Bushkill Falls calls itself the "Niagara of Pennsylvania": a series of eight waterfalls in a wooded gorge in the eastern Pocono Mountains, linked by color-coded trails, bridges and stairways. It's privately owned (by Aramark), not a state or national park, so there's an admission fee.
Pick a trail by how much time you have: a 15-minute walk to the Main Falls, or a 2-hour-plus hike that passes all eight falls. It's open spring through fall and closed December through March.
Which trail should you take?
- Green Trail: the Main Falls, about 15 minutes. No climbing, but there are steps.
- Yellow Trail: Main Falls, Lower Gorge Falls, Laurel Glen and Upper Canyon, about 45 minutes.
- Blue Trail: adds Pennell Falls, about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Red Trail: almost 2 miles, includes all eight falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and takes over 2 hours. It's meant for keen hikers.
- Every trail has steps and stairways, so wear good shoes. Backpacks are fine, but picnicking on the trails is discouraged (there's a picnic area instead), and please don't feed the wildlife.
Tickets (as posted, November 2026)
- Adults $24; seniors 62+ and active military $22; children 4 to 10 $12; ages 3 and under free.
- Locals: $10 on weekdays with a PA license or ID showing a ZIP code that starts with 183 (on-site only; weekends and holidays are regular price).
- Parking is free with your ticket. Credit cards only (no checks). Buying online skips the line.
- Prices can change: check the official admission page before you go.
More to do on site
- Gem mining: buy a bag of "mining rough" and sift it in front of the Nature Nook ($17 regular, $32 giant bag).
- Fishing in the Twin Lakes ponds: no fishing license needed, a $7 permit; rental gear in peak season.
- Paddle boats: $20 for a 15-minute ride, up to 4 people, on weekends and Friday to Monday in July and August, weather permitting.
- A trail "map adventure" ($4), the Mining Company maze, a Pennsylvania wildlife exhibit at the entrance, a children's playground, a snack bar, a fudge and ice cream shop, and a free picnic area (no grilling).
Good to know
- Dogs are welcome on a leash and can't be left alone anywhere on the grounds (no pets on the paddle boats).
- Hours change by season, day of the week and weather. Check the park hours page the day you go.
- Cell service is spotty; there's public Wi-Fi. Restrooms are at the corner of the parking lot.
- Getting there: I-80 to Exit 309, then Route 209 north to the light in Bushkill and turn left onto Bushkill Falls Road. Leaving, the park suggests Route 209 south and River Road through Shawnee back to I-80.
Sources: Bushkill Falls: trails · Bushkill Falls: admission · Bushkill Falls: hours and general information
