. The paths will lead you to the Main Falls, which fall down 100 feet into a canyon filled with ferns, moss, and wildflowers. The waterfall paths are family-friendly, although the 300-foot plunge from the first falls to the lower canyon necessitates some stair climbing.
Skytop Lodge’s Lake Trail
This simple 2.1-mile loop around Skytop Lake is completely flat. Hiking in the Poconos on this trail provides vast, open views of the 75-acre lake and West Mountain, which is noted for its steep cliffs. Over 40 plaques along the route detail the environment, geology, trees, and plants you will meet. This journey will pique your curiosity about the Poconos while also allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Chameleon and Glen Onoko Falls
Any list of outstanding hiking trails in a region would be incomplete without at least one difficult and perhaps deadly path. Hiking to the waterfalls in Glen Onoko is a popular activity, despite the fact that there has been one death and several rescues over the years. As any hiker knows, always be prepared with strong traction boots, especially while trekking on wet rocks along steep river banks and waterfalls. Chameleon Falls will be reached after roughly a half-mile hike. This first set of falls is remarkable in that it combines two rivers to form a single cascade. To say the least, it is a one-of-a-kind sight, and it is frequently voted the best of the three in Glen Okono.
Glen Okono Falls is located just above Chameleon Falls. These unique falls are higher and contain extremely chilly water. If you prepare ahead of time, this may be a pleasant refreshment at the summit of the walk, or an incentive to keep going. Hike to the top of Okono Falls for a spectacular view of the valley. Another warning sign will be installed, as well as ropes to keep onlookers away from the falls. It is critical to make sound judgments at this point. However, the view is well worth the effort.
Hornbecks Creek Waterfalls
Hornbecks Creek’s waterfalls may be the best-kept secret in the Poconos. Three magnificent waterfalls, as well as a variety of picturesque cascades and a deep valley, may be found along this creek’s little-used route. To be truthful, Indian Ladder Falls, the creek’s midway cascade could be one of the top ten waterfalls in Pennsylvania. The notion that you’ll almost certainly have this waterfall to yourself, including on days when others are crowded, adds to its allure.
McDade Trail
The McDade Route, which runs from Milford to Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pennsylvania, is a 30-plus mile trail that follows the Delaware River from Milford to Shawnee-on-Delaware. This route has parts that are some of our favorite introductory treks since they allow you to test out more difficult terrain without the extra challenge of uneven hiking conditions. On a packed crushed stone ground, this route is regularly developed and maintained to provide a pleasant hiking experience. It runs along the river and provides observations of the vegetation and animals along the banks, featuring busy Bald Eagle nests.
Bonus: What to Bring Day Hiking in the Poconos
These items should be on your hiking checklist:
- Hiking backpack
- Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Plenty of food
- Plenty of water
- Navigation tools such as a map and compass
- First-aid kit
- Knife or multi-tool
Places to stay while Hiking in the Poconos
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