Your guide to a day of family fun at Bushkill Falls
Experience the splendor and beauty of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains
Provided Courtesy/Bushkill Falls
by Bushkill Falls
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Known as the "Niagara of Pennsylvania,"
Bushkill Falls
is among the Keystone State's most famous scenic attractions. This unique
series of eight waterfalls, nestled deep in the wooded Pocono Mountains, is
accessible through a network of hiking trails and bridges and provides
visitors with fabulous views of the falls and the surrounding forest.
Bushkill Falls is more than just a quick stop to see the majestic falls;
it's a must-visit destination brimming with activities for a full day of fun
and adventure. From hiking trails, wildlife demonstrations and immersive
exhibits to mining for gemstones and navigating your way through a thrilling
maze, there's something for everyone to enjoy — with plenty of delicious
food and snack options to keep you going!
Here is everything you need to know for a fun-packed day at
Bushkill Falls:
Discover the history of Bushkill Falls
High in the uplands of the Pocono Mountains, streams of crystal pure water
bubble up through rifts in primeval rock. These are the headwaters of
Bushkill Creek, a great marsh alive with the call of wild birds. As the
waters begin their descent toward the Delaware River far below, they move
ever faster toward Bushkill Falls, rushing over Pennell Falls, then between
rocky walls through the Upper Canyon and Laurel Glen.
A hiking trail at Bushkill FallsSuddenly the stream drops over the edge of a 100-foot cliff, the majestic
Main Falls. From the deep pool at the bottom, banked by ferns, mosses, and
wildflowers, the creek drops another seventy feet through a long and
spectacular gorge strewn with gigantic boulders. Trails and bridges lace the
area, affording splendid views.
Nature hikers are enthusiastic about the walk to the Bridal Veil Falls. Here
you will follow a nice trail by the Pond Run stream. The stream soon flows
into the Little Bushkill where the mountain path leads deep into the forest.
Spring-fed waters tumble down the mountainside in a series of three lovely
falls so misty in their appearance they are named for brides of love.
View nature up close
As you hike the trails, or walk the grounds of
Bushkill Falls, you'll have a first-hand opportunity to see the wonders of nature close at
hand. The Pennsylvania Poconos are home to a wide variety of local and
migratory bird species including song birds, ducks and geese, wild turkey,
and birds of prey such as owls, hawks, and eagles. Other area wildlife
include the black bear, white-tail deer, bobcat, red and grey fox, coyote,
raccoon, skunk, opossum, rabbit, squirrel, woodchuck, and chipmunk.
Wildlife at Bushkill FallsTo enhance your hiking experience, pick up an official trail map that
includes 20 "control points" that can be found on the trails. When five,
ten, or twenty locations have been found and verified, you will become eligible for a monthly prize drawing.
If you enjoy fishing, the shoreline of Twin lakes is the perfect place to
cast your lure, kick back, and enjoy the day taking in nature.
History Brought to Life
Bushkill Falls has three exhibits for you to explore.
• Pennsylvania Wildlife Exhibit Located at the entrance of Bushkill Falls, this exhibit features fascinating
displays about the area's indigenous wildlife.
•Native American Exhibit This exhibit allows visitors to step into the life-size longhouse, look up
through the smoke hole, and imagine cooking and sleeping in such a
structure.
Bushkill Falls' Native American Exhibit• "Story of Bushkill Falls" Exhibit Go back in time with the founder Charles E. Peters and the Peters family.
You'll see advertising, postcards, souvenirs, and family pictures since
Bushkill Falls' 1904 opening.
Mining for gemstones
At Bushkill Falls,
everyone in your family can have fun pretending to be a "gold miner" for the
day. Pick up a bag of “mining rough” and head to the sluice
to sift the contents of your bag through a trough of circulating water and
uncover all sorts of gems you can take home.
Stop by the Bushkill Fall Mining Co. Maze to release your competitive side
and sharpen your navigation skills! Upon entering the maze, you receive a
passport with your start time. Maze runners must locate four checkpoints,
each with a letter they punch on their passport. The object is to spell the
word “GOLD” and then exit as quickly as possible. Guests with the
fastest times win prizes ranging from stickers to removable tattoos and
buttons.
After spending the day exploring nature, head to the Snack Bar for
beverages, burgers, pizza, popcorn, sandwiches, and wraps. For dessert, visit the Fudge Kitchen for a wide variety of fudge flavors, hand dipped ice cream, gourmet
chocolates, and candy. You can also bring your own favorites and enjoy a
family picnic at any of the picnic areas located throughout Bushkill Falls. There is also a children’s playground for kids to enjoy nearby.
Take Bushkill Falls home
The shops at Bushkill Falls are located near the entrance of the trails.
Just look for the cabin-style buildings, all arranged in a small village like
setting. Choose from a variety of souvenirs at the Main Stand, nature-oriented
items at Nature Nook, Native American mementos at Trading Post, and hiking
apparel, t-shirts, and hats at Outfitters.
If you’re looking for a truly unique place to spend the day with your
family, Bushkill Falls
offers an experience like no other. So, be sure to visit this spring or
summer and immerse yourself in the beauty and rich history that await you in
the heart of the Pocono Mountains.
Operating hours vary depending on season, day of week, and weather.
Generally, Bushkill Falls opens at 9 a.m. and closes between 4 and 7 p.m.
Bushkill Falls is closed December through March.