As people have rediscovered en masse in recent years, there’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in nature—and, for many, water is at the heart of it all.
Whether you’re relaxing by the lapping water of a lake, wading through the crashing waves of an ocean, or navigating a roaring river in a kayak or canoe, you can find a certain oneness with nature simply by being on or near water. One of the most majestic places to experience such tranquility is at a waterfall. And tucked within Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains—a convenient thirty miles from New York State and a stone’s throw from New Jersey—you’ll find a true treasure that embodies this phenomenon: Bushkill Falls. With eight waterfalls spread across three hundred acres, this privately owned utopia will dazzle you with its natural beauty
Get immersed in history
Bushkill Falls has been delighting visitors for over a century, all thanks to the vision of one man. Charles E. Peters, whose family owned the land near the village of Bushkill, wanted to share this Shangri-la with the world, so he cleared a path and created a single-plank swinging bridge for nature lovers above the largest waterfall. Dubbing the area “the Niagara of Pennsylvania,” he opened it to the public in 1904. Today, the land is the property of the Peters estate, and an admission fee is charged to help maintain this beautiful stretch of wilderness—but it’s well worth the price to feel like you’re getting a semiprivate, curated tour of nature.
When you visit, take the opportunity to delve deeper into the area’s history before stepping foot into the woods. Near the entrance, you’ll find a pair of exhibitions that will transport you back in time: the Native American Exhibit, a life-sized replica of a longhouse where Indigenous people would have dwelled; and the Story of Bushkill Falls Exhibit, which features black-and-white photos, heirlooms, and products that help bring the story to life. And if you’d like to learn more about the Poconos’ wildlife, from chipmunks to bobcats, check out the Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit for presentations and displays.
Choose your path
Bushkill Falls offers not only serenity and communes with nature but also an adventure. Be sure to prepare properly for your visit by bringing water and snacks and dressing appropriately for the hike and time of year—the attraction is open from April through the day before Thanksgiving, weather permitting. You’re also allowed to bring your dog with you on your journey; they just need to remain leashed. For an added challenge, consider doing the Trail Map Adventure Program, which provides a special map that helps you find twenty marked points along the trails of Bushkill Falls.
Before starting your trek through the property, you’ll have to select your trail. There are four color-coded options based on difficulty, so choose wisely. The simplest is the green trail, a mere fifteen-minute jaunt that gives you a firsthand look at the main attraction, the majestic 100-foot Main Falls.
If you travel the yellow trail—the most popular choice—expect to triple your time but also see much more. Along this path, you’ll enjoy two views of the Main Falls and a view of the Lower Gorge Falls; you’ll also ascend to the Laurel Glen and Upper Canyon overlooks above Little Bushkill Creek, one of two crystal-clear tributaries that feed the falls. (Don’t be concerned about the water turning brown in spots. That’s just tannin from the ample number of trees.) If you want a somewhat bigger challenge, try the blue trail, a more remote walk through the center of the woods that leads you to both the scenic Peter’s Corner loop and Pennell Falls.
For the whole kit and caboodle, dare to trek the red trail, also known as the Bridal Veil Falls Trail. A true hiker’s paradise, it’s approximately two miles long, includes steps galore (1,267 in all, many of which are uphill), and takes you to all eight waterfalls. Expect to spend around two hours on this excursion, which is half paved with wooden walkways and half woods filled with endless rocks and roots to navigate. When you finally complete the journey, treat yourself to an “I Survived the Red Trail” T-shirt from the Main Stand gift shop afterward—you will have earned it.
No matter which path you take, however, be sure to savor each moment. The cascading waterfalls and ample rustic walkways and bridges, complete with hand-hewn log railings, provide a unique, magical experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Enjoy other activities
Speaking of the gift shop, it is one of several stores to peruse before or after your walk in the woods. From various rocks and minerals to hiking apparel, you’ll find something to take home as a memento, and you’ll certainly appreciate the variety of food and drink options after your invigorating excursion.
You can grab a sandwich, pizza, popcorn, and more at the Bushkill Falls Snack Bar or pack your own meal to enjoy in the picnic areas on either side of the parking lot—the northmost picnic area even has grills for public use. Whichever way you choose to dine, be sure to follow it up with a trip to the Sugar Mountain Sweet Shop for treats such as fudge, ice cream, and ice-cream sodas.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities on the grounds to enjoy as well, including miniature golf. You can also bring your bait and tackle to fish in the Twin Lakes on both sides of the main road and—as a nod to Pennsylvania’s rich mining history—mine for genuine gemstones. The newest attraction, the Bushkill Falls Mining Company Maze, is arguably an even more exciting way to honor mining since it’s a competitive maze with prizes for those who find the letters g, o, l, and d the quickest.
When it comes to experiencing the paradise of nature, nothing provides a sense of awe like the mighty waterfall. When you’re in the Northeast, be sure to set aside a day for trekking through the Poconos’ Bushkill Falls. Let its pristine paths envelop you as they lead you through peaceful, breathtaking beauty and entice you to leave the world behind.
For more info, go to visitbushkillfalls.com
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