Bushkill Falls

"Beautiful and idealic setting in the Deleware Gap National Recreation Area. They advertise it as the Niagara of Pennsylvania and while that may be a reach that sets up unrealistic expectations, it still is a great day trip or half day visit when passing through the area. There are numerous trails in the DGNRA that are free, the trails at Bushkill falls are privately owned and therefore have a cost. For two adults and our 1 year old daughter, we paid $30 ($2x $13.50 + $3 printed map). TIP: Save yourself the $3 on the map by printing off a trail map before you leave. The only real value of the trail map is convenience and their explorer game / punch card.

We chose the Blue Trail and decided to take it counter clockwise, instead of the default clockwise route. This turned out to absolutely be the right choice, it was a scenic and not overly challenging hike (even with carrying our daughter) along the river and smaller rapids and falls, short of the many spots that they have built in stairways to help the climb on some of the very steep grade changes. This route resulted in a a consistent build up of anticipation and left the large main falls for last which was the frosting on the cake. We did double back on some of the red and yellow trails to catch some of the scenic views like the Deleware Valley Lookout. Looks like they have made numerous improvements to the pathways over the years, re-routed some of the paths and built new bridges and stairways in some spots.

The best part of the entire visit really is all the boardwalks, bridges, and steps built into the cliffs surrounding the main falls giving numerous vantage points of the upper and lower falls. This is exactly what you cant get just taking a nature trail in a National Park.

We did not purchase any food or partake in the add on offerings of an Adventure Maze or Paddle Boats. We did buy a souvenir in the Gift Shop on the way out.

Overall, it is definitely worth the visit and the cost to see these falls from the many vantage points. I remember doing this trip as a child and now many years later, I have brought my wife and daughter to experience the same majestic setting and make new memories. "

Bushkill falls earns its title as "the Niagara of Pennsylvania" with its 8 waterfalls. The only was to see all 8 is to take the red trail which is the hardest and longest of the trails. Most of the shorter trails are 'paved' that is they have a wooden walkway and are a bit easier; especially for those that do not hike. The biggest waterfall is right near the entrance and easily accessible.

I personally would not recommend the red (hardest) trail unless you are more athletic. The signs say that it is supposed to take two hours for this trail and there were a lot of stairs.

Overall though the place is beautiful and absolutely worth the trip.

Bushkill Falls is absolutely gorgeous and if I could live here, I would. There are a few different trail decisions that vary in length and difficulty. We actually did the hardest, longest one and it kicked my butt. So worth it.

Great place to hike!!

Just a little side note..... If you live in the area and your zip code is (183)xx, admission is free!!! Most locals don't even know this.

really fun provided you are outfitted properly in hiking boots, it gets slippery, and my other advice to ladies is, find a pocket for that cellphone, leave hands free. enjoy, it is fun.

It's hard to pinpoint what people mean when they "go see the Delaware Water Gap." It can take well over an hour to drive its full length. I went to the Pennsylvania Visitors Center in DWG and they told me that the best place to experience DWG is by far Bushkill Falls. It's a condensed way to get your outdoors on and see an epic natural feature. The Niagara of Pennsylvania is right...