Want to see frozen waterfalls in PA? Try these 7 gorgeous winter hikes
Waterfalls in Pennsylvania become sparkling ice sculptures when the temperature drops below freezing.
Winter transforms Pennsylvania’s hiking trails into paths that wind through a winter wonderland. Waterfalls that are sights to behold in the warmer months become glittering spectacles when temperatures drop, and even gentle cascades freeze into delicate crystal formations. We’ve outlined some of our favorite winter hikes across the commonwealth where you can experience these icy wonders firsthand. Whether you’re chasing a family-friendly waterfall hike, a hidden gem off the beaten path, or a challenging icy trek, Pennsylvania is home to breathtaking winter scenery that makes the season’s gray skies and chilly temperatures more than worth it.
Before heading out, be sure to check the weather and trail conditions to ensure it’s safe to hike. And while these waterfalls typically freeze at some point each winter, conditions can vary, so it’s also a good idea to check with the relevant park or natural area to confirm whether your waterfall of choice is currently frozen.
Winter hikes in eastern Pennsylvania
Falls Trail System at Ricketts Glen State Park–Benton (Columbia County)
Length: 7.2-mile loop
Difficulty: Difficult
The iconic Falls Trail System at Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the most stunning waterfall hikes in the state any time of the year, winding past 21 waterfalls through a rocky gorge. During winter, the trail transforms into an icy landscape and is only open to properly equipped ice climbers and hikers, according to the park. Winter hikers should be prepared with traction devices such as microspikes and trekking poles, as icy areas and slick rock surfaces are common. For those who venture out, the reward is the dramatic frozen scenery of the Glens Natural Area, such as the 94-foot-tall Ganoga Falls turned into a towering wall of ice.
Hawk Falls Trail at Hickory Run State Park–White Haven (Carbon County)
Length: 0.6 miles, out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Hawk Falls Trail at Hickory Run State Park is a brief but worthwhile hike in the Pocono Mountains, leading just over half a mile through a hemlock forest to the base of the 25-foot-tall Hawk Falls, which often freezes amid a picturesque winter setting. As you pick your way down to the falls, be wary of icy spots and ensure your footwear has good traction.
Hikers looking to extend this short outing can continue along the Orchard Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that connects to the Hawk Falls Trail and winds through Mud Run Natural Area, offering a more rugged experience with steeper and rockier terrain.
Ringing Rocks Trail at Ringing Rocks County Park–Upper Black Eddy (Bucks County)
Length: 1-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Philadelphians don’t always need to travel to northeastern Pennsylvania to see frozen waterfalls. The Ringing Rocks Trail at Ringing Rocks County Park in Bucks County is best known for its massive boulder field, where rocks ring when struck, but the park is also home to a relatively easy, family-friendly waterfall hike. While portions of the trail can be rocky and icy—and it isn’t maintained during winter—the 1-mile loop is mostly flat as it takes you to High Falls. Though the falls are just 15 feet tall, High Falls is the tallest waterfall in Bucks County!
Because Southeastern Pennsylvania is typically the warmest region of the state, it’s worth checking conditions if you’re hoping to see High Falls frozen. Even when flowing, however, the waterfall is especially scenic when framed by snow-covered rocks and an icy forest.
George W. Childs Park Trail and Raymondskill Falls at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area–Dingmans Ferry (Pike County)
Length: George W. Childs Park Trail: 1.4-mile loop; Raymondskill Creek Trail: 0.3-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the 70,000-acre scenic haven in northeastern Pennsylvania, draws visitors year-round to waterfalls that rank among the tallest in the state, like Raymondskill Falls and Dingmans Falls. But beyond the most famous cascades, the recreation area is also home to several more waterfalls, including three that you can see along the George W. Childs Park Trail.
Reopened just over a year ago after an extensive restoration project, the trail traces part of the former George W. Childs Park, once a Pennsylvania state park and now part of the national recreation area. The 1.4-mile loop follows Dingmans Creek past Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls, and Deer Leap Falls, with renovated stairs, wooden walkways, and waterfall viewing areas that make the trail more accessible.
While the trail remains open in winter, the parking area at the trailhead closes seasonally (beginning Jan. 2 or after the first major snowfall, according to the park). Winter hikers should plan to park outside the closed area and walk to the trailhead. You can check current road and access closures on the national recreation area website.
For an easier-access frozen waterfall stroll nearby, you can visit stunning Raymondskill Falls—the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. Although the upper parking lot for Raymondskill Falls closes in winter, the lower parking lot remains open “as conditions permit,” according to the park. The short but steep Raymondskill Creek Trail leads you to a great view of the roughly 150-foot-tall waterfall, which is especially striking when turned to ice.
Winter hikes in western Pennsylvania
Cucumber Falls Trail at Ohiopyle State Park–Ohiopyle (Fayette County)
Length: 0.4 miles, out-and-back; can connect to longer trails
Difficulty: Moderate
The Cucumber Falls Trail at Ohiopyle State Park may be short, but in winter it can be a challenging trek over icy, uneven terrain as it descends toward the Youghiogheny River Gorge through a hemlock forest. The payoff is Cucumber Falls, a spectacular, bridal-veil-style waterfall that plunges 36 feet over a rocky ledge into the gorge below.
Located in the chilly Laurel Highlands, Cucumber Falls often freezes when the temperatures dip low enough, transforming into a dramatic curtain of ice. In warmer months, visitors often walk behind the falls for a unique view of Cucumber Falls, but in winter this area can be extremely icy and should only be approached with caution.
You can turn back after experiencing the falls, or you can continue onto the Great Gorge Trail, a relatively flat and scenic 1.3-mile out-and-back trail that offers a longer winter hike through beautiful Ohiopyle.
Hells Hollow Trail at McConnells Mill State Park–Portersville (Lawrence County)
Length: 0.5 miles, out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Not far from Pittsburgh, McConnells Mill State Park is an outdoor oasis that shines even in winter. Many rugged hiking trails crisscross the area’s Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, but the Hells Hollow Trail is not actually hellish, as it is a peaceful and relatively easy 0.5-mile hike to Hells Hollow Falls. The trail stays mostly level as it crosses Hell Run, with a short descent near the end, where a set of stairs takes you to the base of the waterfall. The steps may be icy in winter, but patience and proper footwear ensure your reward: Hells Hollow Falls draped in ice and surrounded by snowy branches.
You might also make a stop at Alpha Falls in the northeastern corner of the park. Accessible from the Alpha Falls parking area, a short trail with stairs leads down to the base of the falls. In winter, Alpha Falls can freeze in remarkable ice formations.
Winter hike in central Pennsylvania
Rainbow Falls Loop at Trough Creek State Park–James Creek (Huntingdon County)
Length: 2.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
For a longer winter hike in central Pennsylvania, combine several shorter trails in Trough Creek State Park to create a roughly 2.5-mile loop that passes Rainbow Falls, a long and cascading waterfall tucked into the woods, and treats hikers to panoramic views and a swinging suspension bridge.
The loop connects the park’s Copperas Rock Trail (0.4 miles), Ledges Trail (0.9 miles), Abbott Run Trail (0.4 miles), Balanced Rock Trail (0.1 miles), and Rhododendron Trail (0.6 miles). Ensure your shoes have good traction to tackle these steep and rocky trails; microspikes are a good idea when conditions are icy.
The hike begins on Copperas Rock Trail as it ascends a forested slope before meeting Ledges Trail, where hikers can enjoy a scenic overlook of Great Trough Creek Gorge. You’ll continue along Abbott Run Trail—and spot an upstream view of Rainbow Falls—and then Balanced Rock Trail, which brings you to Rainbow Falls and its tiered cascades, which often freeze into icy, stair-like structures in winter.
You’ll also get to cross a swinging suspension bridge over Great Trough Creek. The Rhododendron Trail will then lead you back to the Copperas Rock area.
If you’d prefer a shorter winter excursion, you can take just the Balanced Rock Trail and still experience both Rainbow Falls and the suspension bridge. On this short trail, you can also check out Balanced Rock, a large boulder perfectly perched on the edge of a cliff.
Tips for safe winter hiking
Hiking in winter can be incredibly rewarding, but icy trails and cold temperatures require extra preparation—especially near waterfalls, where spray often freezes into slippery surfaces. Here are some tips to help ensure your winter hike is both safe and stress-free.
Check the weather and trail conditions
Sudden temperature swings can turn easily traversable packed snow into treacherous ice. Before heading out, check the forecast and look for recent trail updates: Many parks share current trail conditions on social media.
Dress warm, but smart
The key to comfortable winter hiking is layering! Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to pull sweat away from your skin, add an insulating mid-layer like a fleece, and finish with a warm jacket, ideally one that’s waterproof. And don’t forget the power of warm socks and gloves.
Bring the right gear
Waterproof boots with good tread are essential, and you may also want to add traction devices like microspikes for added grip on icy sections, like those near waterfalls. And while you don’t necessarily need trekking poles, if you have them, bring them. They can help improve your balance on rough terrain and reduce the risk of slipping and falling.
Give frozen waterfalls their space
We know you’re here for the frozen waterfalls, but you should still be cautious around them. Ice formations can break off without warning, so it’s best to avoid walking directly beneath any large ice overhangs.
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