Day Tripper: Bushkill Falls

There’s just something about the roar of waterfalls that tends to drown out all that is unpleasant in life—plus the mist feels mighty nice on a hot day.

The “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” aka Bushkill Falls in Bushkill, PA, is a bit longer of a hike than many day trip options, but it’s worth it for the scenic beauty. And, an afternoon scampering among the trails is sure to tire out any kids starting to pester you with the dreaded mid-summer, “I’m boooored.”

Bushkill Falls, nestled in the Poconos, has been open to the public for more than a century. The water is at the head of Bushkill Creek, eventually reaching the Delaware River. A series of trails winds through eight waterfalls, one of which thunders 100 feet down.

Turn off the cell phone and turn the kids loose on the trails. The paths are well marked and cleared. The kids will have fun ducking among trees and hearing a distant waterfall grow louder as they approach.

There are four trails to choose from, depending on your time and physical abilities. They range from an average hike of 15 minutes to two hours, 30 minutes. On the shortest trail, green, no climbing is required. The most challenging trail, red, is recommended for “avid hikers.” The exertion required comes with a pay off—a view of the gorgeous Bridal Veil Falls, plus every other waterfall.

You can turn your hike into a game as well, thanks to Bushkill’s Map Adventure challenge. Visitors receive a special map with checkpoints along the trails. Visitors are eligible to enter monthly prize drawings based on the number of checkpoints they hit.

You can also turn your hike into an educational outing. Bushkill Falls is a fantastic spot for bird watching and seeing small animals. Have your kids call out (quietly, so as not to scare away Thumper) the animals they see. Or, bring a kid’s birding guide with you to identify birds you spot.

Start your day out right by packing a picnic lunch to eat in the barbecue area before your hike. Burn off those calories on your hike, and immediately consume them again with a stop at the on-site fudge shop. There is also a playground, mini golf, fishing and paddleboats, or you can end your visit browsing through the Native American and wildlife exhibits.

If You Go

Hours: The falls are open 9 a.m.-7 p.m. through the summer. Hours change by season, and the falls close in October or November until April.

Cost: Admission is $11 for adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for kids 4-10 and free for kids 3 and younger. There are group discounts available, plus a Military Monday special when veterans and active duty military receive free admission with ID. Entrance to all exhibits is included in the admission fee; there are extra fees for activities.

Distance: Bushkill Falls is 127 miles from Cinnaminson if you take 476, or 106 miles if you take NJ-31. Either route is about two hours, 30 minutes from town.

Good to Know: The falls has regular special days throughout the summer, like Native American or Wildlife Day with special demonstrations or free samples for National S’mores Days.

Patch Tip: This is the mountains we’re talking about—wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of bug spray and a refillable water bottle.

Contact: Call 570-588-6682 or visit visitbushkillfalls.com

Day Tripper is a periodic feature Cinnaminson Patch will publish throughout the summer with ideas for, you guessed it, day trips. Do you have a favorite day trip destination or tips to share? Email lauren.burgoon@patch.com or leave a comment below.