Great Falls of the Lehigh
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Great Falls of the Lehigh
Great Falls of the Lehigh tumbles along the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania, offering dramatic cascades and rugged canyon scenery that draw photographers and nature lovers. The falls are commonly accessed from Lehigh Gorge State Park, while the immediate falls area sits on private forest land in the Butler land unit (designation: FORE) and is managed by a local NGO. This mix of state park access and privately managed forest gives the site a wild, less-developed feel. A short, rewarding hike leads to viewpoints over the gorge—about a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. Expect rocky overlooks, rich forest cover and powerful river views; wear sturdy footwear and plan for changing conditions, as trails and riverbanks can be slippery when wet.
The Setting
Great Falls of the Lehigh sits at 1,463 feet within Butler, fed by the Lehigh River, in the foothills of Pennsylvania.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Out-and-back, 2.4 miles round-trip with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain; rated moderate. The trail follows an uneven, primarily natural surface through forested terrain and rocky sections as it approaches the gorge. Grade is generally moderate with some steeper pitches near overlooks; the route is non-technical hiking but includes exposed rock and uneven footing. Trail infrastructure is minimal—no USFS trail number is listed for this route—so come prepared with good footwear, water, and basic navigation.
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 Great Falls of the Lehigh?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Great Falls of the Lehigh?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the falls are typically at their fullest due to snowmelt and rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls. Cell service may be limited in some areas.
Current Water Conditions
98 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 83 years of record
0.80 ft
Water depth at gauge
64°F
CoolRefreshing for swimming
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 64 degrees F, good for a quick swim.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Lehigh River at Stoddartsville, PA (0 km away).
Today
Moderate
114 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Moderate
123 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
112 cfs
5/10Mon
Low
102 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
90 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
87 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
112 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late 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 Holiday Pocono 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.
The bare-earth surface loses about 67 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,463 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 38 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 62 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,463 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 67 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The Great Falls of the Lehigh can be accessed via the Lehigh Gorge State Park. The nearest parking area is typically at Rockport Access or Glen Onoko Access, depending on the trail chosen. Visitors should follow park signage and maps to reach the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at designated areas within Lehigh Gorge State Park, such as Rockport Access. Parking may be limited during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,463 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.129252° N, -75.627134° W
Land Management
Managed by NGO
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Be cautious on rocky sections of the trail, as they can be slippery. Check weather conditions before your visit.
Where to Stay
Best Western Inn at Blakeslee-Pocono
Holiday Inn Express & Suites White Haven - Poconos by IHG
Entertainers Home w Deck Game Room Hot Tub Lake View Retreat by AvantStay
Whiskey Pines Retreat! Single Level Home, Outdoor Firepit, AC, BBQ! Sleeps 9 in Lake Harmony!
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
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, Jim Thorpe historic town, Glen Onoko Falls (currently closed as of recent updates).
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for bald eagles along the river.
Cities near Great Falls of the Lehigh
Nearby Waterfalls
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