PRVCA Explore Magazine PRVCA Explore PA 2019 | Page 7

W
hen travelers are
looking to check out
waterfalls on their
next road trip most
people usually think of
the state to the north
of Pennsylvania.
However, with sharp mountain ranges,
rock layers cutting through the common-
wealth and plenty of precipitation – es-
pecially in 2018 – Pennsylvania boasts an
impressive roster of waterfalls which are
beautiful, tranquil and, in some
instances, historic. Even better for travelers
and sight-seekers is the fact that many of
these waterfalls are located within a short
drive of each other – with Pike County in
the Pocono Mountains housing at least six
sites that include some of the best falls
in the commonwealth.
With the Appalachian mountain range
cutting through the western half of the
commonwealth and the Poconos drawing
visitors to northeast region, there is plenty
of waterfall watching to be had on your
next camping trip in Pennsylvania.
Delaware Valley Water Gap
Some of the Commonwealth’s most
beautiful and majestic waterfalls are
nestled right in between the Pennsylvania
and New Jersey border in the Delaware
Valley Water Gap region – a 60-mile
stretch of the Delaware River which
also encompasses 60,000 acres along
the river’s banks.
If you’re planning a trip to the region,
here are a few of the many waterfalls for
you to visit.
Raymondskill Falls
1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324
[phone]
At 150-feet tall, the three-tiered
Rayondskill Falls near Milford in Pike
County is the largest in Pennsylvania. In
fact, if all three sections were added to-
gether Raymondskill is only about 25 feet
shorter than Niagara Falls – which varies
in height from 167 to 188 feet. A hiking
trail maintained by the National Park
Services provides access to the two
viewing platforms at the falls.
www.prvca.org
Silverthread Falls, Bushkill, PA
Dingman’s Falls and Silverthread Falls
1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324
[phone]
Named for a Dutch settler, Dingman’s
Falls in Pike County is the second-largest
waterfall in the Commonwealth.
Upon arrival at the visitor’s center
waterfall enthusiasts will travel down
a path lined with tall, thin trees to the
falls – which flows 130 feet down a
rock formation and into a small pond
at its base. An alternate staircase at
the base of the falls leads visitors to
an observation deck at the top of the
waterfalls.
Shortly before arriving at Dingman’s Falls
visitors will encounter Silverthread Falls,
which snakes its way down an 80-foot
hillside in a longer, slender manner.
Fallingwater
1491 Mill Run Road, Mill Run, PA 15464
[phone]
Nestled in the Laurel Highlands of Western
Pennsylvania, Fallingwater is equal parts
waterfall and architectural wonder.
FallingWater, Mill Run, PA
Designed by renowned architect Frank
Lloyd Wright in 1939 for department
store magnate Edgar Kaufmann, this
three-story home was constructed over
a natural waterfall as a weekend getaway
for the family. The mansion, which was
constructed with materials all found on
the property, was donated to the Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy in the early
1960s and more than five million visitors
have passed through its doors since being
opened to the public.
The facility does not offer recreational
vehicle parking but does have available
spaces for tour buses across the street
which can be used.
EXPLORE Pennsylvania 2019 | 7