Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
Visiting Bushkill Falls
What to know, what to do, and where to stay nearby.
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Bushkill Falls has been called the Niagara of Pennsylvania — and while the scale is different, the experience lives up to the name. A series of eight waterfalls connected by wooden boardwalks, bridges, and forest trails, it is one of the most dramatic natural attractions in the Pocono Mountains. At 45 minutes from Ferncrest Promised Land, it makes for an unforgettable day trip — the kind of hike you will be talking about around the fire pit that night.
What to Do
Everything Bushkill Falls has to offer
The main attraction is the waterfall trail system — a network of wooden walkways and stairways that wind through a narrow gorge past eight distinct waterfalls. The Main Falls drops over 100 feet and is visible from a viewing platform just a short walk from the entrance. It is stunning from every angle and every season.
There are four trail options ranging from easy to challenging. The Green Trail is the shortest — about 15 minutes to the Main Falls overlook and back. The Red Trail is the full loop, covering all eight waterfalls over roughly two miles with significant elevation changes via wooden staircases. Most visitors choose the Red Trail for the complete experience.
Beyond the waterfalls, the surrounding forest is worth slowing down for. The hemlock-lined gorge, moss-covered rocks, and the sound of rushing water create an atmosphere that feels far removed from everyday life. Photographers come here specifically for the light filtering through the canopy.
The grounds also include a mining sluice where kids can pan for gemstones, a small native wildlife exhibit, and picnic areas near the entrance. It is well-maintained, family-friendly, and easy to navigate even with younger children on the shorter trails.
Why It's Worth the Trip
More than a pin on the map.
Most people come to the Poconos expecting forests and lakes. Bushkill Falls gives you something you did not expect — a gorge carved into the mountains with waterfalls stacking on top of each other, connected by boardwalks that feel like they were built into the side of the earth. It is the kind of place that makes you stop and just stand there for a while. For Ferncrest guests, it adds a wow-factor to the trip that elevates a great weekend into something genuinely memorable.
Seasonal Guide
Best time to visit Bushkill Falls
Spring
Spring is one of the best times to visit. Snowmelt and spring rains push the waterfalls to peak volume, making them more dramatic and powerful. The trails can be wet, so wear sturdy shoes. The park typically opens in April.
Summer
Summer brings lush green canopy and comfortable hiking conditions. The gorge stays cooler than the surrounding area thanks to the shade and mist from the falls. Weekends can be busier — arrive early for the best experience.
Fall
Peak foliage season at Bushkill Falls is extraordinary. The gorge fills with gold, orange, and red from late September through mid-October. It is widely considered one of the best fall foliage destinations in Pennsylvania.
Winter
Bushkill Falls is closed during winter months, typically from late November through March. However, the surrounding area remains beautiful for winter hiking and Ferncrest stays open year-round.
Frequently asked questions
Where to Stay
Stay at Ferncrest Promised Land
30 miles from the property
Bushkill Falls is a 45-minute drive from Ferncrest Promised Land — close enough for a half-day trip, far enough to feel like an adventure. After hiking the gorge and standing in the mist of the falls, you come back to your dome tent with a fire pit already waiting. Light it up, pour a drink, sink into the hot tub, and replay the day. It is the kind of pairing that makes a Poconos trip feel complete — dramatic nature by day, effortless comfort by night.
