LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Pinchot Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
Pinchot Falls is on private land in the Milford Experimental Forest with no confirmed public trail. The forest's trails are used for guided education programs; ask the Grey Towers Heritage Association before going.
About Pinchot Falls
Pinchot Falls is a small waterfall named on USGS maps in the Milford Experimental Forest, a privately owned 1,400-acre forest west of Milford in Pike County run by the Pinchot family with the U.S. Forest Service at Grey Towers, the Pinchot Institute and the Grey Towers Heritage Association. It is not in Pinchot State Forest. A 2019 waterfall guide described it as currently inaccessible, and we found no open public trail to it.
The Setting
Pinchot Falls sits at 659 feet within Milford Experimental Forest, in the foothills of Pennsylvania.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania at 150 feet, lies 2.9 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Dingmans Falls (130 ft, 7.6 mi) and Silverthread Falls (80 ft, 7.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Accessibility
The trail to Pinchot Falls is not officially designated as accessible and may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pinchot Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Pinchot Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically stronger due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 46°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Visitors should exercise caution on uneven trails and be aware of slippery rocks near the waterfall. Always stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Delaware River, 1.9 miles away, not on Pinchot Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
7,400 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 87 years of record
7.29 ft
Water depth at gauge
46°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
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 very cold at 46 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Expect slightly cloudy visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 7.4 and mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
pH
NormalWithin healthy range (6.5-8.5)
Water Clarity
Slightly cloudyMinor sediment present
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Delaware River at Montague NJ (3 km away).
Today
Strong
7630 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
8090 cfs
10/10Tue
Strong
8411 cfs
10/10Wed
Strong
8251 cfs
10/10Thu
Strong
7998 cfs
10/10Fri
Strong
8320 cfs
10/10Sat
Strong
8549 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 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 Milford hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Pinchot Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid
Pinchot Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 42°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
- 10300 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.
Through the falls the surface drops roughly 183 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 649 feet.
The whole reach is steep: about 151 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 87 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 649 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 183 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Glows in afternoon and evening 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 Milford Experimental Forest is off Schocopee Road west of Milford, near Grey Towers National Historic Site. Contact the Grey Towers Heritage Association (570-296-9625) about guided walks before visiting.
Get Directions on Google MapsHours
Elevation
659 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.327871° N, -74.822667° W
Land Management
Managed by NGO Restricted Access
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy footwear as the trail may be uneven. Bring insect repellent during warmer months, and check weather conditions before visiting. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Where to Stay
Myer Country Motel
Pocono Mountain Villas MOD Collection by Sonesta
Serenity Falls - Stylish 4Bdr Mountain Retreat, Hot Tub, Pool
Hampton Inn Matamoras
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.
Nearby Campground
Alosa Campsites
18.7 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
Grey Towers National Historic Site, the Pinchot family home now run by the U.S. Forest Service, is next to the forest, and Sawkill and Savantine Falls are in Delaware State Forest a few miles northwest.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of ticks and other insects.
Cities near Pinchot Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Pinchot Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.