Are you thinking about hiking at Bushkill Falls? This is everything you need to know!
If you are looking for a family-friendly waterfall hike in the Poconos, then Bushkill Falls is the answer.
Initially opened in 1904, this privately owned park is a popular tourist destination for people from Philadelphia, New York, and beyond.
The Bushkill Falls trails lead visitors past eight different waterfalls on up to two miles of boardwalk and natural dirt trails.
We were hesitant to visit Bushkill Falls because of the admission prices. However, we think it’s worth the price due to the well-maintained trails and the beautiful waterfalls.
Bushkill Falls is a great family-friendly activity in the Poconos. Most of the trails at Bushkill Falls are easy for young kids to do. The Red Trail is moderately challenging, but older kids should have no issues.
Kids will also enjoy the other activities available at Bushkill Falls, like gem mining.
The guide below provides you with everything you need to know before visiting Bushkill Falls, including trail descriptions and what to expect on your visit.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Where is Bushkill Falls?
Bushkill Falls calls itself the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”. However, the gorge trails and multiple waterfalls reminded me of Watkins Glen in New York and some of the other hikes in that area.
Bushkill Falls is located in Bushkill, PA, along the Delaware River at 138 Bushkill Falls Trail, in Bushkill, PA.
The park is about two hours from Philadelphia and New York City and is located right next to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, making it easy to get to for hikers and campers in the area.
It’s also conveniently located near some of the more popular family-friendly resorts in the Poconos, like Great Wolf Lodge.
Parking and Admission at Bushkill Falls
The Bushkill Falls trails are privately owned and require paid admission to access them.
In my opinion, the fees are a bit high, as a family of four would have to spend almost $60 to visit on the weekend. However, the trails and boardwalks are well-maintained and provide viewing access to several beautiful waterfalls.
At the time of publication, admission fees ranged from $10-$20 per person, depending on age and day of the week. The price is slightly discounted during the week versus the weekend.
Visitor Tip: To get the most out of your admission fee, try to visit after a heavy rainfall to see the waterfalls at their best.
There is ample parking at Bushkill Falls, but since this is one of the best places to do a waterfall hike in the Poconos, the lots fill up quickly. Plan on arriving at or close to opening time or later in the day to avoid crowded parking and trails.
Preparing For Your Bushkill Falls Hike
What to Know Before You Go
- Bushkill Falls is not open year-round. The Bushkill Falls trails are open April through October, sometimes into November if weather permits. Park hours also fluctuate depending on the day and time of year. Visit their website for more information.
- There are no accessible trails at Bushkill Falls. None of the trails are stroller or wheelchair friendly. The easiest trail is the Green Trail; however, there are some stairs along the route.
- It’ll take you anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours to do the trails at Bushkill Falls. Most of the trails are short and might only take you 20-40 minutes. The Red Trail is about 2 miles and might take you two hours to complete.
- Only snacks and water are allowed on the trails. Bushkill Falls asks that you eat your lunch outside of the trails at the picnic pavilion.
- Restrooms are only available outside of the trails. Once you enter the trails, there are no restrooms available. However, a large bathroom is adjacent to the parking lot and gift shop.
- You can bring your dog to Bushkill Falls. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.
- There is no re-entry. As you leave the trails, a sign states there is no re-entry. So if you plan on picnicking and returning to the trails, you cannot do so. Make sure you bring enough snacks and water with you on the trail.
- It can be crowded on the trails. Bushkill Falls is a popular waterfall hike in the Poconos. If you visit mid-day, be prepared to stop and maneuver around many people.
Items to Bring on Your Hike
- Footwear: Most of the Bushkill Falls trails are made up of wooden steps and boardwalks. For that reason, if you choose to only do the Yellow or Green trails, you’ll be fine wearing sneakers or even sandals that secure to your feet. If you think you’ll want to hike the Red or Blue trails, wearing sneakers or hiking boots would be best, as the trails can get rocky.
- Water Bottles: It’s always a good idea to have a water bottle with you when hiking, no matter how short or easy a trail can be.
- Snacks: Bushkill Falls asks that you picnic outside of the trail area at the designated picnic pavilion. Snacks are allowed on the trails, but remember to carry in/ carry out!
- Insect Repellent: You’ll need some kind of bug spray on this hike, especially during the summertime when mosquitoes are most active.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Places like Bushkill Falls are popular with visitors, which can bring trash and other issues. We all need to do our part to keep our parks clean and enjoyable for all. Remember to pack out all trash (including those fruit peels), and leave behind what you found. Leave no trace so we all can enjoy these parks for years to come.
Hiking the Bushkill Falls Trails
There are four Bushkill Falls trails that guests can follow. Some of them overlap, allowing visitors to combine trails to make them longer or shorter.
All of the trails require navigating stairs and boardwalks. The Red and Blue Trails both have sections of dirt and rocks.
I would personally rate all of the trails easy-moderate, though Bushkill Falls refers to the Red Trail as “difficult”.
Bushkill Falls: Green Trail
The Green Trail at Bushkill Falls is the shortest and easiest trail. It leads to an overlook of the Main Falls and takes about 15 minutes to walk
Although it is the easiest trail, there are stairs that guests will have to climb up and down.
Bushkill Falls: Yellow Trail
The Yellow Trail at Bushkill appears to be the most popular. The trail comprises wooden stairs and a boardwalk and features several bridges that cross over Little Bushkill Creek.
Bushkill recommends allowing 45 minutes to complete the Yellow Trail. For those who would like a longer hike, we recommend combining the Yellow and Blue Trails.
Bushkill Falls: Blue Trail
The Blue Trail at Bushkill Falls does not go near the Main Falls or any of the lower gorge falls. This makes the trail a little quieter, as it is away from popular sites.
However, it is also a little boring. We recommend combining the Blue Trail with the Yellow Trail to get a view of the significant falls and the beautiful Pennell Falls.
Bushkill Falls: Red Trail
Bushkill warns visitors that the Red Trail is long and steep. They recommend that only experienced hikers take the Red Trail. While sections of the trail are very steep and rocky, the average person can complete the trail if they take their time.
The entire Red Trail is about two miles long and will take the average person about two hours to complete. There are several places to rest along the way, including benches near the bridal falls.
Visitor Tip: For the best experience on the Red Trail, go counter-clockwise towards Pennell Falls first.
Our Favorite Bushkill Falls Waterfalls
There are eight waterfalls along the Red Trail at Bushkill Falls. Some of them are small, but others are gorgeous and worth the effort to hike to them. These are some of our favorites along the trails.
The Main Falls
This 100-foot drop waterfall is the star of the show at Bushkill Falls. Most of the Bushkill Falls trails will take you past this beauty of nature.
It’s worth walking down the stairs on either the Yellow or Red trail to get an idea of the full scale of this gorgeous waterfall.
Pennell Falls
At 10 feet tall, it’s not the height that impresses. Nevertheless, Pennell Falls still captures your attention, whether due to the slight angle of the falls (the rocks shift towards the left) or the beautiful multi-colored pool at its bottom. Either way, it’s worth viewing!
Bridal Veil Falls
We hiked at Bushkill Falls towards the end of summer when it hadn’t rained much, so the falls weren’t as full as they could be. However, the Bridal Veil Falls was still fun to see, even at a trickle. The large viewing platform lets visitors get a close view, which is nice.
Other Things To Do at Bushkill Falls
Activities
In addition to the hiking trails at Bushkill Falls, they offer activities like gemstone mining, fishing, a maze, and a playground. All of these activities come at an additional fee, except for the playground.
Before entering the trails, they also have a wildlife exhibit in the building. The exhibit features dozens of animals that live in the area and how they contribute to the natural environment.
Food Options
Bushkill Falls has a picnic pavilion that guests can use, as they do not want you bringing food on the trails (small snacks are okay).
However, if you don’t want to pack a lunch, they have a small snack bar offering things like hamburgers, pizza, and sandwiches.
They also have a sweet shop that sells ice cream, fudge, and other goodies.
Hotels Near Bushkill Falls
Bushkill Falls has several hotel options within a 30-minute drive of the park. If you want to stay at your favorite hotel chain, you’ll most likely find an option in East Stroudsburg, about 20 minutes away.
We suggest one of the incredible family-friendly resorts in the Poconos, like the Shawnee Inn.
FAQs About Bushkill Falls
How Long of a Hike is Bushkill Falls?
Hike lengths vary depending on the trail. The shortest trail is about a 15-minute walk to the falls. The longest trail is about 2 miles.
Can You See Bushkill Falls For Free?
You have to pay an admission fee to see the waterfalls at Bushkill Falls. You cannot see them for free. You also cannot exit the area and return, so make sure you are ready to leave!
How Difficult Are the Trails at Bushkill Falls?
For the average hiker, the trails at Bushkill Falls would be considered easy to moderate.
If you are an infrequent hiker, the Red Trail might be on the harder side of moderate. For best results, wear the right shoes. You don’t want to wear flip-flops or sandals on the Red Trail.
Is Bushkill Falls Worth It?
It depends! The waterfalls at Bushkill Falls are beautiful, and the trails are very well-maintained. However, the price can be up to $60 for a family of four to visit, which is a lot.
If you consider this a tourist attraction versus a hike, you might think it’s worth it. However, there are several waterfall hikes nearby that are FREE, so that might be a better option.
Other Family-Friendly Hikes in the Area
Pennsylvania has so many beautiful places to hike. Many of our favorite family-friendly hikes are within a two-hour drive from Philadelphia.
We recommend the hikes at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation area for some fun hikes close to Bushkill Falls. Or cross the river for a great view at Mount Tammany in New Jersey.
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