Have you ever noticed the mix of peaceful calm and renewed energy that comes from watching a waterfall? Is it the rushing sound, the beauty of the cascading water, or the feeling that you’re part of something bigger? That feeling is what inspired our three-day waterfall road trip through eastern Pennsylvania.
It was the summer of 2016. We were looking for a weekend getaway that would get our hearts racing and our blood pumping. We didn’t have to go far Eastern PA is home to many beautiful waterfalls. Ricketts Glen, Bushkill Falls, and Glen Onoko, to name a few. After seeing a post on Facebook about PA waterfalls, we chose three waterfalls for our three-day weekend in August 2016: Glen Onoko, Ricketts Glen, and Slateford Creek Falls.
Day One: Glen Onoko Falls in Jim Thorpe, PA
We started in Jim Thorpe, home to Glen Onoko Falls, part of the Lehigh Gorge Trail. Jim Thorpe is a charming little town located in the Pocono Mountains in Carbon County. Check out our upcoming post about Jim Thorpe. We hadn’t done a whole lot of research beforehand—which I would highly recommend for future trips like this, lol. The GPS told us where to park, but after that, we weren’t sure where to go. We assumed the falls must be along the river somewhere. “There’s water here—must be here.” Boy, were we wrong!!
Finding the Trail to Glen Onoko Falls
We walked for about 15 minutes before realizing we had no idea where we were going. Nelson pulled up Google Earth and saw that the waterfall was actually up the bank along a stream. We noticed a small trickle of water running through the woods and decided that had to be the way. As we followed the stream bed, it gradually opened up into more walking space—but it also became much rockier. It’s a good thing we were in decent shape at the time, because it quickly turned into what felt like rock climbing.
The Climb — and Why It Was Worth It
When we finally made it to the falls, we were completely in awe. DEFINITELY worth the climb! It may have taken a lot of effort to get there, but to this day, I don’t know that I’ve seen such a beautiful waterfall. Unfortunately, this waterfall is now closed to the public due to dangerous conditions. At the time, it was possible not only to stand near the bottom but also to climb to the top and look out over the mountains with stunning views.
As we were getting ready to leave, we noticed an actual trail. That was much easier to maneuver than walking back down through the creek bed.
Day Two: Hiking the Waterfalls of Ricketts Glen State Park
We stayed overnight in Jim Thorpe. We rose early the next morning and set out for our second waterfall in Benton, PA. Ricketts Glen is a state park spanning over 13,000 acres across three counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s home to more than 20 waterfalls, with the tallest reaching 94 feet. There is no charge to hike the falls, and other areas of the park. They have picnic areas, a beach, and camping—all open to the public.
Overview of the Ricketts Glen Falls Trail System
The Ricketts Glen Falls trail system is laid out in a Y shape, with waterfalls lining the entire route. Hikers can choose from several different trails depending on their experience level. Hiking the entire Y takes visitors past all 22 waterfalls. It is considered difficult and can take up to five hours, especially if you stop to rest or take photos.
Hiking All 22 Waterfalls
We decided to hike the entire system, which took us past many stunning waterfalls. By this point, we had settled into the rhythm of the trail, stopping often just to take it all in. I had my bathing suit on and even stood under one of the falls, which was an amazing experience. Some waterfalls have small swimming areas, and we saw many families enjoying them.
That day, the hike didn’t feel too difficult. Especially compared to our “rock climbing up a creek bed” adventure the day before. We also got lucky, because just as we reached the trailhead and parking area, it started to downpour.
Tips for Visiting Ricketts Glen State Park
Ricketts Glen is truly a must-see when it comes to Pennsylvania waterfalls. Our best advice: know your hiking limits, wear appropriate footwear, expect to spend the day, and pack snacks or lunch. There are no bathrooms along the trail, but they are available at the trailheads.
A Stop at Steamtown National Historic Site
That night, we stayed in a hotel near the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. Before heading out to our final waterfall, we stopped at Steamtown National Historic Site. The museum is dedicated to the history of steam railroading. Whether you’re interested in trains or not, it’s definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area. In addition to a collection of historic trains and rail cars, the site also features a working roundhouse turntable.
Day Three: Slateford Creek Falls in the Delaware Water Gap
Our final waterfall stop was a bit disappointing compared to the previous days. Slateford Creek Falls, near Bangor, PA. It is part of the Delaware Water Gap system and consists of three waterfalls: lower, middle, and upper falls.
Finding Slateford Creek Falls
The area was difficult to find, the trails weren’t clearly marked, and the waterfalls themselves seemed small. We spoke to a local later, while stopping for ice cream. He mentioned that the size was likely due to how dry the season had been.
What the Trails Were Like
While it wasn’t a long hike, there were rocky and steep sections along the way.
Final Thoughts on Our Pennsylvania Waterfall Road Trip
Although we didn’t end our trip with the most impressive waterfall (ice cream helped soften the blow). The weekend reminded us that not every stop has to be perfect to make the experience unforgettable.
