Factory Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.4 miles
Trail Type
Loop
About Factory Falls
Factory Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the George W. Childs Park area of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania. It is known for its cascading tiers and serene surroundings, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
The Setting
Factory Falls sits at 814 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 Factory Falls is a well-maintained loop that passes through a lush forest and offers views of multiple waterfalls, including Factory Falls. The path is relatively flat with some gentle inclines, making it accessible for most visitors.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a peaceful hike through a wooded area with opportunities to view Factory Falls and other nearby waterfalls. The trail is shaded and offers plenty of spots 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 Factory Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Pets aren't allowed in George W. Childs Park, which includes Factory Falls and its loop trail.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Factory Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit due to the vibrant foliage and higher water flow. Summer is also popular, but the trail may be busier.
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
Exercise caution near the waterfall edges as rocks can be slippery. Stay on designated trails to avoid accidents and protect the environment.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Little Bush Kill, 4.4 miles away, not on Factory Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
6 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 20 years of record
4.63 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Little Bush Kill at Edgemere, PA (7 km away).
Today
Strong
6 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
10 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
10 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
8 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
8 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
9 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
7 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
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 Factory Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Factory Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 41°F to 33°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 9 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.
1-meter lidar measures about 121 feet of descent through Factory Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 819 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 83 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 36 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 819 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 121 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southeast
- Catches soft morning 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
Factory Falls is located within George W. Childs Park, which is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The park is accessible via Route 209, and there are clear signs directing visitors to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking lot at George W. Childs Park, which provides easy access to the trail leading to Factory Falls.
Elevation
814 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.236205° N, -74.915448° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be slippery near the falls. 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
Other waterfalls in George W. Childs Park, Dingmans Falls, and Silverthread Falls are located nearby and worth visiting.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes and ticks.
Cities near Factory Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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