The ever-popular Raymondskill Falls is Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall. Here is what you need to know before you visit this hot outdoor adventure destination.
Raymondskill Falls, located in Pike County PA, within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, holds the title of Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall. The nearly 150 ft. Raymondskill Falls consists of an upper falls and lower falls. If taken together, the height is nearly as tall as Niagra Falls!
The viewing platforms are a short walk from either of two parking areas. We first visited the platform above the upper falls, pictured at the upper right of the photos above and below. We then made our way down to the main viewing platform between the upper and lower falls, where you can experience the best views of the falls.
Here’s a view of the ice-encrusted precipice form the top of the lower falls. Unfortunately, there is not a trail to the bottom of the lower falls.
The trails are well-maintained and there is some elevation via stairs to the main viewing platform from which the pictures above were taken. The picture below is of the icy pool on Raymondskill creek at the top of the upper falls.
Raymondskill falls is undoubtedly the star of the show, but don’t overlook the trail leading down to Raymondskill Creek. You will discover two smaller waterfalls over a rock cliff on the way.
At the bottom of the trail, you are rewarded with serene views of cascades through the rocky ravine.
To have the best Raymondskill Falls experience, here are things to know before you go:
- For good reason, Raymondskill Falls is an extraordinarily popular tourist destination during vacation season, so expect company. There are two parking lots, but they are undersized for the number of visitors. Unless you arrive early or are willing to wait, you may not get a spot during the summer, especially on the weekends. The windy road to Raymondskill Falls has little to no shoulder, and in any case parking along the road is prohibited. Another strategy is to visit in the off season, as we did on this adventure. If you visit in the winter, be cautions of ice. A third option is to hike in via the Hacker Trail or Cliff Trail as shown on this map.
- The trails and viewing platforms are easy and well maintained, but there is some elevation change to get down (then back) up from the main viewing platform.
- There is a bathroom facility at the parking lot nearest the falls but is closed during the off season.
- Cell reception is spotty, especially on Rt. 209 along the Delaware River. If you’re using a GPS app to direct you to Raymondskill Falls, either download the road map in advance or start the navigation before arriving at the Delaware Water Gap.
Be sure to check out our other adventures.
