Activities : Hikes and Waterfalls

In 1872 Philadelphia´s Daily Evening Telegraph described our region´s fluviarchy — a network of waterfalls flowing into the Delaware River — as “precipitating themselves over cataracts of great heights, plunging into miniature lakelets, and noisily bubbling through miniature gorges or moss-hung glens.”

Several of the following waterfalls are within the Delaware Watergap National Recreation Area (DWNRA).

Childs Park

As Dingmans Creek cuts through the region's rocky cliffs it creates the awesome collection of Fulmer, Factory and Deer Leap Falls in George W. Childs Park. This 154-acre natural area, donated to the State of Pennsylvania by Mrs. Childs in honor of her husband, noted philanthropist and wildlife enthusiast, is now administered by the National Park Service. Located three miles west of Dingmans Ferry, the acreage includes the falls, woodlands, a glen and gorge, with two miles of hiking trails, picnic tables, fireplaces and bathroom facilities. Hikers can continue about one mile downstream, along the right side of the creek, to Dingmans Falls.

From the Hotel, follow Route 209 south into the DWNRA for about 12 miles.

Dingmans Falls

The 75-foot Dingmans Falls is the DWNRA´s most popular waterfall. Novice hikers will enjoy the short trek, and will pass Silver Thread Falls on the way. A flat boardwalk trail, accessible to wheelchair-users, passes through a hemlock ravine to the base of Dingmans Falls where a steep climb of 240 steps will take you to the top.

From the Hotel, follow Route 209 south into the DWNRA for about 15 miles.

Raymondskill Falls

Located in the DWNRA, less than four miles from the hotel, is a breath-taking sight year round. The roaring, 105-foot Raymondskill includes three tiers of cascades. Visitors view each unique waterfeature from a different section of the hiking trail. The total roundtrip hike to all three falls is less than one mile.

From the Hotel, follow Route 209 south into the DWNRA and make a right at the sign for Raymondskill Falls.

Shohola Falls

Here, the Shohola Creek races nearly 100 feet over numerous steep ledges, causing an awesome series of raging waterfalls. Behind the falls is a 26-foot-high dam, which creates 1,100 acres of lake and marshlands. This spectacular scenic site, managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, is located within the Shohola Waterfowl Management Area on Route 6.

From the Hotel, take a left onto Broad Street, at the stoplight take a right onto West Harford Street/Route 6. Follow Route 6 for approximately 15 miles, on your left will be the parking lot for Shohola Falls.

Tumbling Waters Trail

This scenic trail provides some magnificent views before descending into a hemlock ravine highlighted by a section of waterfalls.

From the Hotel, follow Route 209 south into the DWNRA for approximately 13 miles until you see signs for the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC).