Scudders Falls waterfall
Live Conditions · 826 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Scudders Falls

Pennsylvania

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
1.
James Loesch CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
2.
James Loesch CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
3.
James Loesch CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
4.
James Loesch CC BY 2.0 · Flickr
5.
James Loesch CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

About Scudders Falls

Scudders Falls is a series of rapids located on the Delaware River near the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It is not a traditional waterfall but rather a set of cascading rapids that are popular for scenic views and recreational activities like kayaking.

The Setting

Scudders Falls sits at 23 feet along the Neshaminy Creek, in the coastal lowlands of Pennsylvania.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The area around Scudders Falls is part of the Delaware Canal Towpath, which offers flat, easy trails suitable for walking, biking, and enjoying the scenic views of the Delaware River. The trails are well-maintained and provide access to the riverbank.

What to Expect

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 Scudders Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Scudders Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and fall are ideal for visiting due to pleasant weather and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular for water activities.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Exercise caution near the riverbank as the currents can be strong. If kayaking, always wear a life jacket and check water conditions before entering the river.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

826 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Based on 8 years of record

6.93 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 01465200
8.3 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 157 sq mi
Altitude: 120 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Neshaminy Creek near Penns Park, PA (13 km away).

Moderate confidence
Strong right now
826 cfs
↑ Rising
87878787959187TodayTomorrowWedThuFriSatSun

Today

Strong

826 cfs

10/10

Tomorrow

Strong

770 cfs

9/10

Wed

Strong

854 cfs

10/10

Thu

Strong

789 cfs

10/10

Fri

Roaring

1125 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

1035 cfs

9/10

Sun

Strong

1023 cfs

10/10

Best window: Today — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early 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 Washington Crossing 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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Scudders Falls near Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Scudders Falls near Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Scudders Falls is accessible via the Scudders Falls Bridge, which connects Pennsylvania and New Jersey along Interstate 295. The area can be reached by parking near the Delaware Canal Towpath or nearby parks.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at nearby trailheads along the Delaware Canal Towpath or in designated areas near the Scudders Falls Bridge.

Elevation

23 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.267052° N, -74.852664° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars for birdwatching. If kayaking, ensure you have the proper safety equipment and check water conditions beforehand.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Delaware Canal State Park, Washington Crossing Historic Park, and the New Jersey side of the Delaware River.

Wildlife

The area is home to various bird species, including herons and eagles, as well as other river wildlife.

Cities near Scudders Falls

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