Delaware Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.4 miles
Trail Type
Loop
About Delaware Falls
Delaware Falls is a pretty, forest-fringed cascade tucked into Ricketts Glen State Park in Pennsylvania, managed by SPR. Framed by hemlocks and mixed hardwoods, the fall is one of several scenic drops that reward hikers exploring the park’s stream-carved ravines. The setting feels intimate and verdant year-round, with the sound of tumbling water and mossy rock outcrops creating a classic northeastern waterfall experience. The hike to Delaware Falls is an engaging outing rather than a quick roadside stop: expect a moderately paced walk that threads through shaded trails and offers multiple vantage points for photos and quiet breaks. Park signage and maintained tread keep navigation straightforward, making this a favorite for day hikers who want a compact dose of Ricketts Glen’s waterfall scenery without committing to the park’s longer gorge hikes.
The Setting
Delaware Falls sits at 1,824 feet within Ricketts Glenn State Park, fed by the Muncy Creek, in the hills of Pennsylvania.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Ganoga Falls (94 ft) lies 0.1 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Tuscarora Falls (47 ft, 0.2 mi) and Mohican Falls (39 ft, 0.0 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The route to Delaware Falls is an out-and-back trail totaling about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The path is well-maintained and includes sections of packed natural tread interspersed with boardwalks and stairs where the terrain gets steeper or wetter. While most of the trail is easy to follow, the cumulative gain and short steeper pitches make the hike more challenging than a flat stroll—good footwear and a steady pace are recommended.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Delaware Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Delaware Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Delaware Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall is also a great time to visit for the vibrant foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Stay on designated trails and boardwalks to avoid slippery rocks and steep drop-offs. Be cautious near the water, as currents can be strong. Check for ticks after your visit, especially during warmer months.
Current Water Conditions
13 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 86 years of record
1.75 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Muncy Creek near Sonestown, PA (21 km away).
Today
Strong
13 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Roaring
13 cfs
6/10Wed
Strong
15 cfs
10/10Thu
Roaring
14 cfs
6/10Fri
Strong
15 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
14 cfs
10/10Sun
Strong
16 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early May, 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 Jamison City hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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 216 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 1,832 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 160 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 117 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southeast and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,832 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 216 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Delaware Falls is located within George W. Childs Park, which is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The park is accessible by car, and the trailhead is located near the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking lot at George W. Childs Park, which provides access to the trail leading to Delaware Falls and other nearby waterfalls.
Elevation
1,824 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.322222° N, -76.283056° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early, especially during weekends and peak seasons, as the parking lot can fill up quickly. Wear sturdy shoes, as some sections of the trail may be wet or slippery. Bring water and snacks, and be prepared for limited cell service in the area.
Where to Stay
Paper Mill Pines Bed and Breakfast
Cozy 3BR Octagon Cabin-Near Ricketts Glen
CHARMING EXECUTIVE VICTORIAN MANSION w/ FREE PARKING - near Bucknell
Quality Inn New Columbia-Lewisburg
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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in George W. Childs Park, Dingmans Falls, and Raymondskill Falls are nearby attractions within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Cities near Delaware Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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