April showers bring incredible May hikes in Pennsylvania. The state’s 16.8 million acres of forest boast river valleys, gorges, and waterfalls that grow more beautiful in the rainy spring season.

As spring breathes new life into Pennsylvania’s landscape, winter ice melts away and April showers bring renewed strength to the state’s 180+ waterfalls, making this season the perfect time to dust off the hiking boots and hit the trails.

Check out one of these five Pennsylvania waterfall hikes that will get you in a spring state of mind!

1. Ricketts Glen Falls Loop

📍 Location: Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton, Pennsylvania
👣 Trail length: 6.9-mile loop
⛰️ Elevation gain: 1,053 feet
🕑 Estimated hiking time: 3 hours

Living up to its name, Ricketts Glen State Park is a scenic glen (a narrow, forested valley) home to an incredible collection of 22 named waterfalls. The Ricketts Glen Falls Loop is one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved hikes, guiding you past more than a third of these stunning cascades along it’s 6.9-mile trail.

This trail offers diverse terrain, winding along rocky staircases, packed-earth paths, and natural forest floor, making it both challenging and rewarding. Throughout the hike, you’ll climb and descend just over 1,000 feet, encountering spectacular views from every angle.

Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots with ankle support, and don’t forget to pack snacks, plenty of water, and your camera—you’re going to want to capture every waterfall along the way.

2. Bushkill Falls Red & Blue Trail

📍 Location: Pocono Mountains, Bushkill, Pennsylvania
👣 Trail length: 1.7-mile loop
⛰️ Elevation gain: 351 feet
🕑 Estimated hiking time: 2 hours

Nestled into the world-renowned Pocono Mountains is Bushkills Falls—known affectionately as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania”—is a privately-owned natural park featuring a stunning series of eight waterfalls. Although smaller than Ricketts Glen, Bushkill Falls offers a uniquely intimate experience by bringing you close enough to feel the refreshing spray of the cascades.

The best way to experience all eight falls is a combination of the Red and Blue loops. While the trail has quite a few stairs, it’s very well maintained and manageable for most hikers (and well worth the glute burn).

After your hike, check out the on-site attractions such as the Gemstone Mine, grab a snack at the full-service snack bar, and browse souvenirs in the expansive gift shop.

IMPORTANT: Bushkill falls operates seasonally—end of March to end of November—and charges a general entrance fee of $22 a person. While you can purchase tickets when you get there, I highly recommend buying them online ahead of time, especially during the summer months.

3. Audubon Loop Trail

📍 Location: Pinchot State Forest, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
👣 Trail length: 1.9-mile loop
⛰️ Elevation gain: 229 feet
🕑 Estimated hiking time: 1 hour

It may not have Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfalls, but Seven Tubs Recreation Area is still one of the state’s coolest natural gems. Nestled within Pinchot State Forest, this unique spot got its name from a series of tub-shaped potholes carved into bedrock by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago.

Begin your hike on the Audubon Loop Trail by following Wheelbarrow Run, where you’ll get immediate views of these fascinating “tubs” filled with cascading spring runoff. The 1.9-mile loop trail offers an easygoing trek through peaceful woodland terrain, gently gaining and losing about 200 feet in elevation along the way.

Springtime is idea for seeing the tubs full and rushing, but the fall foliage here is equally spectacular, making it worth a repeat visit later in the year!

PRO TIP: Although there’s no explicit rule against exploring inside the tubs, proceed with caution. Take it from me: Climbing out alone can be trickier (and more slippery) than it seems.

4. Great Gorge Trail

📍 Location: Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania
👣 Trail length: 3.6-mile out-and-back trail
⛰️ Elevation gain: 344 feet
🕑 Estimated hiking time: 2 hours

Last, but certainly not least, Cucumber Falls is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Ohiopyle State Park and a perfect destination for both casual visitors and avid hikers. Located just southwest of Pittsburgh, this lush, waterfall-filled escape is a refreshing break from city living.

Cucumber Falls is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of hike. If you’re short on time, the waterfall is just a quarter-mile from the road, making it an easy stop for a quick scenic walk.

Want to stay longer? Head to the Cucumber Picnic Area, just a mile down the road, for a relaxing post-hike snack.

For those looking to stretch their legs, the Great Gorge Trail offers a more immersive experience. This 3.6-mile out-and-back trail follows the Youghiogheny River, leading you past Cucumber Falls and through the heart of the gorge.

Bonus: Buttermilk Falls

📍 Location: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New Jersey
👣 Trail length: 6.7-mile loop trail
⛰️ Elevation gain: 1,443 feet
🕑 Estimated hiking time: 4 hours

Just beyond Pennsylvania’s northern border, the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the region, including Buttermilk Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in New Jersey.

Standing at 85 feet, Buttermilk Falls is a must-see, especially in the spring when the snowmelt and seasonal rain create a powerful flow. The trail begins right at the falls, so you can enjoy the view from the start setting off.

The route climbs steadily through lush forested ridges, eventually leading to Crater Lake, a peaceful alpine lake tucked into the Delaware Water Gap. Along the way, expect a mix of rocky terrain, wooden bridges, and scenic overlooks, making this a rewarding but moderately challenging hike.

PRO TIP: Since Buttermilk Falls faces west, plan your visit for early afternoon when the sunlight perfectly illuminates the water.