The best waterfall hikes and walks in Lehigh Gorge State Park

Lehigh Gorge State Park offers a diverse network of trails, with over 10 routes specifically featuring waterfalls. These range from easy riverside walks to more challenging mountain routes, ensuring options for various skill levels.

Hikers can discover several picturesque waterfalls within the park. Notable ones include Buttermilk Falls, a multi-tiered 50-foot waterfall, and Luke's Falls, often found nearby. Further north, you might also encounter Cascade Falls. The Buttermilk and Luke's Falls route is an excellent option to visit these two prominent cascades.

Yes, several easy waterfall hikes are available. The Buttermilk and Luke's Falls route is a relatively flat and accessible 1.3-mile path, perfect for families. The Lehigh Gorge Trail also offers easy, mostly flat sections along the river, providing continuous views and access to waterfalls.

The waterfalls in Lehigh Gorge State Park are particularly prominent and rushing in the spring, following snowmelt and seasonal rains. This is an ideal time to visit if you want to see them at their most powerful. The park is also stunning in the fall with vibrant foliage.

Yes, pets are welcome on the trails throughout Lehigh Gorge State Park. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the park's natural beauty for everyone.

The terrain varies significantly. You'll find easy, mostly flat rail-trails like sections of the Lehigh Gorge Trail that follow abandoned railroad grades along the river. However, the park also features more challenging mountain routes with steep slopes, rocky escarpments, and significant elevation changes, especially on trails that climb out of the gorge.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, routes like the D&L Trail: White Haven to Jim Thorpe offer a difficult 25-mile journey with continuous riverside views and access to several waterfalls. While not exclusively a waterfall trail, the Bald Mountain Loop Trail (8.5 miles) provides challenging climbs and panoramic views high above the gorge, often connecting to areas with smaller cascades.

Convenient access points for trails, including those leading to waterfalls, are located at White Haven, Rockport, and Jim Thorpe (specifically the Glen Onoko section). These points often provide amenities like restrooms and seasonal potable water.

Beyond the waterfalls, you can explore the dramatic Lehigh River Gorge itself, with its steep slopes and rocky outcroppings. Hikers will also encounter remnants of the area's industrial past, such as historic canal locks and old rail beds. The Abandoned Coal Tunnel is another interesting historical highlight you might discover.

While many trails are out-and-back or point-to-point along the Lehigh Gorge Trail, some routes can be combined to form loops or offer circular sections. For instance, the Waterfall over a rock ledge – Hetchell's Tooth Cliffs loop from D&L Trail Parking provides a moderate loop experience that includes a waterfall.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty of the Lehigh River Gorge, the abundance of picturesque waterfalls, and the diverse trail options that cater to all skill levels, from easy riverside strolls to challenging mountain climbs.

Yes, parking is generally available at the main access points for the trails, including White Haven, Rockport, and Jim Thorpe. It's always a good idea to check specific trailhead information for parking availability and any potential fees before your visit.