Wangum Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (1)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Wangum Falls
Wangum Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in northeastern Pennsylvania, known for its serene surroundings and natural beauty. It is a lesser-known destination, offering a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Wangum Falls is a short and relatively easy hike through a wooded area. The path is well-trodden but may have uneven terrain in some sections. It is suitable for most visitors, including families with children.
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 Wangum Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Wangum Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
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.
Exercise caution near the waterfall, as rocks can be slippery. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or icy conditions.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Lackawaxen River, 4.2 miles away, not on Wangum Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
113 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 66 years of record
1.83 ft
Water depth at gauge
46°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 46 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Lackawaxen River at Hawley, PA (7 km away).
Today
Low
113 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
126 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
138 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
141 cfs
5/10Sun
Low
132 cfs
5/10Mon
Low
125 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
121 cfs
6/10Best window: Mon — low flow, partly sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to mid 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 White Mills hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Wangum Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Wangum Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 61°F to 42°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 115 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 bare-earth surface loses about 89 feet through the falls, but gradually, the profile of a cascade rather than a plunge. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,083 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 33 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 20 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,083 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 89 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Wangum Falls is located near the town of Hawley, Pennsylvania. Access is typically via local roads, and visitors should use GPS or local maps to navigate to the trailhead.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability may be limited and is typically located near the trailhead. Visitors should check for signage or designated parking areas.
Elevation
1,089 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.495803° N, -75.248876° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be uneven or muddy, especially after rain. Bring insect repellent during warmer months. Early mornings or weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds.
Where to Stay
Victorian Lake Oasis Hot Tub Private Lakefront
Silver Birches Resort
Comfort Inn Pocono Lakes Region
Lakeside, Dock, Hot Tub, Kayaks, Arcade, Playset
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
Nearby attractions include Lake Wallenpaupack and Promised Land State Park, both offering additional outdoor activities.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should respect the natural habitat.
Cities near Wangum Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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