Hawk Falls
Pennsylvania • 25 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.7 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Hawk Falls
Hawk Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Hickory Run State Park, Pennsylvania. It is a popular destination for visitors due to its scenic beauty and relatively easy access via a short hiking trail.
The Setting
Hawk Falls sits at 1,385 feet within Hickory Run State Park, in the foothills of Pennsylvania. The falls drop 25 feet.
Height: 25 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.7-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Hawk Falls Trail is a short and well-maintained path that leads to the waterfall. The trail features a gentle descent through a forested area with some rocky sections. It is suitable for most visitors, including families with children.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 25 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hawk Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hawk Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit Hawk Falls is during spring and early summer when water flow is typically at its peak. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen waterfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 47°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Exercise caution near the waterfall as rocks can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost or damaging the environment.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Tobyhanna Creek, 5.6 miles away, not on Hawk Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
95 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 65 years of record
3.03 ft
Water depth at gauge
47°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 47 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
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 Tobyhanna Creek near Blakeslee, PA (9 km away).
Today
Low
95 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
115 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
111 cfs
5/10Sat
Low
103 cfs
4/10Sun
Low
100 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
107 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
114 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 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 Albrightsville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Hawk Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Hawk Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 59°F to 40°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 97 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 167 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 25 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,387 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 148 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 61 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
- 1,387 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 167 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
Hawk Falls is located within Hickory Run State Park, near the town of White Haven, Pennsylvania. The trailhead is accessible from the Hawk Falls parking area off Route 534.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking lot for Hawk Falls Trail near Route 534. Parking is typically free, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,385 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.006476° N, -75.633801° W
Land Management
Managed by SPR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven or rocky sections. Bring water and a camera to capture the stunning views.
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For this easy 0.7 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Gorgeous Cozy 5 Bedroom House with Hottub,Lake,Pool
Entertainers Home w Deck Game Room Hot Tub Lake View Retreat by AvantStay
Swept Away Chalet - Luxurious NEW 6 BR Home Sleeps 16 Hot Tub Linens and Towels
Holiday Inn Express & Suites White Haven - Poconos by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Hickory Run State Park include Boulder Field, Sand Spring Lake, and several other hiking trails.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also encounter insects such as mosquitoes during warmer months.
Cities near Hawk Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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