Shohola Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
150 ft
About Shohola Falls
Shohola Falls is a short, scenic cascade tucked into Pike County, Pennsylvania, near the Shohola Recreation Area. The falls sit within State Game Land 180 — owned by OTHS and managed as a Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) by SFW — where shaded hemlocks and mixed hardwoods frame the brook as it tumbles over layered bedrock. The setting is especially popular with photographers and families looking for a quick nature escape without a long hike. The approach is easy and welcoming, making Shohola Falls a great half-day stop while exploring the surrounding State Game Lands. A modest viewing platform gives a safe vantage point to enjoy the falls; visitors should still take care on wet rocks and muddy sections, especially after rain, and come prepared with good footwear.
The Setting
Shohola Falls sits at 1,109 feet within State Game Land 180, fed by the Shohola Creek, in the foothills of Pennsylvania.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Raymondskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania at 150 feet, lies 9.7 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 150 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Shohola Falls is a short, easy out-and-back of roughly 0.6 miles with about 150 feet of elevation gain, suitable for most visitors and families. The route follows a wooded footpath to a dedicated viewing area at the cascade; expect some muddy or slippery stretches after rain. Because the trail is brief and gentle in grade, it’s commonly used for quick nature outings and photography stops—bring sturdy shoes and watch your step near the water.
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 Shohola Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Shohola Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Shohola Falls, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers stunning foliage, while winter may provide unique views of the falls partially frozen.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the water, as rocks can be slippery and the currents strong. Stay on marked trails and avoid venturing too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
34 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 7 years of record
3.33 ft
Water depth at gauge
61°F
WarmVery comfortable
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 61 degrees F, good for a quick swim.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Shohola Creek near Walker Lake, PA (8 km away).
Today
Strong
33 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Strong
40 cfs
9/10Thu
Strong
170 cfs
9/10Fri
Strong
135 cfs
10/10Sat
Roaring
113 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
97 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
230 cfs
6/10Best window: Fri — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early April, peaking in May.
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 Sunrise Lake 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 76 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,125 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 37 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 47 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,125 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 76 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Shohola Falls is located off Route 6 near Shohola Township. Visitors can access the falls via the Shohola Recreation Area, which is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the Shohola Recreation Area, providing convenient access to the falls.
Elevation
1,109 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.391220° N, -74.969281° W
Land Management
Managed by SFW
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Bring sturdy footwear, as the trail can be muddy. Be cautious near the water, as rocks can be slippery.
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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Lakeside, Dock, Hot Tub, Kayaks, Arcade, Playset
Silver Birches Resort
Lakefront Family Home, Kayaks, Hot Tub, Fireplace
Lakefront Sunsets, Hot Tub, Pool Table, Kayaks
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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Nearby Campground
Alosa Campsites
21.3 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
Nearby attractions include Lake Wallenpaupack, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and Promised Land State Park.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Birdwatchers may spot eagles and other species near the falls.
Cities near Shohola Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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