Deer Leap Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.4 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Deer Leap Falls
Deer Leap Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania. It is part of the Dingmans Creek trail system and is known for its scenic beauty and accessibility.
The Setting
Deer Leap Falls sits at 768 feet within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in the foothills of Pennsylvania.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania at 150 feet, lies 5.3 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Dingmans Falls (130 ft, 1.3 mi) and Silverthread Falls (80 ft, 1.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Deer Leap Falls is a well-maintained boardwalk path that follows Dingmans Creek. It passes by Silverthread Falls and Dingmans Falls before reaching Deer Leap Falls. The trail is relatively flat and suitable for most visitors.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene walk through a lush forested area with views of multiple waterfalls along the way. Deer Leap Falls is the third waterfall on the trail and offers a tranquil setting for photography and relaxation.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Deer Leap Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed in George W. Childs Park, where the trail to Deer Leap Falls runs.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Deer Leap Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides lush greenery.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
Stay on the designated trail and boardwalk to avoid slippery rocks and steep drop-offs. Be cautious of wet surfaces, especially after rain. Check weather conditions before visiting.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Little Bush Kill, 4.5 miles away, not on Deer Leap Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
1 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 20 years of record
4.42 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Little Bush Kill at Edgemere, PA (7 km away).
Today
Low
2 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Moderate
2 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
1 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
1 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
2 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
2 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
2 cfs
6/10Best window: Sun — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to mid April, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Birchwood Lakes hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Deer Leap Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Deer Leap Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 61°F to 43°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 1 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Pennsylvania.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 123 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 777 feet.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 136 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 77 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing east, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 777 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 123 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Deer Leap Falls is accessible via the Dingmans Creek Trail, which begins near the Dingmans Falls Visitor Center. The trailhead is located off Johnny Bee Road, near Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Dingmans Falls Visitor Center. The lot may fill up during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
768 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.235094° N, -74.915170° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes, as the boardwalk may be slippery when wet. Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and holidays. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenic views.
Where to Stay
Pocono Mountain Villas MOD Collection by Sonesta
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Newton Sparta by IHG
Serenity Falls - Stylish 4Bdr Mountain Retreat, Hot Tub, Pool
Lakeside, Dock, Hot Tub, Kayaks, Arcade, Playset
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Alosa Campsites
11 miles away · 6 sites
Overview The Alosa Campsites are boat-in only sites located on the west (Pennsylvanian) shore of the Delaware River near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The side of the river with the campsites will be on your right while traveling downstream. This section of the river offers unspoiled views, excellent boating, fishing, and birding opportunities within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River. These reservation-only campsites are avail
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Dingmans Falls, Silverthread Falls, and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Cities near Deer Leap Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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