The Hornbecks Trail is a hidden gem waterfall extravaganza that exceeds expectations. It may be one of our new favorite waterfall trails in the Poconos
The Hornbecks trail is located in Pike County, PA where the Pocono plateau drops sharply to the plain of the Delaware River, creating some of Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfalls. Although Hornbecks lacks the eminence and popularity some if its of its neighbors, this trail is a hidden gem that far exceeded expectations.
Some maps distinguish between a “Lower” and “Upper” Hornbecks Trail, but it is in fact one continuous trail from Route 209 along the Delaware River to the east (lower) and Emery Rd. to the west (upper). There is a trailhead and parking at each end of the Hornbecks trail, with the larger being at the lower end. And that is where we started. On the lower end you can park at the lot either right off of Rt. 209 or drive a few hundred feet up a gravel road to another lot.
The Hornbecks trail is well traveled at the lower end and is relatively level. There are a number of bridge crossings as the trail follows Hornbecks Creek. After a beautiful and easy 1.2 miles you will encounter Lower Indian Ladder Falls!
We love how the falls flows through a rock cliff ravine at the top then slides down to the splash pool. We noticed a rope swing at the splash pool and can’t wait to return in the summer to jump and swim.
Lower Indian Ladder Falls itself and the trail there is worth the trip, and you may, like most, be ready to turn back. But press on, because the adventure is just beginning. There is a trail to the top of the falls on the south side (left if you are looking at the falls). It is a little steep, but there are abundant roots to aid your ascent.
As you can see from the photo above, the character of the trail changes dramatically from wide, level, and heavily trafficked to a narrow path along a ledge through the ravine. And this is where the surprises begin. Shortly after Lower Indian Ladder Falls there was another waterfall. Then another, and another.
Unfortunately, because of the ice we couldn’t get close to most of the waterfalls, and many were hard to see under the icy crust. We can’t wait to return in warmer weather. Be careful on the trail and mind the icy death traps like the one below.
The ice bejeweled Hornbecks Creek.
One section of the trail on the approach to Upper Indian Ladder Falls was a verdant oasis in the winter landscape. Here we were greeted by the golden sun shining through a tall hemlock stand with moss, ferns, and an abundance of white pine saplings.
Immediately after passing through the green oasis, we caught site of a large white mound on the side of the ravine. Here is the tall and wide upper Indian Ladder Falls.
There are log stairs to the top of Upper Indian Ladder Falls. It is not pictured, but there is a small waterfall to the left of the stairs.
And yet more waterfalls just a little farther upstream! Here is just a sample.
The lower parking lots at Route 209 are at 41.18723, -74.88492 and 41.18843, -74.88612.
Parking on the upper end at Emery Rd. is at 41.19550, -74.91000.
The map below from the National Park Service shows separate upper and lower Hornbecks trails. But that is decidedly fake news. The red line is the connector trail with a multitude of waterfalls and is arguably the best part of the trail. Overall, out and back, the trail is 2.8 miles.
What more can we say? This short hike was exquisite, with surprise waterfall after surprise waterfall. It reminded me of Ricketts Glenn, on a much smaller scale of course, on account of the string of successive waterfalls. Although the waterfalls on the Hornbecks Trail are not nearly as tall as the big-name waterfalls in the Delaware Water Gap, the surprise and fun factor may make this one of our favorite waterfall trails in the Poconos.
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
