Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania. Adding all three tiers, at about 150 feet tall, it is just a few feet shorter than Niagara Falls. However, it is difficult to view all three tiers together, especially with the closure to the bottom of the falls. Which is why I ask, are there better days ahead?

Getting There

Located just a couple of miles from Milford, PA, it’s easy to get to. From Scenic Route 6 heading west, take a right onto Raymondskill Road with some S curves and you’ll reach one of two parking lots on your left.

The parking lots hold about ten cars each. On a recent trek back from Shohola Falls, it was easy enough to swing by. However, the lot was full. In this day of Social Distancing, that was too full for me and so I returned again this week.

Hackers Trailhead Map can be viewed from the parking lot 

The Trail

The trail is a short 0.3 miles to the main viewing platform. However, it gets steeper as you approach the falls, making it uneven. To reach to upper falls, follow the wooden steps up about 75 feet which provides a view of the upper pool and some cool rocks carved from the water erosion.

There are several resources available from the park service, including a map of the area and the trail system.

A quick video of Raymondskill Falls during my recent visit

Better Days Ahead?

Over the years, I’ve visited Raymondskill about ten times, mostly in the fall and winter. The cover photo for this post, taken on 10/20/20, was “touched up”.

There has not been a lot of rain in the past couple of months and the low volume was not as aesthetically pleasing than in times past. Some large trees became lodged into the falls and have been there for at least a year.

The main viewing platform received a much needed makeover for safety. It was looking strong and tough. The path down to the falls also got some reinforcements. However, access to the bottom of the falls at Raymondskill Creek, was closed due to dangerous conditions – Sigh!

Main Viewing Platform of Raymondskill Falls

This was my first time visiting with the closure. There are some beautiful streams that meander from the main falls. They’re very picturesque and gives you more time to explore the area.

Raymondskill Falls in Autumn 2017

Extend your visit

There are some hiking trails across the lower Hackers Falls lot that offer several miles of hiking and some scenic views known as the Cliff Park Trail System.

There is also the McDade Recreational Trail, which is a hard-packed gravel trail next to the Delaware River. It runs about 22 miles, nearly the length of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area on the PA side.

After a recent visit of walking and biking McDade Trail with a hybrid Trek bike, I highly recommend walking. There are some hilly sections along the southern part of the trail near the White Pines parking area.  It was difficult to maintain traction uphill with that bike.  Even still, I did manage to bike all the way to Dingmans Falls!

For some shopping and a bite to eat, explore historic Milford, PA. The Apple Valley Inn is a casual family restaurant and bar and there are several fun and “touristy” shops in the vicinity.

Summary

After visiting Raymondskill Falls several times over the years, I have seen it looking better. The extended closures were disappointing to me. However, it is a quick stop to see some nice waterfalls if you are looking to expand your trip to the area.  Also check out the following from Raymondskill Falls:

• Dingman’s Falls is a short 15 minutes drive south.
• Bushkill Falls is about 30 minutes drive south, open seasonally for a fee.
• Shohola Falls is about a 20 minute drive west, recently visited and reviewed.

Need some tips on taking great photos of Waterfalls?  Check out my post!