Raymondskill Falls

The Raymondskill / Creek Trail offers a quick, immersive experience into a shaded hemlock ravine, leading you directly to the impressive, three-tiered Raymondskill Falls. While the path is short, expect varied terrain with some steep, uneven sections featuring roots, rocks, and steps, particularly on the descent to the lower viewpoints. You'll find yourself surrounded by lush woodlands, with glimpses of bedrock grottos and the powerful sound of the falls guiding your way. This easy 0.8-mile (1.3 km) hike is a fantastic way to experience Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall.

Planning your visit to Raymondskill Falls is straightforward, though a few details are good to know. The upper parking lot for the falls closes annually from early January to mid-April, so check conditions if you're planning an off-season trip. During peak summer, a hiker shuttle service is available to help manage access. There's no entrance fee, making it an accessible option for everyone, but remember that swimming and wading near the falls are prohibited, and pets are not permitted on this specific trail.

What makes the Raymondskill / Creek Trail truly stand out is its centerpiece: Raymondskill Falls, which holds the distinction of being Pennsylvania's tallest waterfall. Located within the expansive Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, it offers a less crowded alternative to other popular waterfall attractions in the region. The trail provides multiple viewpoints, allowing you to appreciate the cascade from different angles, and a spur trail even lets you explore Raymondskill Creek downstream from the main falls.

The Hackers Falls and Cliff Trail Loop offers a diverse hiking experience, winding through dense eastern hemlock forests that create a "cathedral-like canopy" before opening up to dramatic cliffside views. You'll encounter the beautiful 30-foot Hackers Falls, often likened to a "wedding dress," and enjoy expansive panoramas of the Delaware River, New Jersey, and New York from overlooks like Minisink and Tri-State. This easy 3.8-mile (6.1 km) loop, with 601 feet (183 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 48 minutes to complete.

Planning your visit requires a bit of foresight; the trail has multiple intersecting paths, and turns can be easy to miss, so an offline map or GPS is essential, especially with unreliable cell service. Be prepared for varied terrain, including rocky and root-filled sections, and note that areas just north of Hackers Falls can become very wet after heavy rainfall, necessitating good hiking boots. Also, be mindful of seasonal closures (February to early August) on some cliff paths due to nesting peregrine falcons; always stick to the main white-blazed Cliff Trail during these periods.

What makes this loop truly stand out is its exceptional combination of a picturesque waterfall and sweeping cliffside vistas, offering a high reward-to-effort ratio. The trail also passes by remnants of the historic Cliff Park Golf Course and resort, adding a touch of local history to your journey. For those looking to extend their adventure, the nearby Raymondskill Falls, Pennsylvania's highest waterfall, is easily accessible from the same parking area, making for a fantastic double feature.