Everything there is to know about Bushkill Falls, the ‘Niagara of Pennsylvania’
Learn about—and plan a visit to—the eight waterfalls of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Bushkill Falls.
Known as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls in Pike County’s Bushkill is one of the most popular natural attractions in the state. The Pocono Mountains destination features eight stunning waterfalls connected by scenic boardwalk trails and bridges, leading visitors through lush forest to breathtaking viewpoints. It also offers a few other fun activities, like mining for gemstones, exploring a maze, and fishing. Read on to learn all about Bushkill Falls and how you can plan a memorable visit chasing the falls.
What is Bushkill Falls?
Bushkill Falls is a series of eight different waterfalls nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. The eight falls range from small cascades to the dramatic Main Falls—also called Bushkill Falls—that plunges about 100 feet. The waterfalls are surrounded by 300 acres of dense woods and winding streams, where boardwalks and wooden bridges hug steep cliffs, allowing visitors to easily traverse the area and view the falls. It’s a picturesque setting ideal for both adventurous hikes and peaceful strolls.
How Bushkill Falls as we know it came to be
The deep history of Bushkill Falls requires rewinding 12,000 years to the last glacial period, when the Wisconsin Glacier shaped the bedrock of the Pocono Mountains, creating the elevation changes and rock formations we see today. Little Bushkill Creek and Pond Run gradually carved through these formations, forming the waterfalls of what we now call Bushkill Falls.
Fast forward thousands of years to 1904, when the attraction known as Bushkill Falls opened to the public. Back then, owner Charles E. Peters developed the site with one trail and one swinging bridge over the main falls, and admission was 10 cents. The Peters family continued to own and operate the attraction for decades, welcoming more than 200,000 visitors each year, though Bushkill Falls was ultimately sold to Aramark in 2023.
What to expect as a visitor
Bushkill Falls is privately owned, and there is an admission fee to enter. Adults generally pay $22, though seniors and active military pay a reduced price of $20. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 are $12 each, and kids ages three and under are free.
The park is open April through November, with daily hours varying by season. Your experience will vary by season, too! For instance, springtime is when the waterfall flow is at its peak, while views of the falls in autumn are framed by vivid fall colors. Whenever you visit, try to get to Bushkill Falls early in the day to beat the crowds.
Once you’re inside the park, you can choose between four different trails, the shortest of which will take you to the Main Falls in just 15 minutes, while the longest trail stretches nearly two miles but will take you past all eight waterfalls over two hours.
Chasing waterfalls on the boardwalk trails
A visit to Bushkill Falls isn’t complete without viewing the Main Falls—the one that is also called, well, Bushkill Falls. But it’s hard to miss this 100-foot waterfall, as it’s at the end of a mere 15-minute jaunt on the Green Trail to the area’s primary observation deck. The Green Trail is Bushkill Falls’ shortest and easiest trail, making it ideal for families.
You can access three additional trails to view the other waterfalls within the Bushkill Falls complex.
The Yellow Trail circles the Main Falls and also offers views of Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen Falls, and Upper Canyon Falls. Hiking the Yellow Trail takes about 45 minutes.
The Blue Trail allows visitors to view Pennell Falls and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to walk in full.
Finally, the Red Trail is the longest of the four trails and allows visitors to see all eight waterfalls. The two-mile trail—which should take relatively experienced hikers about two hours—incorporates parts of the Green, Yellow, and Blue Trails on its trek through the park. You’ll see Bridal Veil Falls as well as the two different Bridesmaid’s Falls. There’s also a small and unnamed (bonus!) waterfall along Pond Run above Bridal Veil and Bridesmaid’s Falls.
Things to do beyond waterfalls
Bushkill Falls has added a few additional attractions for families beyond its famous waterfalls. Outside of the main waterfall complex, the site has a kids’ playground, a “mining” area where children and the young at heart can pan for gemstones, a fishing lake, a competitive maze, a snack and treat bar, and plenty of picnic areas for relaxing in the sun.
Still, the real appeal of Bushkill Falls lies in the beauty of its waterfalls and the wooden boardwalks that weave through the deep forest. Whether you’re visiting for a short hike to the Main Falls or spending a full day exploring every trail, Bushkill Falls offers an escape into some of Pennsylvania’s most spectacular natural scenery.
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