Falls of Schuylkill
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
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About Falls of Schuylkill
The Falls of Schuylkill — historically the site of the Fairmount Water Works — sits along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia’s East Falls neighborhood. Once marked by natural cataracts that were submerged in 1822 by the construction of the Schuylkill Canal and the Fairmount Water Works, the area today blends industrial-era river engineering with broad parkland views. It lies within Fairmount Park (a county-owned park unit) and abuts neighborhoods including Germantown, Roxborough, Allegheny West and Nicetown-Tioga; Wissahickon Valley Park separates East Falls from Manayunk to the northwest. Though the original falls are altered, the site remains a pleasant urban outing for walkers, photographers, and anyone curious about Philadelphia’s river history. Stroll the riverside promenades and interpretive areas along the Schuylkill River Trail to take in bridges, waterworks structures, and leafy park corridors maintained as part of the city’s Fairmount Park system.
The Setting
Falls of Schuylkill sits at 10 feet within Fairmount Park, fed by the Wissahickon Creek, in the coastal lowlands of Pennsylvania.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
No hiking required. Falls of Schuylkill is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.
Trail Description
There is no single backcountry trail to the original cataracts; instead the route uses city and park paths. A commonly walked out-and-back route in the area covers about 2.4 miles round-trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate in difficulty. The route follows multi-use sections of the Schuylkill River Trail and adjacent park walkways through Fairmount Park (county-managed park unit). Note that this is an urban, multi-use trail experience rather than a wilderness hiking trail.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Falls of Schuylkill?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Falls of Schuylkill?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery, but the area can be visited year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the river, as currents can be strong. Be aware of urban traffic and cyclists along nearby trails.
Current Water Conditions
81 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 61 years of record
2.42 ft
Water depth at gauge
67°F
CoolRefreshing for swimming
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 67 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.3 and mineral content is moderate.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
pH
NormalWithin healthy range (6.5-8.5)
Water Clarity
Crystal clearExcellent visibility
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Wissahickon Creek at Mouth, Philadelphia, PA (1 km away).
Today
Low
81 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
81 cfs
6/10Sun
Low
79 cfs
4/10Mon
Low
78 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
70 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
77 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
77 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in March.
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 Bala Cynwyd 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 15 feet through Falls of Schuylkill over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 11 feet.
The ground changes about 32 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 49 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing southwest, the falls 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
- 11 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 15 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- 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 southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The Falls of Schuylkill is located near the Fairmount Water Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is easily accessible by car or public transportation, with nearby access points along Kelly Drive.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available nearby, including public lots and street parking along Kelly Drive. Availability may vary depending on the time of day and season.
Elevation
10 feet above sea level
Coordinates
40.007612° N, -75.194068° W
Land Management
Managed by UNKL
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during daylight hours for the best views and to explore the nearby attractions. Consider combining your visit with a walk or bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail.
Where to Stay
Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia City Avenue
Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Avenue A310 Furnished 2br With Pool And Gym
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
Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Schuylkill River Trail, Boathouse Row.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species and aquatic life, particularly along the river.
Cities near Falls of Schuylkill
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