Discover the Best Waterfalls Near Lehigh Valley

Bushkill Falls

Distance from Lehigh Valley: 1 hour

Known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is home to 8 waterfalls and 4 trails of varying lengths and difficulty. The Main Falls can be reached in 15 minutes via the green trail, which requires no climbing but does include steps and stairways.

Note: All trails involve steps and stairways.

Buttermilk Falls & Luke's Falls

Distance from Lehigh Valley: 1.5 hours

Both waterfalls sit along the Lehigh Gorge Trail and D&L Trail, one of Pennsylvania's longest rail trails, accessed from the Rockport Access Area in Lehigh Gorge State Park. This flat, well-maintained trail makes for an easy walk while still delivering dramatic waterfall views.

From the parking area walk 0.3 miles north along the trail to reach Buttermilk Falls, or head 0.3 miles southeast to find Luke's Falls. Each waterfall appears at the first bridge you encounter and is clearly marked with signage.

Dingmans Falls (Currently Closed)

Distance from Lehigh Valley: 1.5 hours

CLOSURE NOTICE: The access road, visitor center, and trail are closed for bridge replacement and trail reconstruction. Anticipated reopening is Spring 2026.

From the visitor center, a flat boardwalk trail winds through a hemlock ravine toward Dingmans Falls. Almost immediately, Silverthread Falls appears on the right, dropping 80 feet through a narrow chute.

Beyond Silverthread Falls, the boardwalk continues past rhododendrons and hemlocks before reaching Dingmans Falls. With a 130-foot plunge, it is the second-highest waterfall in Pennsylvania. Visitors can view the falls from the base platform or climb the final staircase to an overlook above.

George W. Childs Park Waterfalls

Distance from Lehigh Valley: 2 hours

This park is home to three waterfalls along a 1.4-mile trail with less than 150 feet of elevation gain. The trail follows Dingmans Creek through a ravine and brings visitors by mill ruins and Civilian Conservation Corps structures.

• Factory Falls - The first waterfall along the trail is also the only fully accessible fall in the park. From the parking area, the trail leads to two accessible overlooks. One sits just beyond the bridge, while the second requires crossing the bridge.
• Fulmer Falls - A short hike beyond Factory Falls brings you to Fulmer Falls, the second cascade along the creek.
• Deer Leap Falls - The final waterfall along the loop allows views from both the base and an overlook as the trail circles around the falls.

Hawk Falls

Distance from Lehigh Valley: 1 hour

This 25-foot natural waterfall is reached via a 0.6-mile somewhat difficult hike. The trail winds through rhododendron tunnels before ending at the waterfall. Parking is available off PA 534 east of the turnpike overpass.

Little Falls

Distance from Lehigh Valley: 1.5 hours

Head to Promised Land State Park to find this picturesque series of waterfalls. A footbridge 0.25 miles up the trail provides access to the opposite side of the creek. The hike is easy, and those looking to extend their outing will find additional trails nearby.

Marshalls Falls Park

Distance from Lehigh Valley: 1 hour

Marshalls Falls cascades through a narrow rock chasm creating a dramatic waterfall visible through the gorge walls. The parking lot, trail, boardwalk, and bridge are all paved and accessible, making this waterfall viewable for everyone regardless of mobility.

Note: There is a $10 per person admission for out-of-county visitors.

Raymondskill Falls

Distance from Lehigh Valley: 2 hours

Located along Raymondskill Creek, the three-tiered Raymondskill Falls is Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall. A short 0.3-mile hike from the parking area leads to two viewing platforms. One platform overlooks the upper pool and cascade, while the lower platform is a popular spot for photos. Although the trail is brief, it is steep and uneven.

Notes:

• The upper parking lot closes from early January through mid-April.
• A free shuttle operates between the Milford Knob Trailhead and Raymondskill Falls from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Bonus waterfall: Across the street from the parking lot you can access a trail to Hackers Falls, roughly a mile hike from the Hackers Trail trailhead.

Ricketts Glen State Park

Distance from Lehigh Valley: 2 hours

Ricketts Glen State Park is home to 26 miles of trails with varying difficulties and 22 named waterfalls, including Gangoa Falls, the park’s tallest waterfall at 94 feet. Follow the Falls Trail System, a 7.2-mile trail network to discover 21 of the park’s waterfalls.

Note: Falls Trail System closes in winter except for properly equipped ice climbers and hikers.