Aqueduct Falls is an extremely scenic series of waterfalls featuring a nearly 50-foot drop tucked away in the mountains of Luzerne County, PA.
Aqueduct Falls is located in the charming Harvey’s Creek gorge in Luzerne County, PA. There are actually a series of waterfalls, slides, and cascades, with Aqueduct Falls proper consisting of several veils over a drop of nearly fifty feet. Although the falls are less than a thousand feet from the road, they can be difficult to find on account of extremely limited parking and accessed via a narrow, weedy footpath.
Let us solve the first problem for you: there is a pull-off that can accommodate one vehicle at the trailhead located at 41.23972, -75.99505, immediately north of the bridge where Route 29 crosses over Harvey’s Creek. We recommend backing in as far as possible because the pull-off is on a curve and traffic blasts down Route 29. Alternatively, you can park on the other side of the bridge at 41.23891, -75.99693 which can accommodate 2 or 3 vehicles. In any case be careful in the area of Route 29. Your second challenge is to navigate the weedy trail to the turnoff into the woods. There are no trail markings at all, but you can easily discern the foot path if the weeds are not too high. Turn off into the woods at 41.23916, -75.99465.
Your adventurous spirit is rewarded with an easy walk on hummus soil under a wooded canopy. Pleasant cascades, slides, and waterfalls in quick succession like the two shown in the photos above greeted us. Just beyond these is a long water slide over a rock bed followed by Aqueduct Falls proper.
The dop of Aqueduct Falls is nearly 50 feet and there are multiple streams over the cliff. The volume varies with the amount of rainfall. When we visited, there was light to moderate flow from three main veils.
You can walk right up and stand beneath and behind Aqueduct Falls.
There is a walkable ledge behind the falls. Be careful of the wet and slippery terrain.
Here is one of the side falls splashing down onto tiers of sloped rock face.
The trek to Aqueduct Falls is short with moderate incline. You can hike to the top of the falls via an unmarked path on the north side of the stream. The incline to the top of the falls is much steeper. Here is the view from the top. Be extremely careful as many of the rocks are wet.
The waterfalls keep coming above Aqueduct Falls, but the trail becomes increasingly more difficult.
We lost the trail while visiting the smaller waterfalls above Aqueduct Falls. The terrain is a mix of irregular boulders, hummus soil, and leaf debris, making for a challenging but rewarding excursion.
From the top-most waterfall you can make out a concrete spillway that seems out of place up on the mountain.
Climb to the top and you will reach a rock outcropping and waterfalls cluttered with debris. You will also find yourself standing on this mysterious structure. What is it?! Find out on our adventure: Unravel Unexpected Mountain Mystery on the Tilbury Knob Trail
The adventure was 0.8 miles out and back from Route 29 to the Tilbury Knob Trail.
Parking for one vehicle is at 41.23972, -75.99505.
Parking for two to three vehicles is at 41.23891, -75.99693.
The turn-off from the weedy trail by Harveys Creek into the woods is at 41.23916, -75.99465.
There is not much to show by way of a map because there is one unmarked trail and there are a series of falls and cascades in close succession on the side of the mountain.
Just driving by on Route 29, you would never know that Aqueduct falls is there. Given the short walk and height of the falls, one would think that Aqueduct Falls would be better known and more visited. The biggest challenge to finding Aqueduct Falls is knowing where to park and where to turn off into the woods. Now that you have the coordinates, those problems are solved, so you can get out there and experience this hidden gem.
While you’re here, joins us as we Unravel Unexpected Mountain Mystery on the Tilbury Knob Trail.
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
