Here is a guide to the state's most captivating frozen waterfalls, perfect for a winter trek:
The Grand Ice Sculptures
These locations are home to Pennsylvania's largest and most famous frozen falls.
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Ricketts Glen State Park (Benton): Ricketts Glen is the pinnacle of frozen falls viewing. The park's Ganoga Falls drops 94 feet, forming a dramatic castle of ice flows and icicles in the winter.
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Traveler's Note: The Falls Trail is typically only open to the most experienced hikers and ice climbers in winter. Required gear (such as microspikes or crampons) and registration with the park office are often required for this icy adventure.
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Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Milford and Dingmans Ferry): This expansive area offers several stunning waterfalls along the Appalachian ridge:
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Raymondskill Falls: At 178 feet, this triple-tier waterfall is the tallest in Pennsylvania.
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Dingmans Falls and Silverthread Falls: Located along the same trail, Dingmans Falls is the second-highest waterfall in the state and features an ADA-accessible viewing platform.
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Hidden Gems and Historic Sites
These waterfalls offer secluded beauty and are often easier to access for a quick outing.
- Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle State Park (Ohiopyle): One of the most photographed waterfalls in Pennsylvania, the 30-foot-high Cucumber Falls is accessible via a short hike along the 1.3-mile Great Gorge Trail. It offers the perfect icy scene for a cold-day getaway.
- Hell's Hollow Falls, McConnells Mill State Park (Portersville): This is the largest waterfall in the park in terms of water volume. A relatively flat 0.5-mile hike along Hell's Run leads to the falls and a 19th-century lime kiln, offering a serene, isolated experience.
- Jones Mill Run Dam, Laurel Hill State Park (Somerset): The frozen waters falling over this dam—a scenic historic site built by the Civilian Conservation Corps—offer a dazzling display of winter beauty. It's accessible via a 1.6-mile out-and-back hike along the Pumphouse Trail.
- Buttermilk Falls (aka Bear Creek Falls), Bear Creek Nature Preserve (Wilkes-Barre): Perfect if you're pressed for time, this stunning, roughly 30-foot cascade is only about 200 feet from the parking area, providing an accessible and impressive sight.
Unique Scenery and Challenging Treks
- Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve (Holtwood): This preserve rewards hikers with Instagram-worthy shots of waterfalls nestled among frost-tinged woodlands. Be prepared for steep and rocky sections on the trails.
- Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls, Raccoon Creek State Park (Hookstown): Found along the Mineral Springs Loop Trail, this waterfall is known for its thick winter ice and eye-catching curtain of icicles, best viewed from outside the grotto.
Winter Safety Essentials
The beauty of a frozen waterfall comes with inherent risks. To ensure a safe and memorable trip:
- Check Conditions: Always check with the relevant State Park or National Park Service before heading out, especially following a winter storm. Trails may close due to icing.
- Dress Appropriately: Use moisture-wicking layers and waterproof outer gear.
- Gear Up: Even on easy trails, crampons or microspikes are strongly recommended for negotiating ice patches near the falls. Avoid hiking on frozen lakes or streams entirely.
- Tell Someone: Share your planned route and expected return time with a friend or family member before you leave.
