Delaware Water Gap: 13 waterfalls, 1 Day Itinerary

Nestled along the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap Area boasts enchanting waterfall trails as one of its main attractions. Strap on your hiking boots and set out on a captivating adventure through lush forests and challenging terrain to uncover the breathtaking spectacle of cascading waterfalls. Below, you’ll find a one-day itinerary to explore 13 magnificent waterfalls in just one day!

Entrance Fee:

FREE, with an exception.

Bushkill Falls, and the surrounding land, contain the last eight waterfalls on this itinerary. Since they are on private property, they do require their own entrance fee. The rest of the falls on this itinerary are equally stunning, so if you do not want to pay an extra fee, you can skip Bushkill Falls.

Bushkill Falls- $20 per adult, $10 per child (10 and under)

Lodging:

Delaware Water Gap has limited lodging options inside the park.

There are a few private companies that run tent and RV camping options within the park: Dingmans Campground (RV/tent), Mohican Outdoor Center(cabins/tents), and Worthington State Forest Campground (RV/tent). Reservations for each can be made on their individual websites.

The park does have boat-in sites along the river. Reservations for those sites can be made at Recreation.gov.

There are primitive sites along the Appalachian Trail but they are reserved for Appalachian Trail through-hikers only.

The largest selection of hotels for the area can be found in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Dining:

Food options within the park or along this route are limited until you are south of Bushkill Falls. I would plan on bringing in your food for the day.

Most dining options are available near Stroudsburg. Consider checking out The Village Farmer and Bakery or Joe Bosco BBQ if you are headed in that direction😊

Must Know Before You Go:

Many of the trails are rocky and slick. Proper footwear is recommended.
Pets are not permitted on any trails except for the trail leading to Shohola Falls.
Bears, while not commonly seen, are active throughout the park. Before heading out, please review wildlife safety guidelines.
As always, follow the Leave No Trace principles.

Cell Service:

There is no cell service throughout the Delaware Water Gap area.

1 Day Itinerary

Shohola Falls-

Distance: 0.3 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: <100 ft

Trail Access: From Route 6, turn south onto Brooks Cabin Road. In 0.2 miles, turn right into the Shohola Lake parking lot.

From the parking lot, walk towards the dam, then follow the water north until you see a path down to the falls. The path down to the falls is very slick and narrow; please use caution.

Raymondskill Falls-

Distance: 0.5 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Combo, Loop + short spur trail to the creek

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 200+ ft

Trail Access: Raymondskill Falls Parking Lot via Raymondskill Falls Road—both the upper and lower lots lead to the falls. The upper lot has restrooms available as well.

Raymondskill Falls is Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall at 178 feet and is a breathtaking sight that should not be missed! The trail is short but steep, offering multiple viewpoints of the stunning falls and creek. Since trail signage is scarce, it is a good idea to take a picture of the map at the trailhead before you begin exploring😊

Dingmans Falls/Silverthread Falls-

Distance: 0.8 miles roundtrip

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 200+ ft

Trail Access: Dingmans Falls Visitor Center Parking Lot via Dingmans Falls Road

There is a Visitor Center off of the Dingmans Falls Parking lot that is open seasonally. The trail will start just across from the Visitor Center.

The 0.3 miles to the bottom of the falls are on a raised boardwalk that is stroller—and wheelchair-accessible with minimal elevation change. The 0.1 miles to the top of the falls is not.

Just after crossing the first bridge, you will reach the 80-foot Silverthread Falls. From there, continue following the boardwalk to the base of the impressive 130-foot Dingmans Falls.

After checking out the base of Dingmans Falls, head up the wooden stairs to make your way to the top of the falls. We felt the views at the top of the falls were very limited. If you are short on time, I would skip the extra trek to the top and instead spend a few more minutes enjoying the gorgeous views from the base of the falls instead😊

Hornbeck Creek Falls-

Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip to Lower Falls, 3.5 miles if you continue to Upper Falls

Trail Route: Out-and-back

Trail Difficulty: Easy to Lower Falls, Moderate to Upper Falls

Elevation Gain: <100 ft to Lower Falls, 400+ ft to Upper Falls

Trail Access: Hornbeck Creek Parking area via US- 209

This trail is gorgeous as you follow the creek the whole way! The trail to Lower Falls is wide, flat, and easy to follow. At 1.1 miles, you will reach the beautiful 25 ft falls. From here, you can either continue on a more difficult path to Upper Falls or turn around and head back.

If you are continuing to Upper Falls, there is a narrow path to the left of the falls that will require lots of scrambling. The 30 ft Upper Falls is approximately 0.7 miles past Lower Falls and is definitely worth the extra effort if you are able!

*If you initially passed on Upper Falls and have returned to your car, there is another lot off Emery Road. The path from that lot is an easier trek to Upper Falls if you are still interested in seeing both Upper and Lower Hornbeck Falls.

Bushkill Falls–

Distance: 2.0 miles (Red/Blue outer loop)

Trail Route: Loop

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 300+ ft

Trail Access: Bushkill Falls Parking Lot via Bushkill Falls Road

*This trail is on private property and does require an entrance fee- $20/person, $10/child (10 and under)

The price was steep for a family of five, so I wouldn’t typically add these trails to an itinerary, but this impressive trail is hard to pass up! Completing the outer Red/Blue Trail Loop will take you past eight absolutely stunning waterfalls.

Start the trail at the top of the main Bushkill Falls. From there, cross the bridge and head down the stairs to the base of the main falls. Next, follow the boardwalk to Lower Gorge Falls. At the end of the Lower Gorge, head right on the Red Trail towards Lower Bridesmaid’s Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Upper Bridesmaid’s Falls. This portion of the trail is rocky and all uphill.

After Upper Bridesmaid’s Falls, continue climbing until you reach Peter’s Corner. At Peter’s Corner, continue straight towards Pennell Falls before following the water through Upper Canyon and back to the parking lot.

And that’s a wrap on your Delaware Water Gap waterfall tour!